Finnish authorities are investigating the oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of “aggravated sabotage” to the Estlink 2 power cable between Finland and Estonia damaged on Christmas Day. The tanker is thought to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” vessels that transport embargoed Russian oil products. Source link
President-elect Donald Trump’s promised effort to remake the US government is set to include one of the country’s premier law enforcement and intelligence agencies. VOA national security correspondent Jeff Seldin reports on Trump’s choice to lead and reform the FBI. Kim Lewis contributed. Source link
Pakistan’s military courts have convicted 60 people involved in demonstrations in support of former prime minister Imran Khan, authorities said Thursday. The unrest followed the ex-premier’s arrest on corruption charges that supporters say are politically motivated, leading to widespread unrest including attacks on military installations. Source link
In 2025 the use of cryptocurrencies in Russia will expand, says the official. There is a law in Russia that allows the use of BTC and cryptocurrencies for international payments. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov indicated that Russian companies have begun to use bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrencies for international payments and foreign trade, relying … Read more
The Arakan Army’s growing territorial gains and seemingly unhindered movement have raised questions about the rebel group’s ultimate goal. Source link
Azerbaijan observed a nationwide day of mourning on Thursday for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and injured all 29 survivors, as speculation mounted about the possible cause of the disaster that remained unknown. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku to the Russian city of Grozny … Read more
Syria’s new authorities on Thursday launched a security crackdown in a coastal region where 14 security personnel were killed a day before, vowing to pursue “remnants” of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government accused of the attack, state media reported. Source link
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) voiced alarm on Thursday at the “continuing destruction” of infrastructure in southern Lebanon despite Israel’s late November ceasefire with Hezbollah, calling for a “timely withdrawal” of Israeli troops. Source link
People gathered in prayer and visited mass graves in Indonesia’s Aceh province on December 26 to mark 20 years since the massive Indian Ocean tsunami hit the region in one of modern history’s worst natural disasters. Our correspondents in New Delhi Sarah Jacob tells us more. Source link
The first widespread Alawite demonstrations have taken place in Syria since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, which belongs to the same sect. Source link