The ACTUAL NEWS: Tuesday, December 31st 2024 Recap
Biden’s Statement on Medicare’s New $2,000 Cap, NY Governor Orders Prison Reforms, Power Outage in PR, Leaked Russian Military Plans, More Sanctions, and Other National and Global News
QUICK NEWS
Today, President Biden departed St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, for Wilmington, Delaware, where the Biden family will ring in 2025 before heading to Camp David for the day, and then returning to the White House by January 2nd.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged more than 300 prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.
Donald Trump failed in an appeal to overturn a $5 million judgment for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll and later defaming her.
Trump endorsed Mike Johnson to continue as House Speaker.
A Chinese spy agency hacked the Treasury Department, gaining access to employee workstations and unclassified documents, the Biden administration announced.
President Biden on Monday issued an executive order directing the closure of U.S. government agencies and executive departments for Jan. 9 to show respect for former President Jimmy Carter who died on Sunday at age 100.
South Korea's policy agency said on Tuesday it was making efforts to expedite the process of identifying dead bodies from the Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people on Sunday.
President Biden’s Statement on Medicare’s New $2,000 Cap on Prescription Drug Costs
President Biden announced that Medicare's new $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs, part of his Inflation Reduction Act, will take full effect on January 1, 2025. Prior to his presidency, seniors with Medicare faced overwhelming costs for medications, sometimes over $10,000 annually. His efforts to challenge Big Pharma resulted in the first-ever cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, which was initially set at $3,500 for 2024, saving $1 billion for Medicare beneficiaries in just the first half of the year. Starting in 2025, the cap will drop to $2,000, benefiting 19 million people, who will save an average of $400 each. Biden emphasized that this is a major step toward making healthcare a right, not a privilege.
New York Governor Orders Prison Reforms Following Death of Inmate Beaten by Guards
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered significant prison reforms after the death of Black inmate Robert Brooks, who was beaten by corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility earlier this month. Brooks, 43, died on December 10, hours after the violent incident, which was captured on body-worn cameras. Video footage shows several officers, most of whom are white, kicking and punching the restrained inmate. Governor Hochul condemned the incident, calling it a failure of the system and pledging to address the culture within state prisons. As part of the response, she appointed a new superintendent, allocated $400 million for camera installations, and ordered a comprehensive review of prison practices. Additionally, the state is expanding whistleblower protections and increasing funding for independent prison oversight. The Attorney General’s office is investigating the incident, and criminal charges for those involved are possible.
Migrants Rush to Secure Legal Entry to U.S. Before Trump Takes Office
Hundreds of migrants gathered outside an immigration office in Tapachula, southern Mexico, on Monday, hoping to secure a legal entry to the U.S. before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Migrants with confirmed appointments on the U.S. government app, CBP One, were being bused by the Mexican government from the southern to the northern border to protect them from gangs and organized crime. With Trump planning to end Biden's humanitarian programs, which have allowed migrants to make appointments and enter the U.S. legally, many rushed to complete the process before January 20th. Migrants like Venezuelan Johandry Paz and Salvadoran Jose Escobar expressed urgency in reaching the U.S. despite potential policy changes, relying on the Mexican government's buses that transport them northward.
Three Arrested in Death of Mexican Migration Agent Ahead of U.S. Immigration Crackdown
Three suspects were arrested on Monday in connection with the death of a Mexican migration agent found with head injuries and signs of violence in Chihuahua state. The agent was attacked at a checkpoint near Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, while checking the identification documents of foreign nationals. Two Venezuelan men and a Colombian national were taken into custody. The agent's death marks a rare instance of deadly violence against migration officials and comes just weeks before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's expected crackdown on immigration. As the U.S border policy tightens, hundreds of migrants in southern Mexico have been rushing to secure legal entry into the U.S. before Trump's inauguration on January 20.
U.S. Army Soldier Indicted for Selling Stolen Confidential Phone Records
Federal authorities unsealed an indictment against U.S. Army soldier Cameron John Wagenius, arrested on Dec. 20, for selling and attempting to sell stolen confidential phone records. Wagenius, allegedly operating online under the alias "Kiberphant0m," claimed involvement in multiple hacks, including access to phone records of Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump.
