Nigerian troops have killed 76 militants linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno state during recent operations, a military spokesperson announced Thursday.
Nigerian soldiers patrol on October 12, 2019, after gunmen suspected of belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group raided the village of Tungushe, killing a soldier and three residents. – Four civilians and three soldiers have been killed in attacks in northeastern Nigeria blamed on jihadist fighters, local residents and militias said on October 12, 2019. (Photo by – / AFP)
The militants, part of an ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, have been responsible for widespread violence, including the displacement of millions and the deaths of thousands. Borno state remains the epicenter of the conflict.
The insurgents escalated attacks in Borno at the start of the year, including a deadly assault on the Dumba community last Sunday, where at least 40 farmers were killed.
Major-General Edward Buba, the military spokesperson, confirmed that 24 fighters were killed during offensive operations conducted in the Damboa, Bama, and Chibok areas between Jan. 7 and 13. He did not disclose any casualties among Nigerian troops during the operations.
Troops also apprehended 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages, Buba said in a statement. Recovered weapons and ammunition included AK-47 rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The Nigerian army continues efforts to combat the insurgency, which has plagued the region for over a decade.
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is out of danger following a stabbing incident at his Mumbai residence early Thursday, according to doctors. The 54-year-old underwent surgery for injuries to his spine, neck, and hand after being attacked by an intruder.
Dr. Nitin Dange, one of the surgeons treating Khan, said the actor sustained significant injuries, including a major wound to the thoracic spinal cord caused by a lodged knife. “Surgery was performed to remove the knife and repair leaking spinal fluid. He is on the path to complete recovery,” Dange told reporters.
The attack occurred shortly after midnight in Khan’s Bandra apartment. Police said Khan tried to prevent the intruder, believed to be a burglar, from entering through a fire escape. A female employee at the residence was also injured and is receiving treatment, police confirmed.
Senior police official Dikshit Gedam said authorities have identified the suspect and launched a manhunt. “This appears to be a robbery attempt,” Gedam stated.
Khan, one of India’s most prominent actors, has appeared in over 70 films and series, including Netflix’s acclaimed production *Sacred Games*. The actor, son of former Indian cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, is married to fellow Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor. The couple, parents to two young sons, are among Bollywood’s most recognizable figures.
The incident has sparked calls for enhanced security in Mumbai, particularly in Bandra, a neighborhood home to many in the film industry. Actor and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt criticized the lack of safety, stating, “The city, especially the queen of the suburbs, has never felt so unsafe before,” referring to Bandra’s popular nickname.
Opposition leaders echoed the concerns, with Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Clyde Crasto questioning security measures. “If high-profile individuals with private security can be attacked in their homes, what hope is there for ordinary citizens?” Crasto asked on X, formerly Twitter.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently secured election victories in Maharashtra, the state where Mumbai serves as the capital. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of public safety under the administration.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned of an emerging oligarchy in the United States, cautioning that concentrated wealth and power are endangering democracy. Speaking in his final Oval Office address, Biden urged Americans to unite against the threat as he prepares to transfer power to Donald Trump next week.
“An oligarchy of extreme wealth, power, and influence is forming in America,” Biden said. “This threatens democracy, basic rights, and the fair opportunity for everyone to succeed.”
He criticized a “tech industrial complex” for spreading misinformation and disinformation, which he said enables abuses of power. Biden also noted the deteriorating state of the free press, calling it a significant concern.
Biden’s farewell address marked the conclusion of a political career spanning five decades. His presidency focused on addressing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and climate change. Despite these efforts, Biden acknowledged challenges in uniting the nation and preventing democratic backsliding.
Donald Trump, set to take office on Monday at noon (1700 GMT), has tapped billionaire Elon Musk as a special adviser to reduce federal government costs. Trump’s cabinet selections aim to challenge traditional American alliances and governance norms, further reshaping U.S. politics.
Biden’s administration prioritized infrastructure investments, semiconductor manufacturing, and efforts to combat climate change. These initiatives aimed to address wealth inequality and stimulate future growth. His leadership oversaw a robust economic recovery, defying predictions of recession, even as inflation and high prices persisted.
The administration also distributed COVID-19 vaccines and bolstered international alliances, notably during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Biden faced criticism for the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, which resulted in 13 U.S. military casualties.
