Twelve people, including eleven foreigners and one Georgian national, have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia, police reported. The victims were discovered in a sleeping area above an Indian restaurant after an oil-powered generator was activated following a power outage.
The incident occurred at Georgia’s largest and highest ski resort, located approximately 120km north of Tbilisi in the Caucasus mountains. Police indicated no signs of violence on the bodies, suggesting an accidental cause as preliminary investigations continue.
The deaths occurred after the building lost electrical power on Friday, prompting the use of the generator. The bodies were found Saturday on the second floor of the restaurant building. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Gudauri, situated 2,200 meters above sea level, has historically served as a significant tourist destination since its 19th-century origins as a trading post on the Georgian Military Road. The resort remains a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering various activities for all skill levels.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized methamphetamine and Loud cannabis shipments worth billions of naira at the Tin Can Seaport in Lagos. The drugs, concealed in automobile spare parts imported from Canada, weighed 83.301 kilograms and were intended for distribution during the festive season.
Three businessmen, Emeka Nwanolue, Friday Ogbe, and Isaac Onwumere, were arrested in connection with the seizure. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the operation followed months of intelligence tracking across three continents.
“This marks the first time the NDLEA has intercepted two consignments of methamphetamine, totaling 83.301 kilograms,” Babafemi said in a statement. He added that the shipments were destined for warehouses at the Ladipo automobile parts market in Mushin, Lagos.
The first container, examined on December 12, 2024, contained 5.001 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a Toyota Camry. Onwumere, linked to the shipment, was arrested. The second container, inspected on December 13, held 1,735 parcels of Loud packed in 44 jumbo bags, weighing 867.5 kilograms, alongside six plastic coolers containing 87 packs of methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilograms. Nwanolue and Ogbe were apprehended in connection with the second shipment.
The seized drugs, valued at N2.3 billion in street value, included 867.5 kilograms of Loud, estimated at N2,168,750,000, and 83.301 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth N124,951,000.
Babafemi detailed the meticulous tracking that led to the seizure. The first shipment, flagged in Toronto on October 4, 2024, was monitored through its transit in Montreal, Antwerp, and finally Lagos, where it arrived on December 1. The second shipment, identified on October 8, followed a similar route and docked in Lagos on December 6.
In a related operation at the Port Harcourt Port Complex in Rivers State, NDLEA officers intercepted 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.5 billion. The shipments, originating from India, were discovered during a joint examination by the NDLEA, customs officials, and other security agencies.
The NDLEA continues to strengthen its intelligence-driven operations to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety of communities during the festive season and beyond.
A federal judge in Tennessee has sentenced two Ghanaian nationals for their roles in a sophisticated internet fraud and money laundering operation that defrauded multiple victims of over $2 million through romance scams and fake gold shipment schemes.
Wigbert Bandie, 34, received a 63-month prison sentence and must pay $2.18 million in restitution to 11 victims. His co-defendant, Adam Khadijah, 30, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment. Both convictions came in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville before Judge Thomas A. Varlan.
The scheme, operating from June through December 2019, involved creating fake social media profiles to target victims with romance scams and false promises of gold shipments. In one notable case, Bandie posed as “Kimberly McIntosh,” an heiress to Singapore gold bars, defrauding a Knoxville resident of $73,550 through elaborate fake documentation.
Bandie pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while a third suspect, Mubarak Braimah, remains at large. Following his prison term, Bandie will serve three years of supervised release. The convicts faced multiple charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
Qatar announced on Sunday that it will reopen its embassy in Syria, marking the restoration of diplomatic ties after a 13-year hiatus. The decision comes as Qatari diplomats met with Syria’s transitional government, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this year.
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on April 18, 2023, in Damascus, Syria.
In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the embassy in Damascus would resume operations on Tuesday. Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al-Sharif has been appointed as the new head of mission to Syria.
The diplomatic mission was suspended in July 2011, during the early stages of the uprising against Assad’s regime, which escalated into a prolonged civil war. Unlike several other Arab nations, Qatar refused to normalize relations with Syria under Assad’s leadership.
Qatar’s foreign ministry described the reopening of the embassy as a show of solidarity with the Syrian people and their revolution. “This decision reflects the State of Qatar’s principled stand with the Syrian people’s revolution and a categorical rejection of the repressive policies of the regime,” the statement said.
Majed al-Ansari, a foreign ministry spokesperson, confirmed to Qatar News Agency that a Qatari delegation had visited Damascus to finalize procedures for reopening the embassy. The delegation also met with members of the transitional government, emphasizing Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this critical phase.