Wagenius is linked to a hacking group connected to extensive data breaches involving sensitive personal and financial information. The case is being prosecuted in Seattle alongside cases against Connor Moucka, arrested in Canada, and John Binns, detained in Turkey, for similar cybercrimes targeting Snowflake customers.
Cybersecurity expert Allison Nixon attributed Wagenius’ identification to swift law enforcement actions after Moucka's group made threats against researchers. The Department of Justice and FBI have not commented.
Pennsylvania Governor Challenges PJM Interconnection Over High Electricity Costs
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Monday, urging PJM Interconnection, the U.S.'s largest power grid operator, to revise its market rules to prevent soaring electricity costs. PJM, which serves over 65 million people across 13 states, has faced criticism after its annual capacity auction resulted in record-high payments to power plants. Shapiro argues that PJM's price cap is excessively high and could lead to a $20.4 billion increase in electricity bills for consumers, without significantly improving grid reliability. PJM attributed the price surge to tightening power supplies and rising demand, particularly due to policy shifts and growth in data centers and electrification.
Final Payout Announced for Madoff Victims, Totaling $4.3 Billion
The U.S. government’s Madoff Victim Fund announced its tenth and final distribution on Monday, completing payouts totaling $4.3 billion to 40,930 victims of Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. A final $131.4 million will be distributed to 23,408 claimants, marking the disbursement of all available forfeited assets. Victims, including individuals, schools, charities, and pension plans, will have recouped an average of 93.71% of their proven losses by the fund's closure in 2025. The total recovery for Madoff’s victims, including funds from the liquidation of his firm, is approximately $19 billion. The fund was primarily financed through settlements with JPMorgan Chase and Jeffry Picower's estate. Madoff's $64.8 billion fraud was uncovered in 2008, and he died in prison in 2021 after serving a 150-year sentence.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Meets with President-elect Trump, Expresses Hope for Collaboration
Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser described her meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago as positive, expressing optimism for collaboration despite their historically strained relationship. The 45-minute meeting, held at Bowser’s request, focused on shared priorities, including federal workforce support, infrastructure, underutilized federal buildings, and green spaces.
Bowser, a three-term Democrat, highlighted their mutual desire to make Washington the “best, most beautiful city in the world.” Trump, who has often criticized Bowser’s leadership and the city’s management, did not comment on the discussion.
Their relationship has been marked by clashes, notably during Trump’s first term and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Bowser created the symbolic "Black Lives Matter Plaza" near the White House in response to Trump’s rhetoric during the demonstrations.
Despite Washington’s significant rise in homicides in 2023, violent crime has declined sharply in 2024. Bowser’s meeting signals potential collaboration as Trump’s second term begins on January 20.
Bill Ackman Predicts Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Will Exit Conservatorship Under Trump
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman expects President-elect Donald Trump to remove Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship, possibly making them private entities again. Ackman speculated that this could occur within two years, with the companies potentially going public by 2026. Following his comments on social media, shares of Fannie Mae rose 18.4%, and Freddie Mac's shares increased by 18%. Fannie and Freddie, originally created to expand the home lending market, were placed in conservatorship in 2008 after suffering significant losses during the housing market collapse.
Hain Celestial Group to Face Class Action Over Arsenic in Baby Food
A U.S. judge ruled that Hain Celestial Group must face a proposed class action lawsuit accusing it of failing to disclose the presence of arsenic in some of its Earth's Best Baby Food products. U.S. District Judge Nina Morrison found that parents plausibly alleged the products exceeded safe arsenic thresholds, which could influence consumers' decisions to buy the food for their children. However, the judge dismissed claims regarding other heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, citing no clear safety benchmark. Hain Celestial argued that the parents lacked standing to sue and that heavy metals are naturally present in food ingredients. The lawsuit is part of broader litigation accusing baby food producers, including Beech-Nut, Gerber, and Nestlé, of concealing harmful levels of heavy metals, which could cause neurological damage in children.