Biden’s foreign policy achievements included strengthening global coalitions and addressing security threats. Yet his strong support for Israel during its war in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack divided the Democratic Party and hurt his reputation among progressives.
In a letter released Wednesday, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, urging Americans to protect equality, liberty, and justice. “The soul of America remains at stake,” Biden wrote, calling for continued vigilance in the face of threats to democratic values.
White House officials pointed to Biden’s significant legislative accomplishments, which they said would have long-term benefits. “In historical terms, Biden has enacted the most transformative legislation since President Lyndon B. Johnson,” one official said.
Israel delayed a planned cabinet meeting on Thursday to ratify a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing last-minute demands from the militant group, as Palestinian officials reported 77 deaths from overnight airstrikes in Gaza.
Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq said the group remained committed to the ceasefire, which was agreed upon a day earlier and scheduled to take effect on Sunday. The deal is expected to end 15 months of violence that have devastated Gaza and strained the region.
U.S. Special Envoy Brett McGurk and former President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff are in Doha, along with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, working to resolve outstanding disputes, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity. The primary issue involves the identities of prisoners Hamas demands to be released, a matter expected to be resolved soon.
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer confirmed that Israeli negotiators are in Doha attempting to finalize the deal.
The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aims to end a conflict that has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza and triggered broader regional instability. The initial six-week agreement includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Hamas-controlled hostages will be released in return for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
The accord also includes provisions for humanitarian aid. A surge in supplies is expected to address severe shortages in Gaza, where much of the population is displaced. Aid trucks are reportedly lined up at the Egyptian border town of El-Arish, awaiting clearance to enter Gaza once the ceasefire begins.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed cabinet discussions, accusing Hamas of reneging on agreed terms. “The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” read a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
While a majority of Israeli ministers are expected to approve the deal, opposition from right-wing factions in Netanyahu’s coalition persists. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism Party has threatened to withdraw from the government if the agreement is not followed by renewed military action to dismantle Hamas. Far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also warned he would resign if the ceasefire is implemented.
In Jerusalem, protests erupted as Israelis marched through the streets carrying mock coffins, opposing the ceasefire and accusing the government of capitulation.
Gazan residents, meanwhile, expressed urgency for the truce. “We lose homes every hour. We demand this joy not to be delayed,” said Mahmoud Abu Wardeh, a Gaza resident.
The ceasefire deal mandates the delivery of 600 truckloads of aid daily during the truce, including 50 carrying fuel. Israel will also release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, while 33 hostages held in Gaza, including women, children, and men over 50, are set to be freed.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, airstrikes continued. Gaza’s health ministry reported 81 deaths over the past 24 hours, including 77 since the deal was publicized. Israeli military officials said they were reviewing the reports.
The conflict, which began after Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, has killed more than 46,000 people in Gaza and displaced most of its 2.3 million residents, according to Palestinian officials. Israel launched its military campaign in response to the assault, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.
If successful, the ceasefire could halt fighting that has devastated Gaza and defuse tensions across the Middle East.
Rapper Drake has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of promoting rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track *Not Like Us* in a way that he claims incites false and harmful accusations.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, alleges that UMG deliberately marketed and exploited the track, which Drake says falsely portrays him as a pedophile. He also accuses the label of ensuring Lamar headlines the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, where the track is expected to be performed.
Drake claims that the diss track, its music video, and its cover art—which allegedly shows his Toronto home marked with symbols resembling registered sex offenders—have incited threats against him. The rapper also points to a shooting incident at his home in May, which injured a security guard, as a direct result of the track’s promotion.
The lawsuit states that UMG prioritized profits over the safety of its artists and accuses the label of using bots and other methods to artificially inflate streams of *Not Like Us*.
“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,’” the court filing reads. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize” the song.
The diss track has garnered over one billion streams on Spotify and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year.
The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar escalated in March when Lamar criticized both Drake and J. Cole in a feature on Metro Boomin’s track *Like That*.
Since then, the artists have traded diss tracks, including Drake’s *Push Ups* and *Taylor Made Freestyle*, followed by Lamar’s *Euphoria* and *6:16 in LA*. The feud reached a boiling point when Lamar released *Not Like Us*, which features lyrics accusing Drake of inappropriate behavior.
