Taiwan scrambles air force fighters to warn off 27 Chinese jets in buffer zone
Taiwan deployed its air force Sunday in an effort to drive back dozens of Chinese aircraft that entered its air defense space.
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WHO Calls New Coronavirus Strain ‘Variant of Concern’ And Names It Omicron
The United Nations health body said Friday the new coronavirus variant is “a variant of concern” and named it Omicron.
Migrants Face Uncertainty At Belarus-Polish Border
As Europe’s winter sets in, Pope Francis urged prayers for migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty as the European Union braced for a new influx of desperate people through Belarus and other routes. The Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, offered humanitarian aid to refugees who opted to stay at the Belarusian-Polish border.
All EU States Ban Travel From Southern Africa
All 27 member states of the European Union agreed Friday to suspend travel from seven southern African nations over the outbreak of a new coronavirus.
EU Warns Of South Africa COVID Variant; Banning Flights
The European Union’s executive wants that EU countries introduce an “emergency brake” on travel from southern Africa due to a new coronavirus variant.
Children, Pregnant Woman Drown In Channel
Among 27 migrants who died after their boat sank near Calais, France, were 17 men, seven women – one of whom was pregnant – and three children, France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.
Taliban Hunting For Christians In Afghanistan
Christians in Afghanistan have reportedly turned off their phones and moved to undisclosed locations amid an ongoing crackdown by the ruling Islamist Taliban group.
‘US won’t launch a single military operation against Iran,’ former official says
As world powers prepare to reconvene in Vienna for renewed nuclear talks with Iran, former National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror said that “without a military threat and pressure on Iran, nothing will result from a deal.”
US says it’ll amp up pressure on Iran if it does not start cooperating with IAEA
The US warned Thursday it could raise the stakes in international pressure on Iran if the Islamic Republic continues to hinder efforts by the UN nuclear watchdog to monitor its nuclear program.
CIA Warns Russia Over ‘Havana Syndrome’
The director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency reportedly warned Russia’s secret services of “consequences” if they are behind health incidents known as “Havana Syndrome” afflicting U.S. diplomats and spies worldwide.
New Government In Germany To Phase Out Coal, Legalize Drugs
Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, will have a new government of Social Democrats, Greens, and liberal parties that seek to phase-out coal by 2030 while legalizing “soft” drugs.
UN in the dark over Iran’s nuclear capabilities ahead of key talks on international agreement
UN nuclear inspectors have warned part of their surveillance of Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program has gone dark.
Dozens Of Migrants Drown On Way To Britain
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “shocked, appalled and deeply saddened” after at least 30 people died when their boat sank in the Channel.
Nigeria Condemned Over Detention Christian Journalist
Aid workers have condemned the detention of a Nigerian Christian journalist after he covered attacks against mainly Christian communities in Nigeria.
Chinese hypersonic weapon fired a missile over South China Sea
The hypersonic weapon China tested this summer, alarming US military leaders, fired something off midflight while inside the atmosphere somewhere over the South China Sea, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the intelligence.
Lithuania Allows Taiwan To Establish ‘Embassy’ Despite China’s Outcry
Lithuania has defended its decision to allow Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in the Baltic nation despite an angry response from China.
Austria In Lockdown As Nearby Germany Warns Unvaccinated Of Death
Austria returned to a national lockdown Monday and prepared for forced vaccinations against COVID-19, while in neighboring Germany, the government warned jab hesitant citizens of “death.”
US, Ukraine Scrutinize Russian Troop Buildup as Moscow Dismisses Invasion Fears
Russia’s troop buildup along the Ukrainian border is drawing alarm from U.S. officials who are warning of a potential new invasion. Ukrainian officials estimate 90,000 Russian troops are now positioned along the border and in Russian-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine.
Pakistan Court Releases Two Christian Nurses
A court in Pakistan has released on bail two Christian nurses charged with “defiling the Koran,” deemed a holy book by Muslims, Christians confirmed.
US: $127.5 Million For Parkland Shooting Families
The U.S. government has reportedly reached a tentative $127.5 million settlement with the families of victims of a 2018 mass shooting at a Florida, high school.