Puerto Rico Faces Widespread Power Outage After Grid Failure
On Tuesday morning, Puerto Rico experienced a massive power outage, leaving approximately 90% of the island without electricity. The power grid failure, which began around 9:30 a.m. (1330 GMT), is believed to have been caused by an issue with an underground line, according to energy distribution company Luma Energy. While the exact cause is still under investigation, Luma indicated that it could take between 24 to 48 hours to restore power, depending on conditions.
The failure affected both public and private power plants, including those operated by the local generator Genera. Despite the disruption, two plants were reported to have started up again by 9:30 a.m. Puerto Rico has struggled with chronic power outages for years, exacerbated by the deterioration of its energy infrastructure and the lasting impacts of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
South Korean Court Approves Arrest Warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol Amid Martial Law Controversy
A South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, following his impeachment and suspension from power over his decision to impose martial law on December 3. Yoon is under criminal investigation for possible insurrection charges related to the controversial move, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
South Korea's Acting President Moves to End Political Turmoil with Key Appointments
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok announced on Tuesday plans to swiftly fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court, a step he described as essential for restoring stability following a tumultuous month marked by the impeachment of two of his predecessors.
Choi, who assumed the acting presidency on December 27, emphasized the urgency of resolving the nation’s political uncertainty and mitigating its economic and social impacts. "I decided to appoint Constitutional Court justices because of the urgency of ending political uncertainty and social conflict as soon as possible, to stop the possibility of crises in the economy and people's livelihoods," Choi stated during a Cabinet meeting.
Political Crisis Deepens
The crisis began on December 3, when President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief attempt to impose martial law led to his suspension from power. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had been serving as acting president since Yoon’s suspension, was impeached on December 22 for his refusal to appoint three Constitutional Court justices, citing limitations in his authority as acting leader.
With both Yoon and Han facing impeachment trials, the Constitutional Court’s decision on their cases remains pivotal. However, the court's functionality was hindered by three vacancies among its nine justices, requiring unanimous agreement among the six current justices to remove Yoon from office.
Immediate Actions to Stabilize
Choi announced his intention to appoint two justices immediately, with a third appointment contingent on consensus between the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party, which controls parliament. These appointments aim to restore the court’s ability to adjudicate the pending impeachment cases.
The acting president also called on both parties to cooperate in addressing broader national challenges, including the aftermath of a devastating plane crash and mounting economic concerns.
Economic Implications
The political uncertainty has raised alarms among financial observers. Ratings agency Fitch recently warned that a prolonged crisis could jeopardize South Korea’s economic stability, potentially resulting in a credit rating downgrade for Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Broader Impacts
The current turmoil underscores a deepening divide between South Korea’s major political factions. The Democratic Party has clashed with Yoon's administration on issues ranging from judicial appointments to governance strategies, further complicating efforts to resolve the crisis.
Choi's leadership during this critical juncture will be key to navigating South Korea through its most significant political upheaval in recent history, as the country awaits the Constitutional Court’s rulings on the fates of its impeached leaders.
Xi Jinping Reaffirms Commitment to Taiwan "Reunification" Amid Rising Tensions
In a firm New Year's address on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing's resolve to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan, issuing a pointed warning to pro-independence advocates both within and outside the self-governed island of 23 million.
"No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification," Xi declared during his televised speech on state broadcaster CCTV. He underscored that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are "one family," calling for unity under the vision of China's national rejuvenation.
Xi's remarks come as China intensifies its military activities near Taiwan, with nearly daily incursions by warships and aircraft into the region's waters and airspace. Taiwanese officials describe these maneuvers as part of Beijing's strategy to "normalize" its military presence around the island.
While China considers Taiwan a breakaway province destined to reunite with the mainland, Taiwan's government, led by newly elected President Lai Ching-te, rejects Beijing's claims. Lai, whom Beijing labels a "separatist," has maintained that only the Taiwanese people can determine their future and has called for respect for their democratic choices.
Escalation and Regional Tensions
The year 2024 saw heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. After President Lai's May inauguration, China staged two rounds of war games near the island, issuing stark warnings against what it termed "separatist acts." In December, Beijing launched a significant naval mobilization near Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas, following Lai's stopovers in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific tour that Beijing heavily criticized.
China, which has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, framed these military exercises as necessary deterrents against perceived independence movements.
