Morning Briefing: Dec. 26, 2023

By Zehra Nur Duz

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Tuesday, including US military's airstrikes against targets of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah group in Iraq, attacks by military gangs on communities in north-central Nigeria, and Russia's claim that it took control of Marinka town in Ukraine's Donetsk region.

TOP STORIES

• US forces conduct airstrikes in Iraq

The US military said it conducted airstrikes on Monday against targets of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah group in Iraq.

"In response to multiple attacks against coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against multiple facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq at 8:45 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 25," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

• Death toll from attacks in north-central Nigeria rises to 113

The death toll from weekend attacks by military gangs on communities in north-central Nigeria has risen to 113, a local official said.

The attacks by the gangs, locally known as bandits, happened in several communities including the Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau state from Saturday into the early hours of Monday, according to Monday Kassah, the head of the local government in Bokkos.

• Russia claims it took control of Marinka town in Ukraine's Donetsk region

Russia's defense minister claimed the country's armed forces took control of the town of Marinka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

"During active offensive operations, assault detachments of the 'Southern' group today completely liberated Marinka," Sergey Shoygu said during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has surged to 20,674, the Health Ministry in the territory said.

• Pope Francis voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and prayed for an end to the conflict, which is "devastating the lives of people in Israel and Palestine."

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed the nation's enduring commitment to support the oppressed, particularly in the besieged Gaza Strip.

• Türkiye will not allow terror barons in northern Iraq and Syria to stop the country from its path, the Turkish president said.

• Turkish intelligence "neutralized" a so-called leader of the PKK terrorist organization in northern Iraq, security sources said.

• Christians in the Gaza Strip, who have been enduring Israeli attacks since Oct. 7, conducted their night liturgy as part of the religious rituals accompanying Christmas according to the Western calendar.

• The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem released a Christmas message expressing deep concern for the continuous suffering of Palestinians in the region.

SPORTS

• Turkish athletes collect over 7,000 medals in 2023

Turkish national athletes achieved an outstanding performance in 2023, securing a remarkable total of 7,418 medals in various international events throughout the year.

The impressive medal haul comprised 2,453 gold, 2,600 silver, and 2,365 bronze medals, according to information compiled by Anadolu.

• Manchester City makes its mark in international football in 2023

Manchester City secured a unique achievement in 2023 by bagging five titles: the English Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Ukraine says it received $1.34B under World Bank project

Ukraine said it received $1.34 billion under a World Bank project to support the war-stricken country.

“The financing consists of a $1.086 billion loan from the World Bank, which was provided through the Advancing Needed Credit Enhancement for Ukraine (ADVANCE Ukraine) Trust Fund under the guarantee of the Japanese government,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

• China asks India to ‘provide fair’ environment for its firms

China asked India to provide a “fair, transparent and non-discriminatory” environment to its firms operating in the South Asian nation.

Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said Beijing was “paying close attention” to the arrest by India of two senior employees of Chinese smartphone maker Vivo.​​​​​​​