Middle Eastern Business Headlines at 4:05 p.m. GMT
Yemen's Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, US military says
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FuturismUS Military Alarmed by Russian Nuclear Weapon Platform in Orbit
A Russian spacecraft launched higher than most satellites has long had the Pentagon worried — and new revelations about what it contains onboard have made those concerns all the greater. Launched in early 2022, Russia's Cosmos 2553 spacecraft is nominally built to test out "newly developed onboard instruments and systems." According to new reporting from the New York Times, however, the mysterious satellite system contains a "dummy warhead"
- Reuters
Ukraine shows off new 'rocket-drone' in bid to boost long-range strikes
Ukraine showed off a new locally-produced "rocket-drone" on Friday which it said could fly 700 km (430 miles) - more than twice the longest range attributed to missiles supplied by Western allies. The unmanned craft, called "Peklo" - which means hell in Ukrainian - is the second such "rocket drone" unveiled by Kyiv as it tries to increase its ability to strike deep into Russia, which invaded 33 months ago. The drones could reach speeds of 700 kph, a representative from Ukraine's state arms manufacturer Ukroboronprom told reporters at a ceremony where they were officially handed over to the armed forces.
- The Independent
Ukraine-Russia war latest: US announces new $1bn weapons package for Kyiv before ‘baton passed’ to Trump
US president-elect Trump meets with Zelensky at reopening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris
- CNN
Hegseth and Collins’ push for cutting veterans’ health benefits alarms service members and veterans groups
Pete Hegseth, now Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of defense, had been a vocal and persistent advocate for veterans having unfettered access to private health care, rather than having to go through the VA to keep their benefits.
- The Hill
Opinion - Trump, Biden should convince South Korea’s embattled president quit and go into exile
South Korean President Yoon declared martial law, but his declaration was swiftly rejected by the parliament, leading to an impeachment indictment against him.
- The Independent
Assad regime on brink as Syrian rebels begin to encircle Damascus and claim second city
Since anti-regime fighters swept into Aleppo a week ago, government forces have crumbled across the country as insurgents seized a string of major cities
- Reuters
Putin says new Oreshnik hypersonic missile could be deployed in Belarus
MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia could deploy its new Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic missile on the territory of its ally Belarus in the second half of next year. Putin was responding to a request from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at a summit in Minsk, where the two leaders signed a mutual defence pact.
- The Hill
Austin no longer planning visit to South Korea after martial law declaration
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is no longer traveling to South Korea after the country’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law earlier this week in what critics have called a botched attempt to use military power against his opponents. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the visit was canceled and that there were…
- The Hill
Trump on Syria conflict: ‘This is not our fight’
President-elect Trump heavily criticized Syrian rebels for their move to overtake the city of Damascus on Saturday, but emphasized that this was not America’s fight. “Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they…
- Evening Standard
Actress Miho Nakayama found dead in bathtub aged 54 just hours before performance
Nakayama’s team said they were ‘shocked and saddened’ by her death
- BuzzFeed
Nicole Kidman And Tom Cruise’s Adult Daughter, Bella, Shared A Rare Selfie And Glimpse Into Her Personal Life
She's an artist in her own right.
- Cosmo
Addison Rae's tiiiiiny white bodysuit features soooo much sheer lace
Addison Rae arrived at the Jingle Ball and looked truly iconic in a minuscule white leotard with lashings of see-through lace, check out the full pics!
- The Daily Beast
Neighbor Complains Meghan Markle Isn’t ‘Asset’ to Community
One Montecito neighbor is speaking out against the wealthy California enclave’s royal residents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. “I personally don’t think that Meghan is an asset to our community,” said Richard Mineards, one of their close neighbors. “She doesn’t really go out or get involved with the community.” Mineards had a slightly different take on Prince Harry.
- BuzzFeed
"Don't Let Influencers Swindle You": People Are Revealing The Common Home Upgrades In 2024 They're Officially Sick Of Seeing
"Speaking as an architect here, for the love of god, too many people think it’s acceptable to do this..."
- The Independent
Trio arrested after two kids locked in ‘bug-infested’ home found begging for help from broken window
The two boys, ages 4 and 5, had been locked inside the cockroach-infested, ‘filthy’ bedroom since 2023, police say
- Hello!
Catherine Zeta-Jones, 55, looks amazing in twinning look with husband Michael Douglas, 80
The Hollywood power couple walked the red carpet at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia
- Yahoo Sport Australia
Michael Maguire's first casualty confirmed as Ben Hunt signing seals fate of promising youngster
He is the first victim of the Broncos salary cap squeeze. Read more here.
- Yahoo News Australia
Aussies combating invasive threat taking over caravan parks, farms and even suburbs
Few invasive threat have been this successful – but some Aussies are working to turn the tide.
- BuzzFeed
People Are Sharing The "We Need To Leave" Warnings That A Restaurant Is Going To Be Awful
"After you've worked in a kitchen for a while, you can recognize this instantly. Leave if you see it."
- The Independent
An Alabama couple were ardent Trump supporters. Then their trans son told them he wanted to die
Once news outlets called the election for Trump in the early hours of November 6, panic ripped through the LGBTQIA+ community and hotlines saw a dramatic surge in calls. Michelle Del Rey reports