Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honour, “The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,” during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation. The accolade, his 20th international award, recognizes global leaders fostering friendship and diplomacy. Modi’s visit included a ceremonial welcome at the Bayan Palace and meetings with top Kuwaiti officials, aiming to deepen ties in energy, trade, and security. Addressing the Indian diaspora at the “Hala Modi” event, he lauded their contributions and emphasized India’s role as a global growth engine. This trip underscores the robust partnership between India and Kuwait.
KHAMENEI DENIES PROXY FORCE CLAIMS
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected claims that Iran uses proxy forces in West Asia, asserting that groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis act independently based on their beliefs and convictions. Speaking on Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra’s birth anniversary, Khamenei dismissed allegations from Western and Israeli officials as “absurd.” He emphasized that these groups act out of faith and not on Iran’s behalf, adding that if Iran chose to act, it wouldn’t rely on proxies. Addressing Syria’s instability, he predicted the emergence of resilient movements and called for resistance against destabilizing forces in the region.
FRIENDLY FIRE OVER RED SEA
Two US Navy pilots survived a “friendly fire” incident on Sunday over the Red Sea. Their F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, was mistakenly hit by a missile fired from the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser within the same strike group. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions as US forces responded to escalating Houthi rebel attacks in the region. The Red Sea remains volatile, with Houthi forces targeting merchant and military vessels, leading to significant damage. The US Central Command is investigating the mishap to prevent future errors.
HTS COMMANDER BECOMES SYRIA’S DEFENSE MINISTER
Murhaf Abu Qasra, a senior figure in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been named Syria’s Defence Minister under the interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. This appointment follows the toppling of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, marking the end of his 13-year rule. Abu Qasra, renowned for his leadership in military operations during the revolution, joins a transitional government aimed at restructuring Syria’s military institutions. Meanwhile, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani has been appointed Foreign Minister. The new leadership focuses on reconstruction, economic development, and fostering international peace, avoiding further conflict in the war-torn nation.
CHRISTMAS EVE ATTACK KILLS 5 IN GERMANY
A devastating car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 20 left five dead, including a toddler, and over 200 injured. The assailant, identified as Taleb A., a 50-year-old psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia residing in Germany since 2006, was arrested at the scene. The black BMW plowed through revellers for 400 meters in the crowded market square, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Authorities confirmed the attacker acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat. Regional Premier Reiner Haseloff described the incident as a “catastrophe” for Magdeburg and Germany.
