A new mass grave has been discovered in Syria’s northern Aleppo province, with state broadcaster Syria TV reporting that the exhumation was conducted under stringent security protocols. While the human remains have not been formally identified, preliminary assessments suggest the victims likely suffered torture or summary execution. Forensic experts are now meticulously working to establish the identities of the deceased and to piece together the precise events that led to their deaths. This grim finding is not isolated; it adds to a growing list of similar discoveries in the region. In a coordinated effort last November, the Syrian Civil Defense—also known as the White Helmets—and the National Commission for Missing Persons reported uncovering human remains in a well located in the rural area of Aziza, also within Aleppo. Since government forces reasserted control over various territories, numerous mass graves have been reported by local residents. Disturbing testimonies from communities indicate that many of these sites could contain the bodies of individuals who were victims of rape and other severe atrocities perpetrated during the nation’s prolonged and devastating armed conflict.
分类: world
-

Cuba congratulates Thailand on its national day
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly conveyed its heartfelt congratulations to the nation of Thailand commemorating its annual National Day observance. In an official communiqué disseminated via the social media platform X, Cuban diplomatic authorities extended sincere well-wishes to both the Thai populace and government leadership.
This significant date, marked annually on December 5th, holds profound cultural and historical importance for the Thai people. The celebration simultaneously honors Father’s Day while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX), whose birth occurred on this date in 1927. King Bhumibol remains a deeply revered figure in Thai society, having presided over the nation’s development through seven decades of transformative leadership.
The diplomatic exchange underscores the enduring international relationship between the Caribbean nation and Southeast Asian kingdom. Historical records indicate that formal diplomatic engagement between Bangkok and Havana was initially established on May 15, 1958, creating over six decades of continuous bilateral engagement.
Beyond ceremonial congratulations, the Cuban statement notably emphasized Havana’s renewed commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation frameworks. This diplomatic gesture signals ongoing interest in strengthening international partnerships across geopolitical boundaries, highlighting how nations continue to foster diplomatic relationships despite geographical separation and cultural differences.
-

Duits luchtvaartbedrijf Aerothrive ingeschakeld om EU-veiligheidsverbod te beëindigen
Suriname has initiated a comprehensive multi-year aviation safety overhaul program to remove the country from the European Union’s Air Safety List. The Civil Aviation Authority Suriname (CASAS) has formally contracted German-based international aviation security firm Aerothrive to lead the ambitious ‘SuriSafe-28’ initiative, designed to address critical deficiencies identified in recent audits conducted by both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union.
The partnership was officially sealed during a signing ceremony in Paramaribo, where CASAS Director Brian de Souza and Aerothrive CEO Patrick Lutz finalized the collaborative agreement. Aerothrive, a globally recognized aviation safety organization with a network of over 110 senior aviation experts worldwide, will coordinate the extensive program aimed at achieving full compliance with international aviation standards.
CEO Lutz emphasized that the project extends beyond technical assistance, stating: ‘Our focus encompasses strengthening CASAS’s institutional capabilities, streamlining all improvement trajectories, and facilitating collaboration with key international partners including ICAO and the EU. Only through a coordinated, multifaceted approach can we achieve our shared objective.’
Director de Souza characterized the initiative as a national priority, confirming: ‘This project enjoys the full support of our government. Removing the EU flight ban is absolutely crucial for our aviation safety standards, traveling public, and economic development. With Aerothrive’s expertise, we’re taking a substantial step toward sustainable improvement.’
The aviation audits revealed decades of systemic underfunding and structural deficiencies within Suriname’s oversight system. According to CASAS officials, current conditions for recovery appear favorable, with increased political commitment, enhanced funding, and strategic international partnerships creating a solid foundation for meaningful progress.
-

