Baghdad Pushes for Deeper Partnership with Washington against ISIS
An Iraqi official said security cooperation with the United States is intensifying in the fight against terrorism, following a rare joint helicopter raid by Iraqi special forces inside Syrian territory. An Iraqi intelligence unit, coordinating with Syrian security forces and the US-led internationa»»»
Briefing of KUNA main news for Thursday until 00:00 GMT
3266576 KUWAIT -- Kuwait Airways cancels its flights KU675 and KU677 from Kuwait International Airport to Dubai due to unstable weather. 3266563 DOHA -- Morocco's national football squad defeat Jordan's 3-2 in an epic final of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. 3266538 ADEN -- An explosion hits near a p»»»
Today in Kuwait's history
KUWAIT, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- 1959 -- Kuwait Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed a decree regulating the judiciary. 1999 -- The UN Secretary General designated Kuwait's Higher Education Undersecretary Dr. Rasha Al-Sabah as board member of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research »»»
Western media peddle Russia’s ‘abduction’ of Ukrainian children to prolong the proxy war
It’s not clear if the Trump administration wants to genuinely resolve the proxy war with Russia, or if it is merely trying to extricate itself from the mess Washington helped instigate. But one thing is clear: the major Western European capitals are desperate to keep the war going. Various pretexts»»»
Miami Talks Aim to Bridge Gaps in Gaza Deal’s Second Phase
Mediators are convening for fresh talks in Miami, Florida, as efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement remain stalled, months after the truce came into effect on Oct. 10. The meeting, which mediators say will focus on outlining a framework for the next phase, comes amid a»»»
Removed Ben & Jerry's chair says Magnum aimed to 'smear' her
The ousted chair of Ben & Jerry's has accused the company which owns the brand of threatening to launch a public smear campaign against her. Anuradha Mittal, who chaired Ben & Jerry's independent board for seven years, told the BBC that Magnum had threatened to publish "defamatory statements" about»»»
Low-cost airline group emerges in Mexico - UPI.com
Aero,exico remain Mexico's flagship carrier, but faces competition from low-cost carriers. File Photo by Jose Mendez/EPA Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Mexican low-cost airlines Volaris and Viva Aerobus announced an agreement to create a new holding company through a merger of equals -- a deal aimed at expanding»»»
UNIFIL hands over cleared minefield to Lebanese army
BEIRUT, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, also known as (UNIFIL), handed over on Friday to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) a cleared minefield during a ceremony held near the Blue Line in Blida, southeastern Lebanon.This marks the first handover of a cleared minefield since »»»
Albania Dismisses Ambassador to NATO
Albania's President Bajram Begaj has issued a decree relieving Ilir Gjoni from his post as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nato. The decree, which takes effect immediately, follows a proposal from Prime Minister Edi Rama, in line with constitutional and legal procedures for the fore»»»
Man convicted of ramming into pedestrians on Christmas Day in London - UPI.com
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- An English man was convicted of ramming his Mercedes into a crowd last Christmas Day, killing a young man and seriously injuring four others in a "drunken rage" in London. Anthony Gilheaney, 31, of Longfield, Harlow, was found guilty of murder, attempted murder and wounding with in»»»
Protesting farmers block Halkida bridge
Protesting farmers on the island of Evia blocked the New Halkida Bridge for three hours on Friday afternoon, bringing vehicle traffic to a halt. The farmers announced that the bridge connecting Evia with mainland Greece would remain closed in both directions from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. According to r»»»
Pakistan summons Afghan envoy over security camp attack
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- Pakistan summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission on Friday and issued strong demarche to the Taliban regime on terrorist attacks against Pakistan, perpetrated from Afghan soil targeting a security forces camp in tribal district of Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhw»»»
Muslim World League hails Caesar Act repeal as “pivotal” for Syria’s future
Jeddah, Dec. 19 (SANA) The Muslim World League welcomed Friday the United States’ decision to repeal the “Caesar Act,” describing it as a pivotal step toward a more promising future for the Syrian people. In a statement posted on the League’s official website, Secretary-General Muhammad bin Abdul K»»»
Wisconsin GOP tells Judge Hannah Dugan: Resign or be impeached - UPI.com
Two Wisconsin Republican lawmakers on Friday told Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to resign or be impeached after being convicted of felony obstruction in federal court on Thursday. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Wisconsin's Republican leaders will begin»»»
Paris court rules against suspension of Shein after doll controversy - UPI.com
A man protests the opening of Shein's first physical store in BHV building in Paris on Nov. 5. On Friday, a Paris court declined a government request to suspend the website's operation in France. File Photo by Teresa Suarez/EPA Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A Paris court denied an effort by the French governmen»»»
Bahrain: Lifting the “Caesar Act” supports Syria’s efforts to boost reconstruction
Manama , Dec. 19 (SANA) The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the U.S. administration’s decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the “Caesar Act,” praising the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump in this regard.“The Kingdom of Bahrain congratulates Syria on the issuance of this important deci»»»
Tourists to face €2 fee to get near Rome's Trevi Fountain
Tourists in Italy's capital Rome will soon have to pay a €2 (£1.75; $2.34) entrance fee if they want to see its famed Trevi Fountain up close. The new barrier for visitors to view the Baroque monument will come into force from 1 February 2026. While the coins tossed into the fountain are donated to»»»
Israeli occupation kills, injures dozens of Palestinians in Gaza Strip
GAZA, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Health officials in Gaza Strip reported on Friday that several Palestinians were killed and others wounded when Israeli occupation forces targeted a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City.Palestinian eyewitnesses inside the school, who survived the a»»»
Sharjah Police recognition: Honouring forensic experts for security excellence
Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, has honoured a number of outstanding employees from the Forensic Evidence and Laboratories Department in recognition of their dedication, professionalism and contributions to strengthening the emirate’s security system. »»»
Training programme for Journalists in automotive components sector concludes
Tunis, Dec. 19 (TAP) - Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Fatma Thabet Chiboub, on Friday, presided over the closing of a training programme for a group of journalists from various print, electronic, and audiovisual media at the headquarters of...»»»
