Lebanon

Iran Faces Electricity Crisis: Schools Closed and Highway Lights Turned Off Iran is grappling with a severe electricity crisis, prompting authorities to shut down schools and government offices nationwide. The government has also turned off highway lights in Tehran to conserve fuel during a harsh winter. Despite possessing some of the largest natural gas reserves globally, Iran has been forced to ration electricity due to a fuel shortage affecting its power plants. Ali Reza Rezaei, deputy head of Tehran’s electricity company, told the IRNA news agency that highway lights in urban areas have been turned off for the past two months to save fuel. While streetlights remain operational, Rezaei warned that this measure will continue until the country’s energy balance is restored. Iran’s traffic police have raised concerns about increased accidents due to the lack of lighting on highways. Shopping centers in Tehran have also been ordered to close two hours earlier to conserve energy. Iran’s aging electrical infrastructure has suffered from years of underinvestment, exacerbated by Western sanctions, further compounding the crisis. Follow our Telegram channel: https://t.me/rageintel

Massive energy crisis in Iran: Tehran turns off highway lights to conserve energy.

Global and Regional News Update – December 18, 2024 Latest Report by RAGE X – December 18, 2024 -obal and Regional News Update – December 18, – Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, was killed by an explosive device on an electric scooter. A suspect has been detained, claiming recruitment by Ukraine’s Security Service. – Gaza Ceasefire Talks Show Progress – Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are advancing, with Hamas open to terms if Israel does not add new demands. However, internal disagreements in Israel and ongoing attacks complicate matters. – U.S. Charges in Iran Drone Technology Case – The U.S. Department of Justice has charged two individuals for exporting sensitive technology to Iran, used in a drone attack which killed U.S. service members in Jordan earlier this year. – Major Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu – A significant earthquake has hit Vanuatu, leading to reports of damage and ongoing assessments for humanitarian aid. – Turkey-EU Relations in Focus – Discussions about the future of Turkey’s relationship with the European Union are underway, with various geopolitical implications at stake. – Syria War Continues Despite UN Warnings – The United Nations has warned that the Syrian conflict is far from over, with Russian and Iranian support continuing to fuel the civil war. – Denmark Revamps Defense Strategy – Denmark is set to overhaul its defense plan, possibly in response to regional security threats and NATO commitments. – Xi Jinping Visits Macau – President Xi Jinping is in Macau to commemorate 25 years of Chinese rule, amidst discussions on regional stability and economic policies. – Pope Francis Assassination Attempt in Iraq – A previously unreported failed assassination attempt on Pope Francis during his visit to Iraq in 2021 has surfaced. – Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte – Cyclone Chido has left significant destruction on the island of Mayotte, with efforts now focused on recovery and aid distribution.

Global and Regional News Update – December 17, 2024 Latest Report by RAGE X – December 17, 2024 -obal and Regional News Update – December 17, – Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, was killed by an explosive device. The attack, claimed by Ukraine’s SBU, marks a significant escalation in the conflict. – China’s Large-Scale Naval Exercise Around Taiwan: – China conducted an extensive naval exercise involving nearly 100 ships, seen as a response to Taiwanese diplomatic activities. This has raised concerns about regional stability and China’s strategic intentions. – U.S. Charges in Iranian Drone Technology Case: – The U.S. has charged Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedini for exporting technology used in a drone attack that killed U.S. servicemembers. This highlights ongoing tensions with Iran over technology transfers. – Shooting Near French Migrant Camp: – A 22-year-old French man killed five people in a shooting near a migrant camp in Dunkirk, prompting discussions on security and migration policies in Europe. – Trudeau Faces Calls to Resign: – Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is under pressure to resign, amid political instability. This development could have significant implications for Canadian politics. – Syria’s New Government Declares No Russian Presence: – The new Syrian government has publicly announced no acceptance of Russian military presence, signaling a shift in foreign relations in the region. – Deadly Cyclone in Mayotte: – A cyclone has caused severe devastation in Mayotte, one of France’s overseas territories, the worst in 90 years, affecting infrastructure and residents. – Thailand Hosts Myanmar Meetings: – Thailand is facilitating discussions with neighboring countries to address Myanmar’s internal conflicts and border issues, aiming for regional stability. – UK Alleged Chinese Spy Case: – An individual has been accused of forging ties with Prince Andrew as part of a broader Chinese espionage effort, raising security concerns in the UK. – Germany’s Government Collapse: – Posts on X suggest the collapse of Germany’s ruling coalition, which could lead to significant political changes in Europe’s largest economy.