Ukrainian drone attack damages Russian port infrastructure
Russian military authorities reported significant drone activity over its southwestern territories, announcing the interception of 41 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within a 24-hour period. The defensive operations occurred across multiple regions including Samara, Crimea, Saratov, Volgograd, Rostov, and Krasnodar.
According to an official statement released by the Defense Ministry on Friday, port facilities in Temryuk sustained damage from what was described as “an attack by the Kiev regime.” The assault triggered a fire at the strategic Black Sea port infrastructure, though preliminary assessments confirmed no casualties as port personnel had been safely evacuated before the incident.
Emergency response teams deployed extensively to contain the blaze, with 32 specialized personnel and eight heavy machinery units engaged in firefighting operations. The ministry emphasized that all necessary measures were being taken to secure the area and assess the full extent of the damage.
Concurrently, Russia’s federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, implemented temporary flight restrictions at ten regional airports including Saratov, Krasnodar, Sochi, and Grozny. These precautionary measures were enacted to ensure civilian aviation safety amid the heightened security situation. The coordinated aviation security protocol affected airports across southern and western Russia, demonstrating the broad geographical impact of the reported drone incursions.
The military’s comprehensive report detailed precise interception numbers: nine UAVs neutralized in Samara region, nine over Crimea, eight in Saratov region, seven in Volgograd region, seven in Rostov region, and one in Krasnodar region. This systematic breakdown illustrates the widespread nature of the alleged aerial offensive and corresponding defensive response.
-

Four-Legged Melissa Survivors Find New Homes Abroad
In a heartening development emerging from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, over fifty dogs rescued from flood-ravaged areas of Jamaica have successfully been relocated to adoptive families overseas. The initiative, which saw the canines transported to new homes primarily in the United States and Canada, represents a significant secondary outcome of the disaster response efforts.
Jamaican Agriculture Minister Floyd Green provided details at a recent governmental press conference, clarifying that while the primary mission remained the preservation of human life, concurrent operations were launched to save domestic animals trapped by the catastrophic flooding. Official figures confirm that 58 dogs were evacuated internationally through these coordinated efforts, with a substantial number already integrated into their new households. Minister Green formally noted, ‘The ministry facilitated the export of 58 dogs rescued through these missions.’
Beyond the immediate rescue, the ministry has initiated a broader support program for the island’s animal population. A series of complimentary veterinary clinics are now being operated nationwide, delivering essential services including medical treatment, vaccination programs, wound management, and nutritional assistance for both livestock and pets affected by the storm.
The context of this animal rescue is the immense destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane on October 28th. The agricultural sector suffered catastrophic losses, with initial damage assessments of $30 billion subsequently revised upward to a staggering $60 billion following a comprehensive World Bank evaluation. The storm decimated livestock populations, resulting in the loss of thousands of pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle, alongside the death of nearly half the nation’s egg-laying hens and hundreds of thousands of broiler chickens. Total physical damage across the island is currently valued at approximately $8.8 billion. The human toll remains profound, with authorities confirming 45 fatalities and 18 individuals still unaccounted for.
-

Regional Humanitarian Warehouse to aid disaster recovery launches in Guadeloupe
Caribbean nations, increasingly vulnerable to intensified and frequent severe weather events, have gained a powerful new asset in regional disaster management with the December 4, 2025 inauguration of the Regional Humanitarian Warehouse in Les Abeys, Guadeloupe. This strategic facility represents a transformative step in strengthening collective resilience across the archipelago.
The inauguration ceremony gathered distinguished figures including Dr. Caroline Cross, President of the French Red Cross, alongside French officials and presidents of Caribbean Red Cross societies from Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis, signaling broad regional endorsement.
Financed predominantly by the European Union, which contributed €2.4 million (covering 82% of total investment) through its Interreg Caribbean programme under the Ready Together Extension initiative, the warehouse underscores the EU’s sustained commitment to supporting Caribbean and outermost regions.
Construction initiated in 2023 addresses a critical gap in disaster preparedness. The facility quadruples the French Red Cross’s storage capacity, enabling housing of up to 4,000 household kits. Beyond storage, it incorporates a crisis coordination center and modular training spaces designed to enhance operational readiness through simulated emergencies and skill development.
Engineered to endure major hurricanes and seismic events, the warehouse integrates advanced sustainable technologies including bioclimatic architecture, photovoltaic energy generation, and rainwater harvesting systems. These eco-conscious features align with the European Green Deal while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure development.
As a logistical nexus, the hub will facilitate rapid, efficient, and lower-emission distribution of humanitarian aid across Caribbean territories and EU outermost regions, significantly improving response times during crises. The project also aims to cultivate a new generation of disaster management professionals versed in sustainable practices.
This initiative synergizes with broader EU frameworks including the Cohesion Policy, Strategy for the Outermost Regions, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and climate adaptation priorities, forming a cohesive approach to building regional resilience against climate-related hazards.
-

