Happy Thursday! It’s December 26, and we’re back with your daily briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what’s making headlines today.
Pakistan Bombards Afghan Border, Killing 46 Civilians
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan hit a deadly peak Wednesday as Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, reportedly killing 46 civilians, many of them women and children, according to the Taliban government.
The strikes, which targeted four areas late Tuesday, were condemned by Taliban officials as “barbaric” and “clear aggression.”
Pakistan’s security officials, however, painted a different picture, claiming the bombardment was aimed at terrorist hideouts and killed at least 20 militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group behind recent attacks on Pakistani forces. They denied civilian casualties, calling the Taliban’s accusations “baseless.”
The strikes follow growing hostilities along the border since the Taliban took power in 2021.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring militants, while Kabul denies the claims. The Taliban has vowed to respond to what it calls an attack on its sovereignty, escalating an already tense situation between the two nations.
A Barmal resident described the devastation, saying 18 members of one family were killed when their house was hit.
The TTP has accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting refugee homes, while Pakistan insists more strikes could follow if action isn’t taken against militants.
This latest flare-up adds to the strained relationship between the neighbors, raising fears of further violence.
Japan Raises Concerns Over China’s Military Moves
Japan’s top diplomat, Takeshi Iwaya, didn’t hold back during his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
Iwaya expressed Wednesday “serious concerns” about China’s growing military activity, particularly near the disputed Senkaku Islands, and raised alarms about the Taiwan situation and China’s resource development efforts in the East China Sea.
The talks lasted three hours, including a working lunch, and highlighted both nations’ ongoing tensions. While Tokyo and Beijing are important trading partners, disputes over territories and military posturing have strained their relationship.
Iwaya also brought up Japan’s frustration over a Japanese citizen detained in China on espionage charges, pointing out how the lack of transparency surrounding China’s anti-espionage laws is discouraging Japanese people from traveling there.
The two sides did agree to try and arrange a visit from Wang Yi to Japan next year for high-level economic talks, but it’s clear there’s a lot to work through before that happens.
Azerbaijan Jet Crashes in Kazakhstan, Killing 38
Tragedy struck as an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, killing 38 people and injuring 29 others.
The Embraer 190 jet had diverted from its original route from Baku to Grozny, reportedly due to an emergency onboard, possibly caused by a bird strike. However, aviation experts are questioning that explanation, as bird strikes rarely lead to such extreme changes in course.
Video footage captured the plane’s terrifying descent before it burst into flames on the Caspian shoreline. Survivors, some bloodied and dazed, emerged from the wreckage as emergency crews rushed to extinguish the fire and recover the victims.
The flight’s detour came amidst rising tensions in the region, with drone strikes reported near its intended destination in southern Russia.
A nearby Russian airport was also closed, complicating the plane’s emergency options.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have launched a joint investigation, and the black box has been recovered to help uncover what went wrong.
This heartbreaking incident has led Azerbaijan Airlines to suspend flights to Chechnya, and world leaders, including Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev, have expressed condolences. Families of the victims are receiving support as the investigation continues.
Israeli Strikes Kill 10, Including Five Journalists in Gaza
At least 10 people, including five journalists, lost their lives in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza early Thursday, according to Gaza health authorities.
One strike hit a home in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, killing five and injuring 20 others, with rescuers warning the toll could climb as people remain trapped under the rubble.
In another incident, a marked media van near Al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat was hit, killing five journalists who worked for Al-Quds Al-Youm television.
Palestinian media said the van was clearly labeled for press use. However, the Israeli military claimed the strike targeted Islamic Jihad militants who were allegedly inside the vehicle.
Meanwhile, talks of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel remain stalled despite recent optimism.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has already claimed the lives of over 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The strikes underline the devastating toll of the violence as civilians, including journalists, bear the brunt of the conflict.
Russia Bombs Ukraine’s Energy System on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine, targeting its energy grid and several cities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack “inhuman,” noting that over 70 missiles and 100 drones struck, leaving many regions without power or heat in freezing temperatures.
In Kharkiv, six people were injured, and a power facility strike in Dnipropetrovsk killed one person.
Russia confirmed the attack, claiming it aimed at critical energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s military efforts. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air defenses managed to intercept 59 missiles and 54 drones.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden condemned the strikes as an effort to weaponize winter, cutting Ukrainians off from electricity and heating.
He also pledged a new round of military aid to Kyiv, though concerns linger about the level of support under incoming President Trump, who has signaled a desire to end the war quickly.
The strikes didn’t just affect Ukraine—one missile even crossed into Moldova’s airspace, further alarming Kyiv’s western neighbors.
As Ukrainians marked their second Christmas on a new calendar to distance themselves from Russian traditions, they faced another grim holiday under attack.
With nearly half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure already damaged, officials are urging allies to provide more air defense systems to protect their power grid.
Pope Francis Appeals for Peace in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan
In his Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” address, Pope Francis made a heartfelt plea for peace in conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Speaking from Saint Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, the pope called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “extremely grave,” urging for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and aid for people suffering from war and hunger.
The pope also appealed for an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, encouraging dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
He extended his message to Sudan, where millions face famine due to brutal civil war, and asked the international community to step up efforts for humanitarian relief and ceasefire negotiations.
Marking the 12th Christmas of his papacy, Francis encouraged people worldwide to become “pilgrims of hope” and work toward overcoming divisions, whether political, social, or military. His message was a stark reminder of the ongoing global crises overshadowing the holiday season.
Sources: New Agencies
