Kazakhstan has urged Ukraine to cease attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal after a Ukrainian naval drone attack caused significant damage and halted operations. The CPC, a major pipeline handling over 1% of global oil, includes shareholders from Russia, Kazakhstan, and the U.S., with Kazakhstan being its primary oil exporter. Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry protested the attack on the civilian infrastructure, viewing it as harmful to bilateral relations and expecting preventative measures from Ukraine. Russia has labeled the attacks as terrorism, while Ukraine defends its actions as self-defense against Russian aggression.
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Thousands of Airbus A320 family aircraft were grounded globally for a software update after it was discovered that solar radiation could interfere with onboard flight control computers. The issue stemmed from a problem with software that calculates a plane’s altitude, potentially causing data corruption at high altitudes. While many aircraft could be updated with a simple software fix, older models required physical computer replacements, leading to potential delays. Airlines worldwide, including in the UK, US, and Australia, experienced varying levels of disruption, with cancellations and delays impacting some flights.
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The Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal in Novorossiysk suspended oil loadings following a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel attack on November 29th, resulting in severe damage to the SPM-2 single point mooring unit. Cargo operations were halted, and tankers were moved out of CPC waters as a result. The attack triggered the shutdown of pipelines, preventing potential oil spills, and environmental monitoring is currently underway. This incident follows previous attacks on the terminal, and contributes to the ongoing disruption of Russian oil export infrastructure.
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On November 30, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released footage detailing an operation in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The operation allegedly disrupted the sale of stolen diesel by Chechen fighters, known as “Kadyrovites,” in the Berdiansk district. In cooperation with partisans, HUR reported that two explosions were orchestrated at the site on November 29, targeting vehicles involved in the scheme. While the exact number of casualties is still being assessed, this action represents part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to diminish Russian military capabilities in occupied territories.
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In the Philippines, thousands of demonstrators, including members of the Roman Catholic Church, took to the streets on Sunday to demand the swift prosecution of officials implicated in a widespread corruption scandal. Protesters, also led by left-wing groups, called for the immediate resignation and prosecution of all implicated government officials, spurred by outrage over substandard flood control projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been working to quell public unrest while authorities have frozen assets and arrested several public works officers in connection to the case. Despite isolated calls, the Armed Forces of the Philippines rejected military intervention, while protesters demanded that officials be jailed and forced to return stolen funds.
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The world’s 100 largest arms manufacturers experienced a 5.9% revenue increase in 2024, reaching a record $679 billion, fueled by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and global military spending. European and U.S. companies led the growth, with European arms revenue rising by 13% due to demand related to the war in Ukraine and U.S. revenue up 3.8%. While revenue increased in the Middle East and Russia, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to issues in the Chinese arms industry.
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Evidence gathered by the BBC suggests Georgian authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon, “camite,” against anti-government protesters. Protesters reported severe and long-lasting symptoms, including burning skin, breathing difficulties, and vomiting, corroborated by medical studies. Experts and former police officials identified the likely use of this obsolete chemical agent, which was mixed into water cannons. The Georgian government denies the findings, but the BBC’s investigation highlights the potential use of a dangerous substance with lasting effects, raising concerns under international law.
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Bruna Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, has been detained by ICE, leading to accusations that Leavitt is downplaying their relationship. Despite White House claims that the two hadn’t spoken in years, Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirms regular contact and shared activities, including a recent soccer game with Leavitt’s family. Ferreira, who is the co-parent of Leavitt’s nephew, is contesting claims by the Department of Homeland Security about her visa status and criminal history, emphasizing her close relationship with the family. Her attorney further notes that she was selected as the child’s godmother.
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Kelly says Senate will ‘put people under oath’ over reported follow-up strikes in Caribbean. That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? The core issue revolves around reported follow-up strikes in the Caribbean, and Senator Kelly is signaling a serious intent to investigate. The key phrase here is “put people under oath.” It’s a classic move, the Senate flexing its oversight muscles. The idea, presumably, is to get to the bottom of the matter, to uncover the truth of what happened and who was involved.
The promise of a Senate inquiry, especially one involving sworn testimony, is generally seen as a serious matter.… Continue reading
Former President Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans, particularly those he deems as undermining domestic tranquility. This declaration follows the shooting of National Guard members in D.C. by an Afghan national. Trump stated that he would denaturalize individuals who “shouldn’t be here,” blaming the current administration for their presence. However, he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the extent of his authority to do so.
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Leavitt Accused of Connection to ICE Detention of Relative
Bruna Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, has been detained by ICE, leading to accusations that Leavitt is downplaying their relationship. Despite White House claims that the two hadn’t spoken in years, Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirms regular contact and shared activities, including a recent soccer game with Leavitt’s family. Ferreira, who is the co-parent of Leavitt’s nephew, is contesting claims by the Department of Homeland Security about her visa status and criminal history, emphasizing her close relationship with the family. Her attorney further notes that she was selected as the child’s godmother.
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