Pakistan confirmed airstrikes on militants' hideouts in Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing 46 people, including women and children. Conducted as an intelligence-based operation against threats to Pakistani citizens, the strikes drew condemnation from Afghanistan's Taliban regime, labeling them "outright aggression." Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai criticized Pakistan's "flawed extremism policies," calling the strikes a sovereignty violation. Abdullah Abdullah also condemned the attacks. Pakistan's Foreign Office defended the operation, emphasizing citizen security and dialogue with Afghanistan. Afghan officials vowed to respond to this "brutal act," warning such actions won’t resolve tensions between the neighbors.                

Passengers aboard a British Airways flight from Delhi experienced festive cheer upon landing at London Heathrow on Christmas Day. A passenger's Instagram video showcased sparkling lights and Christmas music inside the plane, creating a magical atmosphere. "Thank you for the festive cheer, British Airways. Merry Christmas," the user wrote. Instagram users praised the heartwarming celebration, while some offered humorous critiques, like suggesting Bollywood songs. The gesture drew mixed reactions, with some passengers finding it unnecessary. This festive initiative highlighted the airline's effort to spread holiday joy to travelers during their journey.

On Christmas Day, French authorities rescued 107 people trying to cross the English Channel to the UK. Twelve rescue operations took place off northern France, including one near Dunkirk where 51 people were saved from a boat in distress. Despite the calm weather, the Channel remains a dangerous area for small, overcrowded boats. A total of 451 people arrived in the UK on 11 boats. 2024 has become the deadliest year on record, with 73 deaths so far. Charities warn of the risks of winter crossings and continue to assist stranded migrants.

14 security personnel of Syria’s new government were killed in an ambush by suspected loyalists of former leader Bashar al-Assad in the Tartous countryside. The forces, mainly armed rebels, were on a mission to arrest a former official linked to executions at Saydnaya prison. The attack also left ten others wounded. The new interior minister condemned the attack, vowing to strengthen security. Meanwhile, protests broke out in Homs city, with demonstrators demanding the release of prisoners and protection for religious minorities. The new regime has vowed to safeguard these groups amid rising tensions.

Israel's military targeted Sana'a International Airport and Hodeidah seaport in Yemen on December 26, 2024, in retaliation for a week-long missile campaign by the Houthis. The strikes followed multiple missile attacks from the Houthis on Israel, including a recent hypersonic missile that hit Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Houthi military infrastructure, including power stations and ports used for smuggling Iranian weapons. The IDF stated these facilities supported the Houthis’ attacks on Israel. Israel is reportedly considering further military actions in Yemen with support from the U.S. amid escalating tensions.

An Azerbaijan Airlines plane, which crashed near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, 2024, may have been hit by a Russian missile, according to reports. The plane, traveling from Baku to Grozny, had requested an emergency landing before the crash. Thirty-eight people were killed, and 29 survived. Experts noted damage consistent with missile shrapnel. The plane was in an area with reported Ukrainian drone activity, and some survivors reported explosions on board. An investigation is ongoing, and the black box has been recovered. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning for the victims.

Ukraine's military has claimed that its air force attacked a military facility in Russia’s Rostov region. The strike targeted a facility in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, which produced solid fuel for ballistic missiles used in Russian attacks on Ukraine. While the Ukrainian military did not specify the exact date of the strike or the extent of the damage, it confirmed the attack was part of ongoing military efforts. This comes amid continued tensions and military activity in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Around 15,000 Taliban fighters are marching towards Pakistan after Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan killed dozens, mostly women and children. The Afghan Taliban has condemned the airstrikes, vowing retaliation. Pakistan's attacks targeted the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in eastern Afghanistan, escalating tensions. This conflict highlights Pakistan’s dual-Taliban challenge, with the TTP and the Taliban regime both causing instability. The Afghan Taliban, once nurtured by Pakistan for strategic purposes, now poses a growing threat to Pakistan’s security. Pakistan's past support for the Taliban has come back to haunt it, increasing violence across its borders.

Russia has urged people not to speculate about the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which killed 38 people. Speculation about a missile strike has been growing, but the Kremlin has denied it. The Embraer 190 plane had diverted to Kazakhstan after bad weather in Russia. Authorities are investigating the cause, with some suggesting a bird strike. However, doubts remain, and footage from the crash site has raised questions. Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to affected areas while investigations continue. Russia calls for caution until the official investigation is complete.

An Israeli airstrike on central Gaza killed five Palestinian journalists from Al-Quds Today TV, a channel linked to Islamic Jihad, as they slept in a marked broadcast truck. Witnesses say the truck was directly hit. Israel's military claimed it targeted a vehicle carrying militants but denied attacking media workers. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reports 195 journalists killed since the Gaza war began in October 2023. International groups condemned the strike, emphasizing journalists are civilians under international law. The war has caused over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly women and children, amidst accusations of severe humanitarian violations. Negotiations for a ceasefire remain stalled.