The tomb of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez Assad, was torched by rebels in Qardaha, Latakia. The mausoleum, central to Assad’s Alawite heartland, was set ablaze during Syria's ongoing upheaval. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the attack, with AFP footage showing significant damage. Hafez's elaborate tomb, along with family members’ graves, including Bashar’s brother Bassel, was destroyed. This follows a rapid rebel advance that seized Damascus, ousting Bashar Assad and ending over 50 years of Assad family rule. The incident marks a symbolic blow to Assad’s legacy amid Syria's ongoing conflict.

A Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, southern Ukraine, killed 7 and injured 22, including a child. Local officials report the strike targeted a clinic and residential buildings, leaving 5 trapped under rubble. Two women were rescued overnight. Zaporizhzhia regional head Ivan Fedorov accused Russia of using an Iskander missile and vowed justice, declaring a day of mourning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated calls for advanced air defense systems from Western allies. Meanwhile, a drone attack damaged an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) convoy vehicle near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. IAEA head Rafael Grossi condemned the attack as "unacceptable."          

South Korean police have raided the presidential office in Seoul following President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law. While authorities gained access to civil service offices, they were blocked from entering the main building by security. The raid comes amid political turmoil, with Yoon facing investigations on charges of insurrection and treason. The former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who attempted suicide in detention, took responsibility for the martial law declaration. Political pressure on Yoon is mounting as protests continue and impeachment proceedings gain momentum.

Pubs across the UK are struggling with a Guinness shortage after Diageo imposed stock limits due to high demand. Landlords, especially those reliant on the iconic stout, have been forced into "panic buying" as supply shortages leave them with insufficient stock. Steven Crosbie, a Liverpool pub owner, warned that the situation could "cripple" his business. Guinness sales have surged by over 20% from July to October 2024, driven by younger drinkers and a trend of "Splitting the G." Pub owners are scrambling to find alternative sources to meet demand during the busy festive period.

A tragic incident occurred at Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest on December 10, 2024, when a massive tree fell, killing two foreign tourists. The victims, from France and South Korea, were struck by the tree during heavy rain and strong winds. A viral video shows tourists fleeing in panic as the tree crashes down. Another South Korean tourist was injured and hospitalized. Ubud police coordinated the evacuation, and the forest remains a popular tourist destination, with over 1,200 macaques living in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

Donald Trump has launched a new line of fragrances called 'Fight, Fight, Fight,' using a photo of himself seated next to US First Lady Jill Biden at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 7, 2024. The fragrance line includes perfume for women and cologne for men, each priced at $199. Trump's marketing slogan, "A fragrance your enemies can't resist," was shared on his Truth Social platform. The fragrances symbolize victory and determination, marking the latest in a series of branded merchandise from the US President-elect.

Luigi Mangione, arrested after a five-day manhunt for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is fighting his extradition from Pennsylvania to New York. Mangione, who was captured after a McDonald's worker tipped off authorities, faces charges related to Thompson’s shooting in Manhattan last week. At a Pennsylvania court hearing, Mangione, visibly agitated, denied the charges, with his attorney claiming there is no evidence linking him to the crime. Investigators found a gun, a passport, and $10,000 in cash on Mangione, along with writings criticizing the healthcare industry and large corporations.

Stray dogs near the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site have genetically adapted to survive radiation, heavy metals, and pollution. Scientists analyzed DNA from 116 dogs in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), finding genetic mutations enabling their survival in the radioactive wasteland. These mutations are passed down generations, showcasing remarkable evolutionary resilience. Approximately 900 stray dogs, likely descendants of pets left behind after the 1986 disaster, thrive despite harsh conditions. This groundbreaking research, published in Canine Medicine and Genetics, could deepen understanding of health impacts on humans exposed to environmental hazards and provide insights into mitigating long-term toxic exposures.

A wildfire in Malibu, California, has forced 20,000 residents, including celebrities like Dick Van Dyke and Cher, to evacuate. The Franklin Fire, fueled by Santa Ana winds, has burned over 2,800 acres, destroyed 7 structures, and damaged 8. Over 1,500 firefighters are battling the 0% contained blaze. Power outages affected 40,000 customers, with officials citing fire risk. Pepperdine University sheltered 3,000 students as flames encroached, canceling exams. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart called it a “traumatic 20 hours.” Officials emphasized the resilience of affected residents, including middle-class families and ranchers. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Bangladesh has acknowledged 88 incidents of violence against minorities, primarily Hindus, from August 5 to October 22, following Sheikh Hasina's ouster. The interim government reported 70 arrests, with more cases under investigation. Attacks were linked to political affiliations or personal disputes, according to press secretary Shafiqul Alam. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed concerns over the safety of minorities during recent talks with Bangladesh’s leadership. Nationwide protests erupted in India on Human Rights Day, with rallies in Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow demanding intervention from the Indian government and the United Nations. Protesters condemned attacks on Hindus and temples.