Live Briefing: ‘Hell to pay’ if hostages not released, Trump says; Lebanon ceasefire under strain

The ceasefire in Lebanon appears to be coming apart after Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah firing rockets. In Syria, Russia and Iran have pledged to back Assad.

By Niha MasihDecember 3, 2024

Michelin chef appeals to Christmas spirit of thieves who stole 2,500 pies

“I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas,” said British chef Tommy Banks, after thieves stole a van full of pies.

By Rachel PannettDecember 3, 2024

Australian police seize country’s largest-ever cocaine bust

Authorities in Australia announced the record-breaking bust on Monday.

By Kelsey BakerDecember 2, 2024

At least 56 killed in crowd crush at soccer match in Guinea, officials say

An unknown number of others in the country’s largest southern city were injured when security tried to stop clashes over a disputed penalty,

By Cindy Boren, Mohamed Barry and Rachel ChasonDecember 2, 2024

Biden surges arms to Ukraine, fearing Trump will halt U.S. aid

Biden’s Ukraine directive has stirred debate, as some officials worry it will cut too deeply into American stockpiles and jeopardize military needs elsewhere.

By Michael Birnbaum, Missy Ryan and Siobhán O'GradyDecember 2, 2024

Israeli military strikes Lebanese targets after Hezbollah fires on Israel

The rebel offensive in Syria started after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a cease-fire in Lebanon, where conflict has weakened key backers of Syria’s government.

By Susannah George, Niha Masih, Annabelle Timsit and Adam TaylorDecember 2, 2024

Syrian forces regroup with help from Iran, Russia after shock rebel advance

Russia and Iran have offered military and diplomatic support to the Syrian government as it tries to stanch a major rebel advance.

By Susannah GeorgeDecember 2, 2024

In a ruined Hezbollah stronghold, supporters question the costs of war

Displaced families are streaming back into Tyre, in southern Lebanon, to take stock of the destruction.

By Abbie Cheeseman and Suzan HaidamousDecember 2, 2024

U.S. citizen believed held hostage in Gaza was killed on Oct. 7, IDF says

Omer Neutra, a U.S.-Israeli citizen believed held hostage by Hamas, was killed on Oct. 7, 2023, the Israeli military said Monday.

By Joanna Slater, Annabelle Timsit and Lior SorokaDecember 2, 2024

Storm Bora brings days of flooding to Greece, with more rain ahead

The weather pattern fueling Storm Bora is similar to the one that caused severe flooding in Spain this fall.

By Ian LivingstonDecember 2, 2024

Who are the key players fighting in Syria’s civil war?

Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a lightning assault against pro-Assad forces in Aleppo. Here’s who else is fighting in Syria’s civil war.

By Leo SandsDecember 2, 2024

From beer to barley: How Trump’s tariff threat could affect your wallet

Donald Trump’s threat to hit Mexico with tariffs could raise prices on a surprising number of foods and drinks Americans love — from beer to berries to broccoli.

By Mary Beth Sheridan and Valentina Muñoz CastilloDecember 2, 2024

What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?

More than 200 were arrested and dozens injured during protests after Georgia’s ruling party said it would suspend talks to join the European Union.

By Kelly Kasulis ChoDecember 2, 2024

Syrian rebels wrest control of most of Aleppo; U.S. and allies ‘urge de-escalation’ in joint statement

The offensive, led by rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, shifts the front lines of Syria’s civil war. Government forces appeared to withdraw from some areas.

By Niha Masih, Annabelle Timsit, Mohamad El Chamaa, Maham Javaid and Praveena SomasundaramDecember 1, 2024

In Syria, a sudden reminder of a war that never ended

The dramatic unraveling of the past days might show how hollow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s supremacy was.

By Ishaan TharoorDecember 1, 2024

What led to Syria’s 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again?

The sudden assault by Syrian rebels has rapidly redrawn the civil war’s front lines and threatened once again the authority of President Bashar al-Assad.

By Kelly Kasulis Cho and Kelsey BakerDecember 1, 2024

Divided over whether to stop making plastic, U.N. treaty talks collapse

Delegates from more than 170 countries huddled for a week of marathon negotiations but came up short on delivering a treaty.

By Andrew JeongDecember 1, 2024

Syrian rebels regrouped, seized on weakness of government’s key allies  

The rebels have made stunning gains against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, with Russia, Iran and Hezbollah distracted by other conflicts.

By Louisa Loveluck, Kareem Fahim and Susannah GeorgeDecember 1, 2024

Trump win emboldens Israeli settlers seeking control of the West Bank

Israel’s extremist settlers see few barriers to their plans to rule the West Bank now that Trump is returning to the White House.

By Rebecca Tan and Adam TaylorDecember 1, 2024

Inside the effort to market Russia and Putin to Africans

The Africa Initiative is part of an opaque network of groups that Western officials and analysts say the Kremlin uses to spread Russian influence in Africa.

By Rachel ChasonDecember 1, 2024