Ceasefire and Hostage Deal in Gaza Strip Reported Imminent; Netanyahu Heads to Cairo According to recent updates from Reuters, a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Gaza Strip is reportedly on the brink of being finalized. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be traveling to Cairo, which suggests active negotiations or final discussions are underway. While the specifics of the deal are not detailed in the Reuters report, posts on X (formerly Twitter) indicate optimism around the negotiations, with mentions of a “decisive final phase” and key concessions from Hamas, including softening demands for a full war halt and Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The reported deal includes a 60-day ceasefire plan with a hostage-prisoner exchange, with Hamas agreeing to allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. However, these claims from social media should be treated with caution as they might not reflect the official stance or the complete picture of the negotiations. The involvement of Netanyahu in Cairo, as reported by Reuters, underscores the high-level diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, potentially signaling a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict. However, without official confirmations from all parties involved, the situation remains fluid and subject to changes.

Global and Regional News Update – December 17, 2024 Latest Report by RAGE X – December 17, 2024 – Massive Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu – A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has hit near Vanuatu, with fears of significant casualties and damage. Authorities have confirmed that there is no tsunami risk for Australia and New Zealand. – Hawaii Photographer Hannah Kobayashi Speaks Out – After returning to the US from Mexico, where she was missing, Hannah Kobayashi has issued a statement focusing on her healing process. – Wisconsin School Shooting Leaves Multiple Injured – A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, has resulted in multiple injuries. The situation remains under investigation. – Trump’s Hush Money Conviction Upheld – Judge rejects Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss his conviction related to hush money payments, as reported by The New York Times. – India-Bangladesh Relations Strained – Tensions rise as Bangladesh politicians express disappointment over PM Modi’s Vijay Diwas post, which omitted mention of Bangladesh’s role in the 1971 war. – Cyclone Chido’s Aftermath in Mayotte – The impact of Cyclone Chido continues to unfold in Mayotte, with rescue and relief operations in full swing. The death toll is expected to rise. – Global Markets Respond to Political Shifts – Following the latest political developments, including the impeachment hearings in South Korea and the Syrian government changes, global financial markets show volatility. – Iran’s Military Build-Up Against Israel – Reports continue to surface about Iran’s military preparations potentially targeting Israel, amidst increasing regional tensions. – Trudeau’s Potential Resignation in Canada – Speculation about Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s resignation continues, with political analysts discussing the implications for Canadian politics. – UK’s Alleged Chinese Spy Scandal Escalates – The situation in the UK escalates with ongoing protests following the revelation of an alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew, raising security concerns. – Bangladesh PM’s Resignation Leads to Uncertainty – Following the resignation of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amidst riots, the nation is bracing for political and economic instability. – Protests in Venezuela Intensify – The protest movement in Venezuela shows no signs of slowing down, with the public demanding significant changes in governance and economic policy.

