Larry Lee
The Latest
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Russian and Syrian Airstrikes Leave 25 Dead in Aleppo, Including 10 Children
At least 25 civilians, including 10 children and four women, were killed on Sunday as Russian and Syrian airstrikes targeted rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib, according to the White Helmets. The attacks come as fierce battles erupt between Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, and a coalition of rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. 
At least 25 civilians, including 10 children and four women, were killed on Sunday as Russian and Syrian airstrikes targeted rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib, according to the White Helmets. The attacks come as fierce battles erupt between Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, and a coalition of rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. -
North Korean Troops in Russia Will Be 'Cannon Fodder' in Ukraine Conflict, Zelensky Warns
Zelensky said Russia was treating the North Korean troops well in an effort to attract more recruits but warned that the favorable treatment would not last. He noted that it was "indisputable" that Russian President Vladimir Putin would eventually send these soldiers to the front lines, using them as "cannon fodder." 
Zelensky said Russia was treating the North Korean troops well in an effort to attract more recruits but warned that the favorable treatment would not last. He noted that it was "indisputable" that Russian President Vladimir Putin would eventually send these soldiers to the front lines, using them as "cannon fodder." -
Iranian-Backed Militias Enter Syria Amid Insurgent Gains in Aleppo
Iran-backed Iraqi militias crossed into Syria overnight, reinforcing embattled Syrian government forces following a major insurgent offensive that has left Aleppo, the country's second-largest city, under the control of Islamist militants. The escalation has further destabilized a region already beset by conflict, raising fears of broader international involvement. 
Iran-backed Iraqi militias crossed into Syria overnight, reinforcing embattled Syrian government forces following a major insurgent offensive that has left Aleppo, the country's second-largest city, under the control of Islamist militants. The escalation has further destabilized a region already beset by conflict, raising fears of broader international involvement. -
Philippine Navy Tracks Russian Submarine in South China Sea
The Philippine military deployed naval and air forces last week to shadow a Russian submarine traversing the South China Sea near the country's western coast, sparking concern amid heightened tensions in the contested waters. The 74-meter-long vessel, armed with missiles capable of traveling 12,000 kilometers, was identified en route to Vladivostok after participating in joint exercises with the Malaysian navy, according to Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council. 
The Philippine military deployed naval and air forces last week to shadow a Russian submarine traversing the South China Sea near the country's western coast, sparking concern amid heightened tensions in the contested waters. The 74-meter-long vessel, armed with missiles capable of traveling 12,000 kilometers, was identified en route to Vladivostok after participating in joint exercises with the Malaysian navy, according to Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council. -
Biden Administration Rules Out Nuclear Weapons for Ukraine
The Biden administration has made it clear that returning nuclear weapons to Ukraine is not on the table, emphasizing that its focus remains on providing conventional military support to Kyiv in its ongoing war against Russia. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the matter on Sunday, dismissing reports that such a drastic step was under consideration. 
The Biden administration has made it clear that returning nuclear weapons to Ukraine is not on the table, emphasizing that its focus remains on providing conventional military support to Kyiv in its ongoing war against Russia. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the matter on Sunday, dismissing reports that such a drastic step was under consideration. -
Putin Approves Record Defense Budget Amid EU Pledge of Continued Ukraine Support
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a 2025 budget that dedicates a record-breaking 32.5% of its spending, or more than $145 billion, to national defense. The increase underscores Moscow's determination to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine, Europe's largest conflict since World War II. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a 2025 budget that dedicates a record-breaking 32.5% of its spending, or more than $145 billion, to national defense. The increase underscores Moscow's determination to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine, Europe's largest conflict since World War II. -
Israel Targets Hezbollah Weapons Smuggling Sites in Syria, Testing Fragile Ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along Syria's border with Lebanon on Saturday, the Israeli military announced, citing violations of a fragile ceasefire. The strikes, which Israeli officials claim were necessary to stop weapons transfers to Lebanon, underscore the tenuous nature of the truce brokered by the United States and France just days earlier. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah, Syrian authorities, or conflict monitors in Syria. 
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along Syria's border with Lebanon on Saturday, the Israeli military announced, citing violations of a fragile ceasefire. The strikes, which Israeli officials claim were necessary to stop weapons transfers to Lebanon, underscore the tenuous nature of the truce brokered by the United States and France just days earlier. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah, Syrian authorities, or conflict monitors in Syria. -
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Kill Dozens, Including Aid Workers, Amid Renewed Ceasefire Talks
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 46 Palestinians, including civilians seeking aid and three humanitarian workers, according to Palestinian health officials and local reports. The strikes came as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for renewed ceasefire discussions with Egyptian officials. 
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 46 Palestinians, including civilians seeking aid and three humanitarian workers, according to Palestinian health officials and local reports. The strikes came as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for renewed ceasefire discussions with Egyptian officials. -
Syrian Rebels Seize Aleppo in Lightning Assault, Government Troops Retreat
Syrian opposition forces have captured significant portions of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, in a lightning assault that marks their most significant advance in years. The offensive, spearheaded by Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, broke through government-held territory this week, reigniting conflict in an area that had remained largely stagnant since government forces reclaimed the city in 2016. 
Syrian opposition forces have captured significant portions of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, in a lightning assault that marks their most significant advance in years. The offensive, spearheaded by Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, broke through government-held territory this week, reigniting conflict in an area that had remained largely stagnant since government forces reclaimed the city in 2016. -
Zelensky Open to Diplomacy Over Occupied Territories in Peace Plan With NATO Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a significant shift in his approach to the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting a possible ceasefire if NATO extends a protective umbrella over the territories currently under Kyiv's control. In an interview with Sky News on Friday, Zelensky revealed his willingness to temporarily set aside the issue of Russian-occupied regions for future diplomatic negotiations. 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a significant shift in his approach to the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting a possible ceasefire if NATO extends a protective umbrella over the territories currently under Kyiv's control. In an interview with Sky News on Friday, Zelensky revealed his willingness to temporarily set aside the issue of Russian-occupied regions for future diplomatic negotiations.
