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Ukraine Reports North Korean Losses on Russia’s Kursk Front

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Ukraine announced on Monday that North Korean units fighting for Russia suffered losses of at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded in clashes around several villages in Russia’s Kursk region over the weekend. 

The report from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency followed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent statement that Russia has been deploying North Korean troops in significant numbers for the first time to conduct assaults in the Kursk region. This area has been a focal point since Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion there in August. 

Kyiv’s statement marked the first detailed claim of North Korean casualties on this scale. According to Ukrainian sources, the losses occurred near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate the figures, and the claims could not be independently verified. 

The Kremlin declined to comment on the allegations, referring inquiries to the Russian Defense Ministry, which has remained silent on the matter. Russia has yet to confirm or deny the presence of North Korean forces on its front lines. Initially dismissing such reports as “fake news,” Pyongyang later suggested that any deployment would be lawful. 

Ukraine’s intelligence agency reported that ongoing losses have forced Russia to replenish its assault units with fresh personnel, specifically from North Korea’s 94th Separate Brigade, to sustain combat operations in the Kursk region. 

Kyiv first alleged the presence of North Korean forces in the region in October, later reporting clashes without specifying casualties. Ukraine estimates that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are now involved, supplementing a large Russian force in the area. 

While nearly a fifth of Ukraine remains under Russian control, Ukrainian troops have secured an enclave within the Kursk region. They continue to hold this position, which Kyiv views as a potential bargaining tool in future peace negotiations. 

UK to Have Cheaper Christmas Dinner This Year-BBC

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Christmas dinner will cost a little less this year thanks to falling turkey and Brussels sprout prices, according to new research conducted for the BBC. 

The price of Brussels sprouts has dropped by 12%, while a 10lb (4.55kg) frozen turkey is now £1.21 cheaper compared to last year. However, not all festive staples saw price cuts—root vegetables have become more expensive after wet weather delayed planting earlier this year. 

When combining all the trimmings, a family Christmas dinner is expected to cost £31.66 in 2024, slightly down from £32.18 in 2023. This reflects a slowing in food price inflation as the UK experiences easing overall inflation. 

The annual price changes were tracked across major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl by retail analytics platform Assosia. 

-Turkey: The centerpiece of the Christmas meal, the turkey, saw a 6% price drop. 

  Tom Copas, managing director of Copas Turkeys in Berkshire, attributed this stabilization to a recovery following “turbulent” years that had driven costs higher. However, Mr. Copas noted slower sales and increased demand for smaller turkeys, suggesting shoppers are being more cautious about spending. 

– Brussels Sprouts: Prices are down by 12%, with a 500g bag costing 12p less than last year. John Inglis, senior commercial manager at ESG Drysdale, one of the UK’s largest sprout producers, said growing conditions have returned to normal after two challenging years of extreme weather. 

– Root Vegetables: Prices surged due to weather disruptions. 

   -Potatoes: Maris Piper potatoes rose by 26%, with a 2kg bag now costing £1.99. 

   – Carrots: Prices increased by 13.4% to 69p per kilo. 

     Farmer Rodger Hobson explained that delayed planting caused by a wet spring, combined with difficult harvesting conditions, led to the price hikes. 

Despite these increases, Mr. Hobson predicted supermarkets would slash carrot prices to as low as 20p per kilo during Christmas week as part of their annual discount strategies. 

Supermarket Competition and “Loss Leaders” 

Retail specialist Ged Futter explained that supermarkets often use staples like potatoes, carrots, and sprouts as loss leaders—products sold below cost to attract customers in the days leading up to Christmas. While this benefits shoppers, Futter emphasized that it fails to reflect the real production costs for farmers and contributes to food waste. 

Christmas Desserts See Increases 

Not all festive items saw price relief. 

– Christmas puddings are up 11%. 

– Mince pies rose by 5%, driven by higher costs of ingredients, packaging, and wages. 

Jessica White, owner of Meg Rivers artisan bakery, noted rising expenses but chose to freeze prices for customers. She reported strong demand, with Christmas puddings selling out and additional stock being produced to meet a waiting list. 

Cheapest Supermarket for Christmas Dinner 

A BBC analysis compared prices of essential Christmas dinner items across the UK’s top five supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi. 

– Aldi emerged as the most affordable at £24.30. 

– Asda followed at £28.22, with Morrisons and Sainsbury’s close behind. 