During their meetings, the delegation discussed ways to facilitate the delivery of Qatari humanitarian aid and assessed the immediate needs of Syrians.
In a separate development, sources confirmed that Qatar has established communication with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that played a key role in the military advances leading to Assad’s removal. An official familiar with the matter said the discussions with HTS and other factions focused on maintaining stability and preserving Syria’s public institutions during the transition.
Governments such as Turkey and the United States, which also opposed Assad’s rule, have acknowledged similar contact with HTS in recent months.
Qatar’s decision to reopen its embassy underscores a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics following Assad’s ouster and signals increased engagement in Syria’s reconstruction and transitional efforts.
A waiter named Braian, who faces potential charges in connection with Liam Payne’s death, has acknowledged using cocaine with the singer but strongly denies accusations of drug dealing. The admission comes as prosecutors pursue charges against five individuals linked to the singer’s death.
According to Braian’s account, he witnessed drugs scattered throughout the location, including near a Dove soap box and tin foil previously documented in post-death photographs. He claims to have refused payment from Payne, including declining an offered Rolex watch.
The revelation emerges alongside statements from other key figures in the investigation, including Payne’s friend Roger Nores, who faces accusations of abandonment and drug supply, and witness Bret Watson, who reportedly observed the singer’s fatal fall.
The case details are set to be explored in depth in a FOX television special, “TMZ Investigates: Liam Payne: Who’s to Blame?”
Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old MyAngel Walker, who was found deceased in a burned car just a day after she was reported missing, authorities confirmed Sunday.
Taylor Kinard
Walker, a recent high school graduate, was reported missing on Thursday, Dec. 12, after she failed to show up for work, according to *FOX Carolina*. Her family filed a missing persons report with the Laurens Police Department, and the Clinton Police Department joined the investigation after Walker was last seen in Clinton, South Carolina.
On Friday, Walker’s body was discovered in a burned vehicle near McKenzie Road in Greenwood County. Police confirmed that she had suffered a gunshot wound, though additional details about her injuries or the exact cause of death have not been released.
Malachi Pressley
Authorities identified 19-year-old Malachi Pressley, who Walker’s mother, Sade Woodruff, said was her daughter’s on-and-off boyfriend, as the alleged shooter. Pressley has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Additionally, 19-year-old Taylor Kinard was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact. Police allege Kinard assisted in disposing of Walker’s body. Clinton Police Chief Michael Addison stated, “She had knowledge of it, and she helped.” Both suspects were denied bail during a hearing on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Police say the shooting occurred between 10 and 11 p.m. on Dec. 11 on Gary Street in Clinton. Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland noted the seriousness of the investigation as it unfolded. “It became apparent during the night that we were looking for something a little more than just somebody missing,” he told *FOX Carolina*.
MyAngel Walker deceased
Walker’s family described her as an ambitious and bright individual with plans to pursue a nursing career. “We lost a big part of our family,” her mother said in a statement to *WYFF*. “We lost a great person. We lost an amazing person, a leader.”
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the tragic nature of the case. “This is a tragedy that should not happen,” Chief Copeland said. “But we’re glad that we were able to get justice for that family really quickly here.”
Walker’s mother urged others to remain vigilant about their relationships and to seek help if domestic issues arise. “Be aware of who you’re dealing with, the people you’re surrounded by, the people you hang out with,” Woodruff said.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Clinton and Laurens Police Departments have not released further information at this time.
New Mexico family shooting, quadruple homicide, teenage suspect arrest, Valencia County crime, family murder case, juvenile crime*
A 16-year-old boy was arrested Saturday after allegedly shooting four family members to death in their Valencia County, New Mexico home and confessing to dispatchers in an early morning 911 call.
State Police spokesman Ray Wilson reported the heavily intoxicated suspect surrendered peacefully to county deputies, walking out of the house with his hands raised around 3:30 a.m. Inside, authorities discovered four victims and a handgun on the kitchen table.
The juvenile suspect was transported to a hospital for detoxification before facing detention on four counts of murder. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner is working to confirm the victims’ identities.
The State Police has taken over the quadruple homicide investigation from the county sheriff’s office. The suspect’s identity is being withheld due to his age.
Israel has appealed the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as the death toll in Gaza approaches 45,000, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The ICC warrants accuse Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including “the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare” and “murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.” Israel, which is not a member of the ICC, rejected the accusations as unfounded. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said Sunday that Israel “categorically rejects the baseless accusations” and vowed to defend its actions.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 26 people on Sunday, including 16 at a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in the north. This followed a wave of strikes on Saturday that left 49 dead, including women, children, and a two-day-old infant.