Hunger watch group: Gaza is out of famine, but still critical - UPI.com
Palestinians crowd to receive hot meals in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, in June. A hunger watch group said Friday that Gaza is no longer in famine, but there is still critical food insecurity. File Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI | License Photo Dec. 19 (UPI) -- An international hunger watchdog g»»»
Ambulance crashes into police bus stationed on national highway
A traffic accident occurred on Friday afternoon in the Platykampos area of Larissa, when a private ambulance crashed into a riot police transport bus that had been stationed on the national road amid farmers’ protests. According to Kathimerini, the ambulance was passing through farmers’ roadblocks »»»
Sharjah: Two electrocuted amid unstable weather
Sharjah Police are investigating the death of two men who were electrocuted in the Sharjah Industrial Area, they confirmed to Gulf News. The incident occurred in the industrial area and was reported to the police operations room. The victims’ bodies have been transferred to the forensic laboratory »»»
Overdue library book returned after 36 years of world travel - UPI.com
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- An overdue library book was returned to the Chantilly Regional Library after 36 years and a trip to Greece. The Fairfax County Library system posted about the book's return on Facebook Thursday. Harry the Dirty Dog was initially checked out by Nov. 6, 1989 by diplomats living in D.»»»
New rapid test identifies most effective treatment for UTIs - UPI.com
A new rapid test could improve treatment of urinary tract infections, by identifying the most effective antibiotic for each individual patient. File Photo by Tamas Soki/EPA A new rapid test could improve treatment of urinary tract infections, by identifying the most effective antibiotic for each in»»»
Watch: Man sings Christmas songs for 42 hours to break world record - UPI.com
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The proprietor of a sandwich shop in England attempted a Guinness World Record by spending 42 consecutive hours singing Christmas songs. Dave Purchase, aka "Mr. Toasty" of the On Toast sandwich shop, closed the store inside Gloucester's Warehouse 4 so he could attempt the record fo»»»
Three dead, five injured in attack at two Taiwan metro stations
Taipei: Three people were killed and five others injured in a stabbing and smoke bomb attack targeting commuters at two metro stations in the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, on Friday. Taiwanese Premier Chu Jung-tae stated after the incidents that the attack was carried out by a man armed with a knife i»»»
Five-month-old infant found dead in Nea Ionia
A five-month-old infant was found dead under unknown circumstances in the Nea Ionia area of Athens. According to reports, the infant’s parents called emergency services, whose rescuers found the baby cold and without a pulse. The death was confirmed at the scene, and the infant was transported to A»»»
Wildlife increasingly wandering into cities
Police trying to capture a wild boar near a school in Evosmos, Thessaloniki, recently drew online attention and renewed debate over the growing presence of wildlife in Greek cities. Wild boars, wolves and foxes are increasingly appearing in urban areas, troubling residents and farmers. According to»»»
Talking Europe - 'We cannot accept an enormous gap in standards between EU and Mercosur': COPA-COGECA's Tsiforou
Farmers in the EU have protested on many occasions over unfair foreign competition and the viability of their businesses. They gathered again in Brussels on December 18, while an EU summit was going on, this time focusing their ire on the Mercosur free trade agreement between the EU and Latin Ameri»»»
QREC announces staging Oaks Qatar Sunday, Qatar International Derby Saturday
Doha: The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) announced today that it will stage the Qatar Oaks race on Sunday, at Al Rayyan Racecourse. In a statement, the club said that the Qatar International Derby will be held as scheduled tomorrow, Saturday, while the Qatar Oaks has been confirmed for Sun»»»
Kshamenk, last captive killer whale in Latin America, dies in Argentina - UPI.com
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Kshamenk, the last killer whale held in captivity in Latin America, died of cardiorespiratory arrest in Argentina at age 35, Mundo Marino said. The mammal spent 33 years in a marine park, exceeding the typical life expectancy of male killer whales in captivity and becoming an emble»»»
Zelensky calls meetikng with Nawrocki ‘bad news for Russia’ - UPI.com
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the Ukraine War and matters between Ukraine and Poland while at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland, on Friday. Photo by Pawel Supernak Poland Out/EPA Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Ze»»»
Bulgaria Closes Chairmanship-in-Office of Black Sea Economic Cooperation with 50-Plus Initiatives
The Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) held more than 50 initiatives before it formally ended with a meeting of the BSEC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on December 19, 2025, the Foreign Ministry said. The online meeting was cha»»»
Fujairah rainfall response: Swift action restores normalcy after heavy downpour
Fujairah: Fujairah’s municipal and emergency services have successfully contained the impact of heavy rainfall that swept the emirate early on Friday, restoring normal conditions across roads and residential areas without reports of injuries or property damage. The Fujairah Public Works and Agricul»»»