The diss track has been widely circulated and is expected to be part of Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, a move Drake claims was orchestrated by UMG to maximize exposure.
This is not the first legal action Drake has taken regarding the diss track. In November, he filed a petition in state courts in New York and Texas, accusing UMG, Spotify, and iHeartRadio of inflating the track’s popularity through bots and payola schemes. That petition was recently withdrawn, with Drake opting to focus on federal court action solely against UMG.
A separate hearing regarding iHeartRadio and Spotify is scheduled for late January in Texas.
Justin Bieber has ignited fresh speculation about his relationship with Hailey Baldwin Bieber after a string of Instagram unfollows, including Hailey’s father, Stephen Baldwin.
The 30-year-old pop star, known for hits like Baby, recently unfollowed several close associates, raising eyebrows among fans. Those unfollowed include Usher, his former mentor, and Scooter Braun, his ex-manager whom he parted ways with in 2022.
Also, among the unfollowed are Allison Kaye, a former manager at SB Projects, Kenny Hamilton, his bodyguard from 2009-2010, Ryan Good, his “swag coach” and best man at his wedding, and Poo Bear, a producer he collaborated with on several albums.
The latest unfollow of Stephen Baldwin has sparked widespread speculation, with some fans suggesting it might signal marital strife. One Reddit user wrote, “It’s so he doesn’t have to deal with her dad when the divorce happens.” Another commented, “Honestly, what if he wants a divorce and doesn’t want to deal with Hailey’s dad?”
On X (formerly Twitter), fans also reacted. One user noted, “I mean, his own daughter doesn’t follow him,” referencing that Hailey doesn’t follow her father on Instagram either. Others speculated that Justin’s unfollowing spree could be linked to promoting a new album.
Stephen Baldwin appeared to respond subtly with a cryptic Instagram story quoting, “Let us beware of making snap decisions… when life has turned against us… when we’re disheartened.”
Despite the rumors, Justin and Hailey recently welcomed their first child, Jack Blues Bieber, in August. The couple announced the arrival with a heartfelt Instagram post, featuring Hailey holding their newborn’s foot. Justin captioned the photo, “WELCOME HOME. JACK BLUES BIEBER.”
The couple was also recently spotted vacationing together in Aspen, suggesting that the fears of a split might be overblown.
TikTok may completely shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday as a federal ban on the platform nears, according to reports. The looming ban, driven by national security concerns, has prompted a wave of users to flock to the Chinese-owned alternative app, RedNote.
The U.S. government has issued ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, an ultimatum: sell the app to a government-approved buyer or face a nationwide ban. TikTokers attempting to access the app on Sunday may be greeted by a pop-up message redirecting them to a website explaining the ban and allowing them to download their data.
While the app will not be immediately deleted from users’ devices or experience a full blackout, it will no longer appear in app stores or be available for download. Mobile carriers, including Apple and Google, will also be prohibited from supporting the app through updates, which is expected to render TikTok glitchy and ultimately unusable over time.
Reports this week suggested Elon Musk was in talks with China about acquiring TikTok. However, the platform quickly refuted these rumors. “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson said.
With the January 19 deadline fast approaching, the chances of a last-minute sale appear slim. TikTok has filed legal challenges to delay the ban, arguing that it violates the company’s First Amendment rights. The U.S. Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on the case Friday, is expected to rule soon. Early indications suggest the court is likely to uphold the ban.
TikTok’s U.S. audience, which includes over 170 million users—nearly half the country’s population—is bracing for the app’s possible shutdown. The company estimates that one-third of its users would abandon the app within a month of the ban.
In response, many Americans are turning to RedNote, another Chinese-owned app, as a replacement. RedNote quickly climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store this week, becoming the most downloaded app in the U.S. The platform, which originally catered to Chinese users, is now working to adapt its content for English-speaking audiences.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, officials from Hamas and Qatar announced Wednesday, bringing an end to 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza.
The agreement is expected to release dozens of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, marking a significant breakthrough after violence resumed following the expiration of a temporary truce on December 1, 2023.
The ceasefire follows weeks of high-stakes negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt amid a harsh winter in Gaza and escalating tensions across the Middle East. The region has witnessed widespread devastation, with Gaza’s infrastructure shattered and its population heavily displaced.
While neither Israel nor Hamas has officially announced the deal, sources indicate swift approval is anticipated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to secure support from his security cabinet and the full government.
