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An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, on Christmas Day, killing 38 of the 67 individuals on board. Initial investigations suggest the aircraft may have been accidentally hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile or anti-aircraft fire, with military experts noting shrapnel damage consistent with such impacts. Among the survivors were two young girls, aged 11 and 16. Eyewitness accounts described loud explosions prior to the crash, which occurred after the plane attempted to divert due to rejected landing requests. The aircraft's black box has been recovered, and an inquiry is underway, with the Kremlin urging patience for the investigation's conclusions. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning and emphasized the need for thorough investigations, while also mentioning adverse weather conditions as a possible factor. This incident raises concerns reminiscent of the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines MH-17 by Russian-backed forces. 
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inWorld Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an aerial bombardment at Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on Thursday, which resulted in at least two fatalities and injuries to a crew member. Dr. Tedros, along with UN colleagues, was preparing to depart after a mission to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and assess Yemen's humanitarian situation. In a statement on X, he expressed condolences for the victims and confirmed the damage to airport facilities, noting their departure would be delayed until repairs were completed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, calling for adherence to international law and protection for civilians and humanitarian workers. He also expressed concern over escalating violence in the region, following Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi military infrastructure, which reportedly resulted in multiple casualties. The Israeli Defence Force stated the strikes were aimed at military targets associated with the Houthis.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 8 ameznews.inTeenage actor Hudson Meek has tragically died following an accident in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, after falling from a moving vehicle on December 19. The 16-year-old sustained severe blunt force injuries and succumbed to his injuries two days later, as confirmed by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. The Vestavia Hills Police Department is currently investigating the incident, although details surrounding the accident remain unclear. Meek's family shared their grief on social media, stating, "Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight," and highlighted his significant impact during his brief life. A memorial service is planned for December 28, with information on a scholarship in his memory at Vestavia Hills High School forthcoming. Meek is best known for his role as the young Baby in the film "Baby Driver," alongside appearances in various television series.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 8 ameznews.inFormer Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday due to age-related medical issues, prompting an outpouring of condolences from global leaders. Singh, who served two terms from 2004 to 2014, was widely recognized as the architect of India's economic reforms, which significantly accelerated the country's growth. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed him as a "great champion" of the US-India strategic partnership, crediting him with laying the groundwork for decades of collaboration, particularly through the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also paid tribute, highlighting Singh's intelligence and his unwavering support for Afghanistan, respectively. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed remembered him as a "benevolent father figure." Singh's contributions to India's progress and international relations will be long remembered.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 8 ameznews.inAzerbaijani and US officials suspect that a Russian surface-to-air missile may have caused the crash of an Azerbaijani passenger jet near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which resulted in 38 fatalities among the 67 people on board. The Embraer 190 aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, deviated significantly from its flight path across the Caspian Sea before crashing. Initial investigations suggest that the plane may have been struck by shrapnel from a missile fired from a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system, possibly due to ongoing Ukrainian drone activity in the region. Eyewitness accounts describe bloodied survivors pleading for help, while Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning. The Kremlin urged caution against speculation before the investigation concludes, although two black boxes have been recovered for analysis. The tragedy has drawn condolences from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spoke with Aliyev following the incident.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 7 ameznews.inPanamanian President Jose Raul Mulino firmly rejected any negotiations with US President-elect Donald Trump regarding the control of the Panama Canal, asserting that the waterway is exclusively Panamanian. Mulino dismissed Trump's claims of potential Chinese interference and the suggestion of lowering tolls for US vessels, emphasizing that the canal's fees are determined through a transparent process. Trump had criticized the canal's tolls as "ridiculous" and threatened to reclaim control if Panama could not ensure its efficient operation, also alleging, without evidence, that Chinese soldiers were operating there. Mulino vehemently denied these accusations, stating, "There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal." The Panama Canal, which opened in 1914 and was handed over to Panama in 1999, is crucial for global maritime traffic, with the US being its largest user. Protests against Trump’s remarks erupted in Panama City, with demonstrators urging him to "leave the canal alone."
Published: Dec 27 2024, 5 ameznews.inThe Israeli Air Force has launched airstrikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, as confirmed by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) on Thursday. These operations were sanctioned by Israel's Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Chief of General Staff, targeting Houthi infrastructure used for military activities, including sites at Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib ports. The IDF described the Houthis as a "terrorist regime" responsible for attacks on Israel, including UAV and missile strikes. The targeted facilities were reportedly involved in smuggling Iranian weapons and facilitating the entry of Iranian officials. The IDF emphasized the Houthis' exploitation of civilian infrastructure for military ends and reiterated its commitment to countering threats to Israel. This operation follows a similar strike on December 19, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region amid Houthi aggression against Israeli territory.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 5 ameznews.inSouth Korea's acting president, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, faces an impeachment vote as the Constitutional Court convenes to hear the case of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached following a controversial martial law declaration. The Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, initiated the impeachment process after Han refused to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court, citing limitations of his caretaker role. This political turmoil has raised concerns about economic stability, with the South Korean won weakening significantly amid ongoing uncertainties. The court has 180 days to decide Yoon's fate, which could lead to a new presidential election if he is permanently removed. Meanwhile, Yoon's controversial martial law order, which aimed to quell political dissent, was swiftly revoked after lawmakers opposed it, highlighting the deepening divisions within South Korea's political landscape.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 5 ameznews.inIndia's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply rooted in the groundwork laid by his predecessors, Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Singh, who passed away recently, is credited with pivotal reforms in the 1990s, including the liberalisation of the economy and the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, which positioned India as a responsible nuclear power. His tenure from 2004 saw significant diplomatic achievements, notably the landmark India-US civil nuclear agreement, facilitated by then Joint Secretary S. Jaishankar. Singh's policy of greater engagement with major powers like the US, Russia, and China marked a shift from non-alignment to a multi-polar world vision. Despite challenges, including tensions with Pakistan and China, Singh's legacy of strategic diplomacy laid the foundation for India's current global standing, which Modi continues to build upon, emphasizing India's role as a key player in international relations.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 5 ameznews.inIndia is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues. Admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, Dr. Singh experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and their three daughters. Renowned for his economic acumen, Dr. Singh's tenure from 2004 to 2014 was marked by transformative reforms that significantly reduced poverty and expanded access to education and healthcare. Former US President Barack Obama praised Dr. Singh's leadership in his memoir, noting his integrity and commitment to the Indian populace. Despite facing criticism, Dr. Singh remained optimistic about his legacy, believing history would judge him more kindly than contemporary critics. His contributions to India's economic landscape will continue to inspire future leaders and policymakers.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 1 ameznews.inPakistan's nuclear ambitions have once again raised alarms in Washington, particularly as it reportedly develops the Shaheen-III missile, capable of reaching the United States. Initially designed to target Indian naval facilities, the missile's range extension efforts, supported by China, signal a shift in focus that has jolted US officials. Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer described Pakistan's advancements as an emerging threat, not only to the US but also to Israel, given the potential to strike US assets in East Africa and beyond. In response, the US recently sanctioned four Pakistani entities, including the National Development Complex, for their roles in the ballistic missile program. This situation underscores longstanding concerns about Pakistan's nuclear proliferation history, particularly its collaboration with China, which has facilitated its missile technology despite international sanctions. The potential for these capabilities to fall into the hands of terrorist groups further complicates the geopolitical landscape.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 9 pm
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