New regulations for veterinary practices in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has issued a resolution regulating veterinary medical practices in Abu Dhabi, in line with its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of veterinary services and strengthen the biosecurity system. The resolution aims to ensure anima»»»
State Sec.: US gives top priority to truce in Sudan
WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Friday that Washington is exerting strenuous efforts to reach a humanitarian truce in Sudan, early January, that allows humanitarian organizations to urgently offer aid to civilians.Speaking to reporters in a news conference»»»
Over 72 mn gallons removed in rainwater drainage efforts: Municipality ministry
DOHA: The Joint Rain Emergency Committee, comprising relevant municipal authorities, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), and security agencies from the Ministry of Interior, have undertaken intensive efforts to remove rainwater accumulations that recently affected the country. The total amount of»»»
Trump to campaign for Senate candidate Michael Whatley in North Carolina - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Former President Donald Trump and Michael Whatley, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, greet the crowd at the North Carolina Republican Convention in Greenville, N.C., on June 5, 2021. Now-President Trump will travel to Rocky Mount, N.C. on Friday to campaign for Whatley, who »»»
Richard Moth to lead Roman Catholic church in England, Wales - UPI.com
Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile as he arrives for the weekly General Audience in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on May 21. He appointed Bishop Richard Moss as the new leader of the Roman Catholic church in England on Friday. Photo by Angelo Carconi/EFE Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV on Fr»»»
Australian PM announces plan to buy guns from public after Bondi attack
The Australian government has announced plans for a national gun buyback following last week’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The scheme is expected to take hundreds of thousands of weapons out of circulation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday. The Bondi Beach shooting left at»»»
Denmark accuses Russia of supporting cyberattacks on water, elections - UPI.com
Danish Defense Intelligence Service, led by Director Thomas Ahrenkiel, said that Russia was behind two recent cyberattacks. File Photo by Emil Helms/EPA Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The Danish government Friday said that Russia is behind two cyberattacks in 2024 and this year that were "destructive and disrupt»»»
Gaza no longer in famine but UN-backed experts warn 'situation remains critical'
There is no longer famine in Gaza thanks to improved aid access, but the war-ravaged territory still faces emergency conditions, a UN-backed global hunger monitor said on Friday, with around 1.6 million people forecast to face "crisis" levels of food insecurity over the coming months. A famine decl»»»
Attack on security forces camp kills 4 soldiers, 4 militants in N. Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- At least four militants were killed and as many soldiers embraced martyrdom in an attack on a security forces camp in tribal district of Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan, Pakistan military said Friday.According to a press releas»»»
Al-Fahaheel SC beats Al-Tadhamon SC (1-0) in Zain Premier League
KUWAIT, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- Al-Fahaheel Sporting Club (SC) won against Al-Tadhamon SC (1-0) on Friday in Zain Premier league, in the first official match played at its home in Naif Al-Dabbous Stadium.The stadium was inaugurated last Tuesday under the patronage and attendance of Deputy Prime Minister a»»»
Asharq Al-Awsat Publishes Outline of Lebanon’s Deposit Repayment Plan
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is pushing to secure approval for a draft law aimed at resolving the fate of bank deposits frozen since the country’s financial collapse in 2019, proposing full repayment of deposits below $100,000 over four years and the conversion of larger sums into long term»»»
Harry and Meghan embrace their children in Christmas message
The Duchess of Sussex has shared a family photo taken with the Duke of Sussex and their two children alongside a Christmas message. In the photo shared on Instagram, Prince Archie is seen hugging his father, while Meghan is bending down and holding hands with Princess Lilibet. They are standing on »»»
Egypt's prime minister links Lebanon’s stability to Arab security - UPI.com
Mostafa Madbouly vows to avert Israeli escalation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) shakes hands with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday. Photo by Lebanese Presidency Press Occie/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- E»»»
Jordan's King, Crown Prince thank Qatar for excellent organisation of FIFA Arab Cup
Amman: King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan and his Crown Prince, Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, expressed their gratitude to the State of Qatar for its excellent organisation of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and its associated events. In a post on 'X' platform, the Jordanian monarch thanked Doha »»»
bTV Shake-Up Sparks Protest Over Morning Show Hosts Tsantsarova, Yochev
Protesters gathered outside the bTV building in solidarity with bTV presenters Maria Tsantsarova and Zlatimir Yochev on Friday. The demonstration was organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria) under the slogan “This is the last straw; we’ve had enough.” The rall»»»