Israel's military disclosed details of its September 8, 2024, operation targeting an Iranian-funded underground missile production site in Masyaf, Syria. The Israeli Air Force deployed over 100 Kingfisher fighters, supported by helicopters, jets, and naval ships, to destroy the "Deep Layer" facility. Built with Iranian backing, the site produced precision missiles for Hezbollah and Syria's Assad regime. Critical machinery, weapons, and intelligence documents were seized before the facility was demolished. Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar called the mission essential to Israel's security. All personnel returned safely, marking a significant blow to Iran's regional ambitions.

Iran pledged support for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for a 2017 murder. Priya, from Kerala's Palakkad district, is accused of sedating Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, leading to his death. Yemen's President recently approved her death penalty. Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, made an emotional plea from Sana’a, urging India to save her daughter. The Indian government confirmed efforts to explore options. Iran’s official said, “We will do all we can on humanitarian grounds.” Priya remains jailed in Houthi-controlled Sana’a.

The UK’s largest dinosaur trackway site, featuring 200 footprints dating back 166 million years, has been uncovered in an Oxfordshire quarry. The site includes tracks from long-necked Cetiosaurus and three-toed Megalosaurus. Some trackways stretch 150m, with potential for more discoveries. These footprints, preserved in a tropical lagoon, offer insights into dinosaur movement and environments. Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, first spotted the tracks, sparking a major excavation. Researchers are working on 3D models and preservation strategies. "These tracks provide a rare glimpse into prehistoric life," said Dr. Duncan Murdock of Oxford University.

Virat Kohli survived a controversial dismissal on the first ball of the fifth Test against Australia at the SCG. Scott Boland's delivery edged towards second slip, where Steve Smith took a diving catch and tossed it to Marnus Labuschagne. However, the third umpire ruled the ball had touched the ground before Smith secured it, giving Kohli a lifeline. Smith expressed disagreement during the lunch break, asserting his fingers were under the ball. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting also criticized the decision, stating Smith clearly had control. The incident sparked animated discussions, with Kohli and Smith exchanging words post-over.

Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty US special forces soldier, drove a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosives to the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. Officials confirmed he shot himself before the vehicle exploded, injuring seven people with minor wounds. Las Vegas authorities revealed Livelsberger rented the vehicle in Colorado and drove over 800 miles to Nevada. Investigators found military IDs, weapons, and other personal items in the charred remains. While parallels exist with the New Orleans truck attack, no connection has been established. The explosion's vertical impact prevented further casualties or significant damage.

US Army veteran Shamsud Din Jabbar, loyal to ISIS, carried out a deadly terror attack in New Orleans' French Quarter. President Joe Biden revealed Jabbar had planted two IEDs in ice coolers, controlled by a remote detonator in his truck. He rammed his vehicle into New Year’s revellers on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring 30 before being fatally shot. The FBI confirmed Jabbar acted alone, inspired by ISIS, and had posted videos proclaiming support for the group. Biden vowed relentless pursuit of terrorist organizations, stating, "They will find no safe haven here." The FBI is continuing its investigation.

The FBI is investigating a deadly New Year's attack in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 people. Authorities said the 42-year-old army veteran acted alone, inspired by ISIS. The attack, which took place on Bourbon Street, was premeditated, with Jabbar posting pro-ISIS videos before the incident. He also left behind two IEDs, though they did not detonate. The investigation is focusing on any ISIS affiliation or support Jabbar may have had. Jabbar, who converted to Islam, was shot after crashing the truck and opening fire on police.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 54 Palestinians across Gaza on January 2, 2025, including 11 in a tent encampment in the Al-Mawasi district. Among the dead were Gaza's police chief Mahmoud Salah and his aide, Hussam Shahwan. The attacks also targeted areas like Khan Younis, Jabalia, and the Maghazi camp, where Hamas militants were allegedly operating. The Israeli military confirmed intelligence-based strikes, claiming they followed international law. Gaza's health ministry reports over 45,500 deaths since the war began, as much of Gaza remains devastated, with many displaced residents.

A US army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, killed 14 and injured over 30 in a New Orleans truck attack on New Year’s Eve. The FBI confirmed Jabbar was “100% inspired by ISIS,” with evidence showing loyalty to the jihadist group. He posted pro-ISIS videos and carried the group’s flag during the attack. Jabbar also planted homemade bombs, which were safely defused. Police shot him after he injured two officers. The incident coincided with a separate Las Vegas explosion but showed no direct links. Authorities are investigating Jabbar’s radicalization path and ensuring security for New Orleans' upcoming Sugar Bowl event.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has suspended Al Jazeera's operations in the occupied West Bank, accusing the Qatari-owned channel of incitement and bias. The decision follows the network’s coverage of a security crackdown in Jenin refugee camp, where 11 people were killed. Al Jazeera called the move an attempt to "hide the truth" about events in the region. PA security forces issued the suspension order at Al Jazeera’s Ramallah office. The network denies the accusations, asserting its impartiality. Critics argue the PA is suppressing dissent amid declining public support and tensions with rival factions like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.