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US forces shoot down ballistic missiles in Red Sea, kills Houthi rebels

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports

Kim orders military to 'thoroughly annihilate' US, S Korea if provoked

Kim is expected to ramp up weapons tests in 2024 ahead of the US presidential election in November

New Year's Eve celebrations roll across Asia, but wars cast shadow on 2024

It's total madness, said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had waited in line since 7.30 am to secure a prime waterfront location in the Sydney Botanic Garden

Fresh drone strikes on Ukraine after Russia promises retaliation for attack

The Ukrainian Air Force said Sunday that it had shot down 21 of 49 drones launched by Russian forces overnight

Putin lauds Russian unity in New Year's address as war shadows celebration

What united us and unites us is the fate of the Fatherland, a deep understanding of the highest significance of the historical stage through which Russia is passing, the president said

New Zealand's Auckland first major city to celebrate New Year 2024

Auckland has become the first major city to ring in 2024, with thousands cheering a fireworks display sprouting from New Zealand's tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a downtown light show.

Displaced, crossing borders: Afghan people make tough journeys to survive

More than 40 years of war, violence and poverty in Afghanistan have created one of the world's most uprooted populations. Some 6 million Afghans are refugees outside the country

Will launch 3 more spy satellites, build more nuclear weapons in 2024: Kim

Kim's comments, made during a key ruling Workers' Party meeting to set state goals for 2024, suggest he'll continue a run of weapons tests to expand his arsenal amid long-dormant diplomacy with US

6.5 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's Papua region, no casualties yet

A powerful earthquake shook Indonesia's easternmost region of Papua early on Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.

Mexico and Venezuela restart repatriation flights to curb migration to US

The repatriation flights are part of an agreement made between regional leaders during a summit in Mexico in October that aimed to seek solutions for migration levels

21 killed in Russia's Belgorod following aerial attacks across Ukraine

Russian authorities accused Kyiv of carrying out the attack, which took place the day after an 18-hour aerial bombardment across Ukraine killed at least 41 civilians

McKinsey agrees to $78 mn settlement with insurers over opioids crisis

Under the agreement, McKinsey would establish a fund to reimburse insurers, private benefit plans and others for some or all of their prescription opioid costs

Prosecutors urge court to reject Trump's immunity claims in election case

The filing from Smith's team was submitted ahead of arguments next month on the legally untested question of whether a former president can be prosecuted for acts taken while in the White House

Houthis show no sign of ending Red Sea attacks as trade traffic up: US Navy

Since Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced, 1,200 merchant ships have travelled through the Red Sea region, and none has been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said

China to ease visa requirements for US travellers in bid to boost tourism

The simplified application process is intended to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, the notice said

Gaza war will go on for 'many more months', says Netanyahu as he thanks US

Netanyahu thanked the Biden administration for its continued backing, including approval for a new emergency weapons sale, the second this month

Israel hits camps in central Gaza day after Biden approves new arms sales

Israel argues that ending the war now would mean victory for Hamas, a stance shared by the Biden administration which at the same time urged Israel to do more to avoid harm to Palestinian civilians

Brazil pay tributes to Pele, Christ the redeemer wears his number 10 jersey

Brazilians paid several tributes to soccer legend Pel on Friday, one year after the three-time World Cup winner's death at age 82 due to colon cancer

5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes parts of Indonesia, no casualties reported

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.9 earthquake was centered 362 kilometers (225 miles) east of Sinabang, a coastal town in Aceh province at a depth of 10 kilometers

Google settles $5 bn lawsuit over tracking people using 'incognito mode'

Plaintiffs also charged that Google's activities yielded an unaccountable trove of information about users who thought they'd taken steps to protect their privacy