Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces (NBC), was killed in a bomb explosion in Moscow on December 17, 2024. The bomb, hidden in an electric scooter, detonated as Kirillov left a residential building. The explosion also killed his assistant. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a murder investigation. Kirillov, previously sanctioned by the UK for overseeing chemical weapon use in Ukraine, was also charged by Ukraine’s secret service with mass chemical weapon deployment. Russia denies the accusations. Investigations continue into the incident.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces, was killed in a Moscow explosion on December 17, 2024. The bomb, hidden in an electric scooter, detonated outside a building near the Kremlin, resulting in Kirillov's death and that of his assistant. Kirillov had been recently charged in absentia by Ukrainian prosecutors for allegedly using banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, a claim Russia denied. The explosion is under investigation, with a criminal case filed. Kirillov's troops, known for operating in hazardous conditions, were responsible for Russia's defense against chemical and radioactive threats.

A 15-year-old female student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, killing a teacher and a student, and injuring six others. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two students remain in critical condition. The attack, which occurred during a study hall, prompted a large emergency response, with 15 ambulances dispatched. Authorities are investigating the motive and are seeking witness accounts. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and President Joe Biden expressed condolences and called for action on gun violence. The school remains closed during the investigation.

A New York judge rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s appeal to overturn his felony conviction in a hush money case. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that Supreme Court immunity for official acts doesn't cover Trump's unofficial conduct, such as paying a porn star to secure silence before the 2016 election. This decision, reported by CNN, raises the possibility of Trump assuming office with a felony conviction, pending appeal. Prosecutors argued Trump's attempt to dismiss the case was excessive and unnecessary to protect the presidency. Trump's sentencing remains indefinitely postponed since his November 5 election victory.

Bangladesh's interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, announced that the next parliamentary elections could take place between late 2025 and mid-2026. This statement comes amid growing pressure from Khaleda Zia’s BNP, which has been demanding an earlier election date. Yunus shared this timeline during a speech on Victory Day, citing the need for reforms. BNP leaders, including acting chairman Tarique Rahman, criticized the delay, accusing influential groups of conspiring to undermine their electoral prospects. Differing views within the interim government on election timing have further fueled debate, with the public demanding clarity on the election roadmap.

Bashar al-Assad, in his first statement since losing power, said he planned to keep fighting rebels but left Syria at Russia’s request. He revealed he was evacuated from the Hmeimim base on December 8 after it came under attack. Assad stated he had stayed in Damascus until that morning, denying claims he fled in the conflict's final hours. He clarified he never considered stepping down or seeking refuge, calling his presidency meaningless after rebels took control. Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family. The rebel offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marked a major setback for Moscow.

Russia is testing the Kalinka monitoring system, labeled the "Starlink killer," targeting drones connected to Elon Musk's Starlink network. Developed by the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST), Kalinka detects aerial and maritime drones within a 15 km range. CBST chairman Andrey Bezrukov revealed it disrupts Starlink and Starshield terminals, critical for Ukraine's military operations. The system’s effectiveness depends on terrain and enemy electronic countermeasures. Musk's Starlink, a satellite-based internet service, has been vital for Ukraine, enabling drone operations, battlefield communications, and artillery coordination. Kalinka poses a significant threat to Ukraine's reliance on Starlink's connectivity.

In his first statement since being ousted, Bashar al-Assad declared, "Asylum was never an option," rejecting claims of fleeing Syria during the fall of his regime. Assad stated he stayed in Damascus until December 8, when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces captured the city. He claimed Russia evacuated him due to drone attacks but insisted his departure was not pre-planned. Blaming "terrorism" for Syria's collapse, Assad said, "I have always considered myself a custodian of a national project." Despite losing power, he expressed hope for Syria's resilience, adding, "It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will be free."

Israel dropped a bomb on Syria so powerful it measured 3.0 on the Richter scale, causing a huge explosion near Tartus. The strike targeted air defence units and missile depots, marking the heaviest bombardment in Syria’s coastal region since 2012. The US embassy in Damascus warned Americans to leave Syria, citing ongoing armed conflict and terrorism. The embassy, closed since 2012, advised citizens to prepare emergency plans and seek help from other countries for evacuation. Tensions remain high as Israel continues military actions in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s recent downfall.

12 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia. Police found 11 foreigners and one Georgian national dead in a sleeping area above a restaurant. The victims were discovered on Saturday in a building that housed an Indian restaurant. Authorities believe the deaths were accidental, caused by an oil-powered generator turned on after the building lost electricity on Friday. Preliminary tests show no signs of violence. Gudauri, located in the Caucasus mountains, is a popular ski destination, about 120km north of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. An investigation is underway.