A 78-year-old billionaire British businessman and former UK honorary consul in Guayaquil, Colin Armstrong, has been kidnapped from his home in Ecuador's Los Rios province, BBC reported. Armstrong and his partner Katherine Paola Santos were abducted in the early hours of Saturday from a farm he owned near Guayaquil, according to police in the South American country. Local media reports say 15 criminals disguised as police officers forcibly entered his property and snatched the couple. The attackers drove the couple away in Armstrong’s black BMW, which was later found abandoned nearby. However, Ms. Santos has been rescued and is now being investigated by prosecutors and police in Ecuador over the kidnapping. Veteran lawyer Ricardo Vanegas said in a tweet, ''Following the kidnap of Colin Armstrong, it's become known that Katherine Paola Santos was born in the Colombian city of Barranquilla and began having surgery to look more feminine and that her birth name is Alberto Santos.'' [Photo: @Ricardo_Vanegas on X]

Israeli President Isaac Herzog signaled willingness to engage in another foreign-mediated truce with Hamas amid the ongoing conflict, aiming to secure the release of hostages held by the militant group. Herzog emphasized the potential benefits for both sides, enabling more aid to reach the Palestinian enclave. However, Hamas rejected negotiations on prisoner exchange during the conflict, expressing openness to initiatives for ending aggression and facilitating aid. The United Nations Security Council is anticipated to address the Gaza situation, delayed by ongoing negotiations. International pressure mounts on Israel to reassess tactics in the conflict against Hamas.            

After prolonged conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian army grapples with recruitment challenges as exhausted soldiers remain in combat, and volunteers to replace casualties become scarce. Major Oleksandr Volkov states, "Our units are understaffed. We need young, motivated people under 40." Concerns rise in Kyiv over Western support, while the Russian forces press for gains. Battalion commander Volkov emphasizes the need for the state to respond and replace those who have been fighting for two years. President Zelensky calls for a review of the recruitment system, addressing issues of timing and corruption within the process.

The United Nations (UN) warns Myanmar is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with over 18 million people, or one-third of the population, requiring aid. The situation has worsened since the 2021 military coup, with displacement, healthcare interruptions, food insecurity, and child vulnerability. Mass displacement affects 2.6 million, escalating conflict adding 660,000 since late October. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs seeks $1 billion in donations for 2024, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent Myanmar from becoming a forgotten emergency after significant underfunding in 2023.

Paddington station will close for four days from Christmas Eve due to HS2 engineering work, affecting services until December 27. Victoria station will also close for Southeastern services from December 23 to January 2, and King’s Cross will shut on Christmas Eve. The closures impact Elizabeth line services between Paddington and Ealing Broadway on Christmas Eve. Network Rail assures 96% of the national rail network will operate as usual during the festive period, investing £127m in repairs and upgrades. Passengers are advised to check their journeys due to potential disruptions amid significant rail improvements.            

Amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, HMS Diamond joins a US-led maritime task force. A one-way drone and missile hit oil tanker SWAN ATLANTIC, prompting US Central Command's deployment. BP halts Red Sea shipments, impacting global oil prices, with Brent crude rising 3% to $78.88 per barrel. Downing Street engages freight firms, while nations, including the UK, participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard shipping. Houthi attacks raise concerns, leading France to collaborate with allies against disruptions. Shipping firms pause activities, contributing to fears of supply chain disruptions and potential petrol price hikes. Security measures intensify as global tensions heighten.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the enhancement of Russia's nuclear arsenal, attributing the moves to perceived Western aggression. Strategic forces at the highest level of readiness as the West wages a “hybrid war” against Russia, Putin told the conference of senior defence officials on Tuesday. Putin, running for re-election in March 2024, asserted that attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia had failed. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu revealed the laying of 7,000 sq km of minefields along the 2,000km frontline. Putin claimed Russia's defense industry's agility in responding to the Ukraine conflict surpasses that of the West. Meanwhile, Russia summoned Finland's ambassador over concerns about a new defense agreement with the U.S., vowing measures against perceived NATO threats.

The Icelandic government has stated that the ongoing volcanic eruption along a 4km crater near the town of Grindavik presents no threat to human life, as the town had already been evacuated as a precautionary measure. A government spokesperson said while they are monitoring risks to infrastructure, there have been no disruptions to aviation so far. However, he warned that the eruption is releasing high levels of toxic gases and strongly advised people to avoid visiting the eruption site while authorities assess the situation. He added that this is a fissure-type eruption typically not involving large explosions or significant ash emissions into the atmosphere. Overall, the government has downplayed risks from this event which follows days of intense seismic activity in the region.

The US has announced a 10-nation coalition including the UK, France, Bahrain, and Italy to address Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The rebels have escalated attacks on tankers and cargo vessels in the key transit route that carries 12% of global trade. The goal of the coalition is to ensure freedom of navigation and bolster regional security. Meanwhile, the Houthis said they attacked two vessels linked to Israel in solidarity with Gaza, but one ship's owner denied having any Israeli ties. The incidents are disrupting global trade in an attempt to pressure Israel over its conflict with Hamas. (Image Source: @sentdefender on X)

North Korea has conducted its fifth successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), condemned by South Korea, Japan, and the US. The missile, launched from near Pyongyang, flew about 1,000km, with Japanese officials reporting it landed in the sea west of Hokkaido. The ICBM, capable of reaching anywhere in the US, comes after talks between the US and South Korea on strategic weapons. Japan states the missile's potential range exceeds 15,000km. South Korea's President orders the upgrading of nuclear deterrence. The launch follows a short-range ballistic missile fired the night before, escalating tensions.