U.S. Involvement and Strained Relations
Adding to the regional friction, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act have continued to irritate Beijing. These sales, viewed by China as provocative, prompted Beijing to impose sanctions on U.S. defense companies and their executives.
Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains steadfast in its commitment to Taiwan's defense, emphasizing stability in the Taiwan Strait as critical to regional and global security.
A Year of Uncertainty
Xi Jinping's speech and Beijing's increasing military pressure signal a continuation of its hardline stance on Taiwan. As the island remains a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, the world watches closely, bracing for the implications of these escalating tensions in the year ahead.
China's Public Security Minister Promises Deeper International Cooperation on Drug Control
China's Public Security Minister, Wang Xiaohong, has pledged to enhance international cooperation in drug control efforts. Speaking at a meeting, Wang, who also heads the national narcotics control committee, emphasized the need to "eradicate the soil that breeds and spreads the drug problem." His remarks come amid increasing pressure from the United States for China to help reduce fentanyl-related deaths. While China asserts it has some of the strictest drug laws globally, it has urged the U.S. to address domestic demand for narcotics as part of the solution.
Musk's Support for Germany's Far-Right AfD Sparks Criticism from German Officials
Elon Musk's endorsement of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has drawn sharp criticism from German officials, including Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. In his New Year's address, Habeck described Musk's support as a "logical and systematic" effort to weaken Europe, arguing that a less-regulated Europe benefits powerful interests like Musk's. The German government also accused Musk of attempting to influence the upcoming national elections following his guest opinion piece in Welt am Sonntag, where he praised the AfD's stance on regulation, taxes, and market deregulation. Musk, who has previously supported Donald Trump, faced backlash over his comments, which led to the resignation of a Welt editor.
Brazil to Analyze Flight Data from Fatal Kazakhstan Plane Crash
Flight records from a Brazil-made Embraer aircraft that crashed in Kazakhstan last week are being sent to Brazil for data extraction. The Brazilian Air Force confirmed that the cockpit voice and flight data recorder will be analyzed in Brasilia, with oversight from officials from Kazakhstan, Russia, and Azerbaijan. The investigation, following the crash that killed 38 people, will focus on the role of Russian air defenses in the incident. The plane, diverted from southern Russia due to Ukrainian drone attacks, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Owner of Seized Oil Tanker Seeks Release Amid Investigation into Baltic Sea Cable Damage
The owner of the Eagle S, an oil tanker seized by Finland last week for suspected involvement in damaging undersea power and telecom cables in the Baltic Sea, is seeking its release. Finnish authorities boarded the Cook Islands-registered ship on Thursday, suspecting it had severed the Estlink 2 power cable and damaged several fibre optic lines while dragging its anchor. Investigators believe the incident occurred on December 25. Finland's customs service also suspects the Eagle S is part of a fleet evading sanctions on Russian oil, and has impounded its cargo. The ship's owner, UAE-based Caravella LLC FZ, filed a court request to cancel the seizure, claiming no legal basis for the action. Finnish officials, however, maintained that the seizure was lawful and that the crew's rights were respected.
Leaked Russian Military Plans Reveal Attacks on Japan and South Korea
Leaked classified Russian military documents, revealed by The Financial Times, show that as early as 2013–2014, Russia developed plans for attacks on Japan and South Korea, including strikes on civilian infrastructure. The documents list 160 potential targets, including military bases, radar installations, command centers, and key infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, power plants, and industrial facilities. Specific targets include nuclear facilities in Tokai, Japan, and a steel plant in Pohang, South Korea.
One scenario detailed the destruction of the Okushirito base using 12 Kh-101 cruise missiles, which were believed to have an 85% success rate. However, these missiles have proven less effective in actual combat, struggling against advanced air defense systems.
The documents also reveal Russia's efforts to test the defenses of its neighbors. In February 2014, two Tu-95 strategic bombers flew a 17-hour mission around South Korea and Japan, provoking 18 fighter intercepts. This was part of regular operations to assess the defensive capabilities of these regional countries.
These leaks highlight Russia’s strategic insecurity on its eastern flank and emphasize the interconnectedness of European and Asian theaters of war. Analysts argue that conflicts in either region can impact the other. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, South Korea and Japan have deepened their cooperation with the United States, further diminishing Russian influence in the region—a development that likely frustrates the Kremlin.
