In his first statement since being ousted, Bashar al-Assad declared, "Asylum was never an option," rejecting claims of fleeing Syria during the fall of his regime. Assad stated he stayed in Damascus until December 8, when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces captured the city. He claimed Russia evacuated him due to drone attacks but insisted his departure was not pre-planned. Blaming "terrorism" for Syria's collapse, Assad said, "I have always considered myself a custodian of a national project." Despite losing power, he expressed hope for Syria's resilience, adding, "It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will be free."

Israel dropped a bomb on Syria so powerful it measured 3.0 on the Richter scale, causing a huge explosion near Tartus. The strike targeted air defence units and missile depots, marking the heaviest bombardment in Syria’s coastal region since 2012. The US embassy in Damascus warned Americans to leave Syria, citing ongoing armed conflict and terrorism. The embassy, closed since 2012, advised citizens to prepare emergency plans and seek help from other countries for evacuation. Tensions remain high as Israel continues military actions in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s recent downfall.

12 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia. Police found 11 foreigners and one Georgian national dead in a sleeping area above a restaurant. The victims were discovered on Saturday in a building that housed an Indian restaurant. Authorities believe the deaths were accidental, caused by an oil-powered generator turned on after the building lost electricity on Friday. Preliminary tests show no signs of violence. Gudauri, located in the Caucasus mountains, is a popular ski destination, about 120km north of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. An investigation is underway.

Isak Andic, the founder of fashion brand Mango, died after falling nearly 500ft during a family outing in Collbato, near Barcelona. The 71-year-old businessman slipped while visiting the Collbato Caves in the Montserrat mountains. His son, Jonathan, called emergency services, but Andic could not be saved. Mango CEO Tony Ruiz expressed deep sorrow, saying Andic’s death leaves a "huge void." Andic, a Turkish immigrant, founded Mango in 1984 with his brother. Forbes recently estimated his net worth at $4.5 billion. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Ukraine has reported at least 30 North Korean soldiers killed or injured this weekend in Kursk, Russia. The casualties occurred near Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence. "Assault groups are being replenished with fresh personnel," the agency said, adding that soldiers from the 94th DPRK brigade have been deployed. This marks the first detailed account of North Korean troop losses in the war. Unverified reports claim a drone attack caused 200 casualties among Russian and North Korean forces. Ukraine estimates 11,000 North Koreans are assisting Russia, although Moscow has not confirmed their presence.

Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian president, reportedly airlifted $250 million in cash to Moscow between 2018 and 2019. The money, including nearly two tonnes of $100 bills and 500-euro notes, was flown to Russian banks, bypassing western sanctions. Assad’s relatives also secretly bought assets in Russia. The transfers, which show Assad's efforts to protect his wealth, come after years of civil war and western financial isolation. Assad fled Syria on December 8 following an offensive by rebel forces. His regime has been accused of looting Syria’s resources and engaging in illegal activities.

Residents of Hadar, a Syrian village near the Golan Heights, are watching closely as Israeli forces move into their region. Israel has temporarily taken control of parts of the UN-monitored buffer zone after Syria’s government fell. The Druze community in Hadar, long affected by conflict, is hoping for peace after years of war. Many fear Israel’s plans to expand settlements in the Golan Heights. Local leader Jawdat al-Tawil said alliances in the area are shifting but expressed hope for justice under Syria’s new leaders. “We’ve had enough war and bloodshed,” said resident Riyad Zaidan.

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that general elections will be held in late 2025 or early 2026. Speaking on state television, Yunus, the chief adviser to the caretaker government, revealed that election dates might be set by the end of next year or the first half of 2026. The caretaker government took charge following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024 during violent student protests. Pressure mounts on Yunus to finalise election plans as political tensions remain high. Hasina fled to India after protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s Palace in Dhaka.

Two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, sustained severe damage due to a storm in the Black Sea, leading to a massive oil spill. At least one crew member has died, and emergency rescue operations are underway to evacuate 27 sailors. The vessels, built in 1969 and 1973, were carrying thousands of tonnes of fuel oil. Greenpeace warned of a looming environmental catastrophe, comparing the incident to a 2007 spill in the same area. Russia deployed helicopters and tugboats for rescue and cleanup. Environmental specialists are assessing the damage as the spill threatens marine biodiversity and global shipping routes.

Israel’s government has approved a plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the expansion was necessary due to a new security threat along Israel’s Syrian border. The plan aims to double the population in the Golan Heights, which Israel seized during the 1967 Six-Day War. More than 30 Israeli settlements currently house around 20,000 Israelis, living alongside Syrian Druze Arabs. The announcement comes amid rising tensions, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites and criticism from Syria’s new leadership.