Lagos: The United States has conducted strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced through his Truth Social platform. The operations, described as "powerful and deadly," were aimed at ISIS militants who have been targeting Christians in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Trump stated that the strikes were a response to the ongoing violence perpetrated by ISIS against Christian communities. He emphasized that the US would not tolerate such acts and had previously warned the militant group of severe repercussions if they did not cease their attacks.
In other developments, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Sudan's Sovereignty Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Ankara. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties and addressing the conflict in Sudan. Erdogan expressed Turkey's commitment to supporting peace, stability, and Sudan's territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near Poland's airspace. The Polish Armed Forces reported that the aircraft was visually identified and monitored over the Baltic Sea. There was no breach of Polish airspace, but the incident highlighted the vigilance of Poland's air defense services.
Additionally, reports indicate that over 8,000 olive trees have been destroyed in the occupied West Bank, resulting in significant financial losses. In Nigeria's Borno state, a mosque bombing during evening prayers killed at least five people and injured 35 others. In Japan, the first case of avian influenza for the season has been confirmed in Ibaraki.
Poland's Ambassador to France has been temporarily relieved of duties amid a fake diploma investigation. In Australia, New South Wales has banned public gatherings following the passage of an anti-protest law. Rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have resulted in a death toll of 96 due to border clashes.
French farmers continue roadblocks in southwestern France, and a clash on the Tajik-Afghan border resulted in five deaths. Azerbaijan's parliament has approved a defense agreement with Turkey to strengthen military security.
In business, Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport has reported a record-breaking number of passengers served between January and November. The Turkish Transportation and Infrastructure Minister attributed this growth to infrastructure enhancements at the airport.
Lastly, China's Commerce Ministry has expressed hopes for balanced solutions following a deal concerning TikTok's US operations, emphasizing the need for a fair business environment for Chinese companies in the US.