Palestinian health officials said the humanitarian situation is worsening, with the accumulation of bodies in the streets creating a public health crisis. Mohammed Abu Afash, director of Palestinian Medical Relief, described the conditions as an “environmental disaster,” warning of stray animals scavenging remains. Limited medical supplies and fuel, delivered by the World Health Organization, have failed to address the growing needs amid the ongoing siege.
Tensions are also rising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after violent clashes in the city of Jenin between Palestinian Authority forces and local militants. At least one person was killed, and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) temporarily suspended services in Jenin Camp due to the unrest, leaving residents without access to schools, healthcare, and other essential services. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called on all parties to uphold international law and protect civilians.
Israel’s government has further approved plans to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, allocating over $11 million to double the population in the area, which was seized from Syria in 1967. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the plan a day after speaking with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about regional issues in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the threat posed by Iran.
Diplomatic relations have continued to fray as Israel announced the closure of Ireland’s embassy in response to what Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called “extreme anti-Israel policies.” The move follows Ireland’s call for the International Court of Justice to broaden its definition of genocide, accusing Israel of collective punishment in Gaza.
The siege of Gaza, now in its 15th month, was triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken. Since then, nearly 45,000 people in Gaza have been killed, the majority of them women and children. Health officials report that over 105,000 people have been injured, with many still trapped under rubble.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international scrutiny of Israel’s actions continues to grow. The escalating death toll and worsening conditions in Gaza have sparked widespread condemnation, with aid agencies warning that critical supplies remain insufficient to meet the dire needs of the population.
Amad Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute winner as Manchester United staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Manchester City 2-1 in Sunday’s Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 after Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header, United clawed their way back when Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot in the 88th minute. Moments later, Diallo completed the turnaround, calmly flicking the ball past Ederson to secure victory and hand manager Ruben Amorim a memorable win in his first Manchester derby.
City fans expressed their frustration at full time, with boos echoing around the stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side extended their dismal run to just one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions, putting their Premier League title defense in jeopardy.
Key Takeaways from the Manchester Derby
Amad Diallo Emerges as United’s Star Performer
Amad Diallo, now fully fit, showcased his immense potential with a game-changing performance. The 22-year-old winger won the crucial penalty that leveled the score and then delivered the match-winner. His pace, creativity, and relentless energy have made him Amorim’s first choice in attack, relegating Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to the sidelines. This performance signals the start of what could be a breakout season for Diallo.
Manchester City’s Confidence Continues to Crumble
City appeared on course for a much-needed victory but faltered late. Defensive errors gifted United their opportunities, and City’s inability to create chances in the second half highlighted their struggles. With Guardiola’s team now nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, the prospect of a fifth consecutive Premier League title looks increasingly unlikely.
Rashford and Garnacho’s Futures in Doubt
Amorim’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the derby squad underscores a significant shift in United’s attacking priorities. Both players, reportedly informed via WhatsApp, trained separately on match day. Rashford, in particular, has been on the periphery under successive managers, and United are reportedly open to offers for him. January could see significant squad reshuffling as Amorim looks to reinforce other areas, including left back, central midfield, and center forward.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
Ismaila Sarr starred for Crystal Palace, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 3-1 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for Palace, with Sarr doubling the lead in the 33rd minute. Sarr added a second late in the match before Marc Guehi’s own goal gave Brighton a consolation. Palace’s win lifted them four points clear of the relegation zone, while Brighton’s winless run extended to four games.
Five people died in a series of shootings near Dunkirk in northern France, including an attack near a migrant camp, before a 22-year-old suspect surrendered to police. The incident marks one of the region’s deadliest shooting sprees in recent memory.
According to Dunkirk prosecutor Charlotte Huet, the violence began in Wormhout with the killing of a 29-year-old man outside his home at 15:15 local time. The shooter then moved to Loon-Plage, where he killed two security guards, aged 33 and 37, near a port facility, followed by the deaths of two migrant camp residents, aged 19 and 30.
All five murders occurred within a two-hour window in the Dunkirk area. The suspect, previously unknown to police, was found with multiple firearms in his vehicle. Dunkirk Mayor Patrice Vergriete indicated that the motive for the attacks remains unclear.
The shootings occurred near Loon-Plage’s temporary migrant settlements, an area known for housing individuals attempting to cross the Channel to the UK. Local authorities, including regional assembly head Xavier Bertrand, confirmed the “tragic event” as emergency services maintained a significant presence in the area.