Global and Regional News Highlights – December 16, 2024 Latest Report by RAGE X – December 16, 2024 – Cyclone Chido’s Wrath on Mayotte – Hundreds feared dead as Cyclone Chido, the worst in nearly a century, devastates the French territory of Mayotte, necessitating urgent humanitarian aid. – South Korea’s Political Upheaval – Impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol are underway, signaling a major shift in South Korean politics. – Syria’s New Government Rejects Russian Influence – After Assad’s ousting, the new Syrian leadership has explicitly declared no room for Russian military presence, reshaping foreign relations. – Global Economic Markets in Freefall – Financial markets worldwide are experiencing sharp declines due to fears of a U.S. recession, affecting oil, crypto, and stock markets. – Iran Prepares for Conflict with Israel – Intelligence reports indicate Iran’s military is gearing up for possible action against Israel, escalating regional tensions. – Canadian PM Trudeau Nears Exit – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on the verge of resigning, amid Canada’s political instability. – UK in Turmoil Over Alleged Spy Scandal – Protests erupt across the UK after the exposure of an alleged Chinese spy connected to Prince Andrew, stirring national security concerns. – Bangladesh PM Steps Down Amidst Chaos – The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has resigned in response to widespread civil unrest, ushering in a period of uncertainty. – Venezuela’s Protest Movement Intensifies – Protests in Venezuela are growing, driven by economic despair and dissatisfaction with the current government. – Israel to Close Dublin Embassy – In response to what Israel calls “extreme anti-Israel policies,” it has decided to close its embassy in Dublin, affecting diplomatic ties.

CENTCOM Conducts Precision Airstrike on Iran-Backed Houthi Facility in Yemen On December 16 (Yemen time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a precision airstrike targeting a critical command and control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis in Houthi-controlled territory in Sana’a, Yemen. The facility served as a coordination hub for Houthi operations, including attacks on U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM emphasized that the strike demonstrates its ongoing commitment to protecting U.S. and coalition forces, regional partners, and ensuring the security of international shipping lanes. القيادة المركزية الأميركية تنفذ ضربة دقيقة ضد منشأة حوثية مدعومة من إيران في اليمن نفذت القوات التابعة للقيادة المركزية الأميركية (CENTCOM)، بتاريخ 16 ديسمبر (بتوقيت اليمن)، ضربة جوية دقيقة استهدفت منشأة قيادة وسيطرة رئيسية تابعة للحوثيين المدعومين من إيران داخل المناطق الخاضعة لسيطرتهم في صنعاء، اليمن. الموقع المستهدف كان مركزاً لتنسيق عمليات الحوثيين، بما في ذلك الهجمات ضد سفن البحرية الأميركية والسفن التجارية في جنوب البحر الأحمر وخليج عدن. وأكدت القيادة المركزية أن هذه الضربة تعكس التزامها المستمر بحماية القوات الأميركية وقوات التحالف والشركاء الإقليميين، وضمان أمن خطوط الشحن البحرية الدولية. Follow our Telegram channel: https://t.me/rageintel

US-British raids on Houthi sites in Sanaa and Hodeidah

CENTCOM: Precision Strikes Kill 12 ISIS Terrorists in Syria U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that 12 ISIS terrorists were killed earlier today in a series of precision strikes targeting ISIS camps and individuals in Syria. The strikes took place in areas previously controlled by regime and/or Russian forces, which ISIS has since occupied. These operations are part of the ongoing Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) mission under the broader framework of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). The mission highlights continued efforts to eliminate ISIS influence in the region and prevent its resurgence. القيادة المركزية الأميركية: القضاء على 12 إرهابياً من داعش في سوريا أعلنت القيادة المركزية الأميركية (CENTCOM) اليوم عن مقتل 12 إرهابياً من تنظيم داعش في سلسلة ضربات دقيقة استهدفت معسكرات وأفراد التنظيم في سوريا. وقعت الضربات في مناطق كانت تحت سيطرة قوات النظام و/أو القوات الروسية، حيث ملأت داعش الفراغ بعد انسحاب تلك القوات. وتأتي هذه العمليات في إطار مهمة هزيمة داعش (D-ISIS) التي تندرج ضمن عملية العزم الصلب (CJTF-OIR). تؤكد المهمة استمرار الجهود للقضاء على نفوذ تنظيم داعش في المنطقة ومنع عودته. Follow our Telegram channel: https://t.me/rageintel