Japan Airlines faced a cyberattack on Thursday, disrupting domestic and international flights and halting ticket sales. The airline reported a system malfunction at 7:24 am local time, affecting its internal and external networks. By 8:56 am, the issue's root cause—a malfunctioning router—was identified and addressed. Temporary measures included shutting down the router and suspending ticket sales for all flights scheduled for the day. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and is monitoring system recovery. Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines operates from hubs at Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports and Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports.

Syria's new rebel-led authorities reported the death of 14 interior ministry personnel in an ambush by forces loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad near Tartous. The security forces were targeted while attempting to arrest a former officer linked to Saydnaya prison abuses. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) noted three militants also died during clashes, with reinforcements deployed afterward. Concurrently, a curfew was imposed in Homs following unrest linked to an attack on an Alawite shrine. HTS, now leading Syria, faces criticism for failing to safeguard minorities, following Assad’s ousting and his family’s escape to Russia.

A riot at a prison in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on Christmas Day left 33 dead and 15 injured, said Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael. Over 1,500 prisoners escaped during the chaos, though 150 have been recaptured. Authorities attribute the unrest to civil tensions following disputed election results favoring the ruling Frelimo party. Justice Minister Helena Kida claims the violence began inside the prison, unrelated to outside protests. Mozambique has witnessed increasing turmoil, with at least 21 more deaths reported during nationwide clashes after the court upheld election results. Officials warn of a likely crime surge within 48 hours.

An Azerbaijani Embraer 190 airliner, carrying 67 people, crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The accident, confirmed by Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev, killed 38 and left 29 survivors. The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, diverted due to severe weather and possibly a bird strike, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called the tragedy a "tremendous sorrow." Among the passengers were 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Videos showed the aircraft nosediving before bursting into flames, with survivors aiding others from the wreckage.    

The Christian community in Bethlehem faces a somber Christmas for the second year as war in Gaza and expanding Israeli settlements cast shadows over festivities. The Church of the Nativity remains desolate, with no outdoor tree or celebrations. Residents like Alice Kisiya recount ongoing demolitions and legal battles over their homes. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa's arrival brought hope amid despair, urging unity and justice. Tony Marcos, restricted from visiting sacred sites, laments, "Our country is shrinking." Despite challenges, the community prays for a brighter year, striving to overcome hatred and division.

Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy system on Christmas Day, using missiles and drones. The Russian defence ministry said the strikes targeted critical infrastructure tied to Ukraine’s military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it "inhuman." In Kharkiv, half a million people were left without heating after the strikes. Moldova reported a Russian missile violating its airspace, though Romania denied any breach of its territory. The strikes come amid ongoing conflict, with both sides intensifying military actions. Ukrainian authorities are working to restore power and heating to affected areas amidst freezing winter temperatures.

King Charles shared a heartfelt Christmas address from a London hospital chapel. He openly spoke about the "anxieties and uncertainties" of illness, reflecting on his own health struggles this year. The King thanked healthcare teams for their support and care, adding a message of hope for the future. He also highlighted the importance of community, praising those who united after summer riots and showing concern for people impacted by global conflicts. With a religious tone, the King expressed a commitment to resilience and understanding, determined to continue his duties while undergoing regular treatment.

Pope Francis urged negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the ongoing war. Speaking during his Christmas address at St Peter's Basilica, he said, “Boldness is needed to open the door to dialogue for a just and lasting peace.” His appeal came hours after Russia launched a major missile attack on Ukraine's energy facilities. The Pope also called for ceasefires in Gaza and Syria, adding, “May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine and beyond.” He addressed conflicts worldwide, urging nations to seek peace and protect communities suffering from violence and war.

Pakistan launched rare airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktika province, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts, killing 50 people, including women and children. The strikes, which occurred hours after Pakistan’s envoy visited Kabul, targeted the Murgha and Laman areas in Bernal district. Videos showed widespread destruction and civilian casualties, intensifying tensions between the nations. Afghanistan’s Taliban condemned the attacks as “barbaric” and vowed retaliation, citing sovereignty defense as their right. Pakistan accuses TTP of using Afghan territory for attacks, a claim Kabul denies. This marks Pakistan’s second airstrike on Afghan soil this year.

A chilling video captured by a passenger shows the moments before an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The footage, widely shared online, reveals passengers shouting "Allahu Akbar" as oxygen masks dangle and the plane descends steeply. Another clip, post-crash, shows upside-down cabin panels, blood-stained armrests, and survivors screaming for help. The Embraer 190 aircraft had deviated from its flight path before making an emergency landing 3 km from Aktau. Investigations are underway, and the tragic incident has sparked widespread mourning, including a national day of mourning in Azerbaijan.