Hundreds treated as Chinese hospital ship draws crowds in MoBay
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — The Chinese naval hospital ship Silk Road Ark has become a focal point of international medical cooperation as it continues its humanitarian mission in Jamaican waters. On the third day of operations in St. James parish, unprecedented crowds of local residents formed extensive queues seeking complimentary healthcare services provided by the vessel’s medical team.
According to official statistics released by the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica through social media platform X, the floating medical facility achieved remarkable throughput on its latest operational day, providing treatment to 771 patients while successfully completing 177 surgical procedures. The embassy’s digital communication included visual documentation showing substantial lines of Jamaicans from across the western region awaiting medical attention.
The diplomatic mission expressed profound appreciation for the warm reception from the Jamaican public, specifically acknowledging their ‘trust and friendship’ throughout the engagement. Medical personnel aboard the Ark received commendation for their extraordinary commitment and professional dedication during the medical outreach initiative.
This deployment represents a significant chapter in the growing bilateral relations between China and Caribbean nations, demonstrating practical cooperation through direct healthcare provision. The ship’s advanced medical capabilities have enabled comprehensive services including specialized consultations, diagnostic examinations, and surgical interventions, addressing critical healthcare needs in the region.
-

Overstromingen Azië: Dodental blijft stijgen, meer regen verwacht
A catastrophic flooding disaster across Southeast Asia has claimed over 1,500 lives, with rescue teams racing against time to reach survivors isolated by devastating landslides and floodwaters. The death toll includes 836 confirmed fatalities in Indonesia, 479 in Sri Lanka, 185 in Thailand, and three in Malaysia, while 859 individuals remain missing across the region.
Environmental organizations are pointing to decades of systematic deforestation as a critical factor exacerbating the tragedy. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) revealed that uncontrolled mining operations, palm oil plantations, and illegal logging have stripped Sumatra of its natural defenses, removing the forests that once absorbed rainfall and stabilized soil. Satellite data from Global Forest Watch shows the affected Indonesian provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have lost approximately 19,600 square kilometers of forest since 2000—an area larger than New Jersey.
In response to growing public outrage, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has pledged policy reforms following his visit to the hardest-hit areas. “We must genuinely prevent deforestation and forest destruction. Protecting our forests is crucial,” the president stated. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has announced investigations into eight companies suspected of contributing to the disaster through environmental degradation.
The crisis continues to unfold as meteorological authorities warn of additional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected from Friday through Saturday. Teuku Faisal Fathani, head of Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, indicated saturated soils and swollen rivers remain primed for further flooding in vulnerable districts.
Tens of thousands of survivors face severe shortages of food and clean water in isolated communities where floodwaters have washed away roads, bridges, and telecommunications infrastructure. In Batang Toru, the most severely affected region of North Sumatra, hundreds of hectares had been cleared for gold mining and energy projects, leaving slopes exposed and riverbeds clogged with sediment.
For elderly survivors like 67-year-old Safnida, who now resides in an elementary school converted to an evacuation shelter in Padang city, the future remains uncertain. “We cannot expect life to always be good, right? I’m grateful to be alive while my house collapsed in the floods,” she reflected. “At my age, I don’t know if I can survive it again.”


