The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The projectile, which triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, preventing any potential damage or casualties.
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the growing influence and violence associated with these groups. In addition, he revealed plans to launch a comprehensive anti-drug advertising campaign within the United States.
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 Americans on federal death row on Monday.
The US Defense Department confirmed Thursday that there are actually around 2,000 American troops currently deployed in Syria, rather than the previously stated figure of around 900, MediaLine reports. The updated information follows the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic insurgent group on December 1.
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec. 18) agreed to consider a request by South Carolina to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood on the grounds that, in addition to providing healthcare services, it is the nation’s leading abortion provider, Reuters reports.
With Christmas approaching, Christians urged prayers for their community in war-stricken Sudan, saying they are in the crossfire as a bishop and a pastor were among those being attacked.
U.S. sanctions on Syria remain intact following a Friday meeting between the U.S. State Department and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani). However, the bounty on al-Sharaa has been lifted, signaling a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that its forces carried out a precision airstrike on Thursday in Syria’s Dayr az Zawr Province, targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif. The strike successfully eliminated him along with another ISIS operative. This action comes as the U.S. intensifies efforts to prevent the terrorist group’s attempts to liberate 8,000 ISIS operatives currently detained in Syrian jails.
Israel lashed out at Pope Francis for condemning Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and suggesting the world should investigate whether Israel’s military offensive there constitutes a “genocide” after dozens of Palestinians, including children, allegedly died in weekend attacks.