Israel’s Supreme Court will have 24 hours to review potential appeals, with the ceasefire potentially taking effect as early as Friday. The first hostages are expected to be freed by Sunday.
The truce comes after Israel’s military campaign against Gaza in response to Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. A temporary pause in November led to the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Health officials in Gaza report over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians, during the conflict. The violence has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, leaving millions in dire humanitarian conditions.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu faces criticism from hardline ministers who view the deal as a surrender, while families of hostages have intensified pressure on the government to reach a resolution.
On the global stage, Israel’s military offensive has drawn sharp criticism. In November, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders, have accused Israel of committing genocide, charges the Israeli government has dismissed as false and antisemitic.
The ceasefire comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20. The Biden administration had been pushing for an agreement as part of its final efforts in the region.
Trump, who warned last month that all hell will break loose without a hostage release, has sent his Mideast envoy to assist in negotiations.
Mozambique’s new president, Daniel Chapo, was sworn in Wednesday in a subdued ceremony in Maputo, overshadowed by an opposition boycott and nationwide protests over allegations of election fraud.
Businesses in the capital shut down, and streets remained empty as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane called for a nationwide strike. Mondlane, who ran as an independent, rejected the election results, which gave Chapo 65% of the vote, extending the Frelimo party’s nearly five-decade rule. Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, claims the results were rigged.
Chapo, 47, pledged in his inaugural address to focus on unity, human rights, and combating corruption in a country still grappling with post-election violence. Local civil society groups report that over 300 people have been killed in clashes since the October elections.
“Mozambique cannot remain a hostage to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence,” Chapo told the 2,500 attendees at the ceremony, which was heavily secured.
Police dispersed protesters near Independence Square after Chapo’s motorcade departed. The demonstrators included supporters of both Chapo and Mondlane, who were denied entry to the event.
Opposition parties Renamo and MDM joined the boycott, refusing to recognize Chapo as president. Mondlane has alleged electoral fraud and continues to advocate for his supporters from an undisclosed location in Maputo.
Chapo faces mounting challenges, including a fractured political landscape, economic instability, and accusations of electoral fraud. Analysts warn he must address systemic corruption and deliver on promises of economic reform and reconciliation to restore public trust.
Born in Sofala province, Chapo holds a law degree and a master’s in development management. His supporters describe him as hard-working and diplomatic, but critics question his ability to lead amid widespread discontent.
Chapo succeeds Filipe Nyusi, who steps down after two terms marked by unrest. Analysts say Chapo’s presidency represents a generational shift, but his legitimacy remains in doubt.
Mondlane, a former ally of the ruling party turned independent candidate, has emerged as a vocal critic of the government. He has called for systemic reforms, including changes to electoral law and decentralization of power. Reports indicate he is sheltering in Maputo after narrowly escaping an alleged assassination attempt last month.
Mondlane has accused security forces of targeting his supporters, echoing concerns raised by human rights groups over the government’s handling of post-election protests.
Political analysts argue Chapo’s success hinges on engaging with opposition leaders and enacting structural reforms. Calls for the dismissal of Mozambique’s police chief and the appointment of a new attorney general have grown louder as the country seeks accountability for human rights abuses.
Chapo, the first president not to have participated in Mozambique’s independence war, faces pressure to dismantle entrenched political and economic cartels while ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday accused Russia of planning global sabotage operations, including “acts of air terror” targeting airlines worldwide.
Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Tusk underscored the gravity of the alleged threat.
“I will not go into details, but I can confirm the validity of fears that Russia is planning acts of air terror, not only against Poland but against airlines around the world,” Tusk stated.
Tusk’s comments come amid rising concerns over Russian activities in Europe and beyond. In November, Western intelligence agencies reported suspicions that Russian operatives were involved in a plot to place incendiary devices in packages aboard cargo planes destined for the United States and other countries.
The alleged scheme, linked to fires at a courier facility in Germany and a warehouse in England, appeared to specifically target cargo planes, prompting heightened vigilance about global aviation security.
In a related incident in October, Polish authorities announced the arrest of four individuals accused of ties to a foreign intelligence network conducting sabotage operations within the country.
The allegations reflect growing fears of Russian covert actions as tensions between Moscow and Western nations remain at critical levels.