Putin's New Year Address Highlights Unity Amid Economic Strain and War Challenges
In his New Year address, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in the country's future, emphasizing unity and resilience despite economic challenges and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin reassured citizens that their wellbeing remains a priority but offered no specific plans to address rising prices or the central bank's 21% interest rate, which is impacting businesses and homeowners.
Reflecting on Russia’s historic victories, including its role in defeating Nazi Germany, Putin framed current challenges as part of a broader mission. Marking 25 years since his first presidential address, he paid tribute to Russian soldiers in Ukraine, praising their bravery while avoiding details on battlefield developments or prospects for peace.
In 2024, Russia made gains in Ukraine but at significant cost, while also facing Ukraine’s first-ever incursion into its western Kursk region. Despite deploying additional troops, including over 10,000 reportedly from North Korea, Russia has yet to reclaim the occupied area.
Experts argue that Russia's strategic focus on Ukraine undermines its global standing, with losses in Kursk, the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and increasing reliance on China highlighting vulnerabilities. Putin defended his leadership, asserting that Russia has rebounded from existential threats and regretted delaying the invasion of Ukraine until 2022.
Kim Jong Un Vows to Strengthen North Korea-Russia Partnership in New Year Message
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to further solidify the country's strategic partnership with Russia in a New Year letter to President Vladimir Putin, according to state media KCNA. Kim expressed his commitment to deepening bilateral ties, which he said had been elevated through new initiatives in 2023. He also wished for 2025 to be marked as a year of victory for Russia in its fight against "neo-Nazism." The message follows the signing of a mutual defense treaty between the two countries in June, under which they agreed to assist each other in the event of an armed attack. North Korea has since sent tens of thousands of troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine, with reports of over a thousand casualties among them.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iranian and Russian Entities for 2024 Election Interference
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Iranian and Russian entities and individuals accused of engaging in malign influence and election interference activities targeting the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Key points from the announcement include:
Iran’s Involvement:
The Cognitive Design Production Center (CDPC), a subsidiary of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), conducted influence operations aimed at inciting tensions among the U.S. electorate.
Iranian cyber actors were previously designated for compromising accounts tied to a 2024 presidential campaign and engaging in disinformation.
Russia’s Involvement:
The Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE), affiliated with the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), utilized generative AI tools to create and distribute disinformation targeting the U.S. electorate.
CGE also manipulated videos and disseminated fake news to sow discord in the U.S. election, supported financially by the GRU.
Sanction Details:
Designated entities and individuals face blocked property and interests in the U.S.
U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the designated parties.
Non-U.S. persons risk sanctions for facilitating activities that violate U.S. sanctions.
These measures reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting its electoral processes and holding foreign actors accountable for attempts to undermine democracy.
U.S. Sanctions Russian Judge for Human Rights Violations
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Russian Judge Olesya Mendeleeva for her role in the arbitrary detention of Moscow city councilor and human rights defender Alexei Gorinov. Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov to seven years in prison in 2022 for opposing Russia's war against Ukraine and calling for a moment of silence for the war's victims. Despite Gorinov's ill health, Mendeleeva refused to grant him medical treatment and ignored defense witnesses during the trial. Mendeleeva has been designated under Executive Order 13818, targeting perpetrators of serious human rights abuse. This sanction blocks her assets in the U.S. and restricts U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with her.
End of Russian Gas Supply to Europe via Ukraine Marks a Shift in Energy Dynamics
Starting January 1, 2024, Russia will cease its gas exports to Europe via Ukraine, signaling the end of a key transit route dating back to Soviet times. This shutdown follows the expiration of a five-year transit deal between Russia and Ukraine. Although the European Union had already reduced its reliance on Russian gas after the war in Ukraine, the cessation of this supply route will have significant geopolitical implications.
Russia's share of the European gas market has drastically diminished since its invasion of Ukraine, with alternative sources like the United States, Qatar, and Norway now taking the lead. While the immediate market impact is minimal, the loss of Russian gas has contributed to Europe's economic struggles, including inflation and an industrial slowdown. Gazprom, Russia’s state-controlled gas company, recorded a $7 billion loss in 2023, its first annual loss since 1999.