– Tesco was the most expensive, with a basket cost of £36.51. 

Prices are expected to fluctuate further as supermarkets ramp up competition closer to Christmas Day. 

A bbc report

West African Bloc Approves Exit of Three Military-Led States, Grants Grace Period

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FILE PHOTO: Heads of state of Mali, Assimi Goita, Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, pose for photographs during the first ordinary summit of heads of state and governments of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Niamey, Niger July 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mahamadou Hamidou/File Photo

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have approved the withdrawal of three military-led nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—but offered a six-month grace period for reconsideration. 

The decision marks the first exit of any country from ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, posing a major challenge to the bloc’s goals of economic and political integration. 

The three nations, all founding members of ECOWAS, rejected the bloc’s demands to restore democratic rule following military coups. They have since formed a separate alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). 

At a summit held in Nigeria on Sunday, ECOWAS leaders acknowledged the countries’ decision but extended the possibility of readmission between January 29 and July 29, 2025. During this transitional period, ECOWAS hopes the nations will reconsider their departure. 

ECOWAS citizens currently enjoy visa-free travel, residency rights, and free movement of goods within the bloc. The exit raises concerns about restrictions for people and goods from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, though no formal measures have been announced. 

FILE PHOTO: General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers in Niamey, Niger July 28, 2023. REUTERS/Balima Boureima/File Photo

Meanwhile, AES leaders over the weekend assured that visa-free travel and residency rights would remain in place for ECOWAS citizens. AES chairman and Mali’s military ruler, Assimi Goïta, emphasized the alliance’s intent to maintain regional ties. 

ECOWAS has tasked its commission in Abuja with determining the operational relationship between the two blocs. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé are leading ongoing negotiations. 

At the summit, ECOWAS Commission head Omar Touray described the exit as “disheartening” but commended mediation efforts. He acknowledged that the planned departure would significantly impact the bloc, which stands to lose 76 million people and half its total geographical area. 

The military-led governments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have accused ECOWAS of aligning too closely with Western powers and criticized its stance on their respective coups. The bloc suspended the three nations following military takeovers in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). 

The Sahel nations have since strengthened ties with Russia, pivoting away from traditional Western alliances. The move comes as they continue to combat ongoing insurgencies from armed jihadist groups in the region. 

Despite mediation efforts, AES leaders described their withdrawal from ECOWAS as “irreversible” following a ministerial-level meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey. 

ECOWAS faces a critical period as it navigates the geopolitical and economic implications of the split. The departure underscores mounting divisions within the region and challenges to regional stability and cooperation. 

Bitcoin Surges Past $106,000 as Trump Victory Spurs Cryptocurrency Rally

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Bitcoin reached an unprecedented high above $106,000 Monday, continuing a dramatic post-election surge that has seen the cryptocurrency’s value increase more than 50% since Donald Trump’s November 5 victory.

The digital currency’s rally reflects market optimism about the incoming administration’s cryptocurrency-friendly stance, including Trump’s proposal to establish a national Bitcoin stockpile similar to the strategic oil reserve.

Trading expert Peter McGuire of XM.com suggests the momentum could push Bitcoin to $120,000 by year-end and potentially $150,000 by mid-2025.

Trump’s appointment of David Sacks, a former PayPal executive and associate of Elon Musk, as AI and cryptocurrency tsar signals a significant shift in federal crypto policy.

 The president-elect has also named pro-cryptocurrency attorney Paul Atkins as his choice to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing current chairman Gary Gensler.

Gensler, who announced his resignation effective January 20, had faced criticism for his regulatory actions against cryptocurrency firms, actions Trump has publicly opposed.

The incoming administration’s anticipated regulatory changes have contributed to the current “fear of missing out” rally in cryptocurrency markets.

12 Die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Georgian Ski Resort Restaurant

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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.

Source: BBC

NDLEA Intercepts 83kg Methamphetamine, Loud Shipments from Canada; Arrests Three

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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. 

Two Ghanaians Sentenced in US for Multi-Million Dollar Internet Fraud Scheme

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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 Resumes Diplomatic Relations with Syria After 13 Years 

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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. 

Waiter Admits Cocaine Use with Liam Payne, Denies Dealing Claims

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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?”

TMZ

2 Teens Arrested After Missing South Carolina Teen Found Dead in Burned Car

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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. 

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