The pipeline running through Ukraine had delivered about 15 billion cubic meters of gas in 2023, a fraction of Russia’s previous peak supply. Despite the reduced volume, the end of this supply route will particularly affect Moldova, which remains reliant on Russian gas. Countries like Hungary will still receive gas through the TurkStream pipeline from the south, though some nations had hoped to maintain the Ukrainian route.
Netanyahu Pushes Coalition to Back Budget Amid Growing Discord
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left his hospital bed against medical advice to rally support for his government’s contentious 2025 budget. The wartime austerity bill, featuring tax hikes and spending cuts, narrowly passed an initial vote despite opposition from coalition partners, including far-right public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and ultra-Orthodox parties.
Ben Gvir demands increased police funding, while ultra-Orthodox groups oppose measures mandating military enlistment for their members. Netanyahu urged unity, warning against endangering his coalition—the most far-right in Israel’s history.
The budget now proceeds to Knesset committees for further revisions, with final approval expected by January. Failure to pass the budget by March 31 would trigger new elections.
Netanyahu previously sought to stabilize his coalition by appointing Gideon Saar, leader of the New Hope party, as foreign minister. However, cracks persist amid economic struggles following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and subsequent conflict. Israel faces soaring inflation and stagnant growth, compounding the pressure on its government.
Israel Issues Final Warning to Houthi Militants Over Missile Attacks
Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, issued a stark warning to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants on Monday, urging them to cease missile attacks on Israel or face the same fate as groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria's Bashar al-Assad. Danon emphasized that Israel has the capability to strike any target in the Middle East, including in Iran, and would not tolerate attacks by Iranian proxies. The Houthis have launched multiple drone and missile attacks towards Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In recent Israeli retaliation, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that Israel was "just getting started" after strikes targeted Houthi-linked infrastructure in Yemen, including the Sanaa airport. Assistant U.N. Secretary-General Khaled Khiari expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and its potential destabilizing effects on the region, urging the Houthis to halt their attacks. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia condemned both Houthi missile strikes on Israel and Israeli retaliatory actions in Yemen, accusing them of being "disproportionate."
U.S. Targets Houthi Facilities in Yemen Amid Red Sea Tensions
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled facilities in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and along the coast on Dec. 30 and 31. According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes targeted a Houthi command center and facilities used for producing and storing advanced conventional weapons, including missiles and drones.
The Iran-backed Houthi group has escalated attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea over the past year, purportedly to enforce a naval blockade on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza war.
In response, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam stated that Yemen would "continue to defend itself" against these attacks, signaling no immediate de-escalation.
The strikes highlight growing tensions in the region, with Yemen’s Red Sea coastline becoming a flashpoint for broader geopolitical conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
U.S. Repatriates Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi from Guantanamo Bay to Tunisia
The U.S. Department of Defense announced the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to Tunisia. Al-Yazidi, designated ISN 038, was deemed eligible for transfer following a comprehensive interagency review process mandated by Executive Order 13492. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin notified Congress of the planned repatriation in January 2024, and the transfer was completed in coordination with the Tunisian government. As of today, 26 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay, with 14 eligible for transfer, 3 awaiting a Periodic Review Board, 7 involved in military commissions, and 2 having been convicted and sentenced.
AM ACTUAL NEWS LIVESTREAM
That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading.
I wish you and your loved ones a very peaceful and prosperous New Year!
Join the ONEST Network as a paid subscriber and get access to ACTUAL NEWS delivered straight to your inbox every weekday evening, in a concise and straightforward format.
As a subscriber, you'll also secure a spot at our popular Watch Parties, where you can engage with fellow subscribers, participate in interactive quizzes and Q&A sessions, and join our Town Halls. Be the first to hear about exciting updates, exclusive interviews, and even share your ideas on what you'd like to see covered next. For just $5 a month (or choose the annual option), you'll not only support independent journalism but also help me bring you more on-the-ground coverage of key events. Your support truly makes a difference! Thank you for being part of the ONEST community.
Comments