Hegseth cites 'fog of war' in defence of second US strike on alleged drug boat

US private payrolls unexpectedly declined by 32,000 jobs in November, following an upwardly revised increase of 47,000 jobs in October, according to the ADP employment report. This decline contrasts with economists' expectations of a 10,000 job increase for November, highlighting a potential slowdown in the job market.

A Russian court has sentenced US citizen Robert Gilman to an additional two years in prison, following his initial incarceration in 2022 for a drunken assault on a police officer. This development was reported by state media on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump has publicly stated his opposition to Somali immigrants, asserting that the U.S. would be heading in the wrong direction by allowing them entry. His remarks coincided with plans by ICE to conduct operations targeting the Somali community in Minnesota, amid ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and social services fraud linked to this group.

The Malaysian transport ministry has announced that the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume on December 30, 2025, after more than a decade since the aircraft vanished. The marine robotics company Ocean Infinity will conduct the search operations over a period of 55 days, focusing on the seabed in the Indian Ocean where the likelihood of locating the aircraft is deemed highest.

Pope Leo has emphasized the critical role of European nations, particularly Italy, in mediating peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, amidst stalled negotiations between Russia and the US. The pontiff's remarks come as tensions escalate, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Europe of obstructing peace efforts.

After five hours of peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. negotiators, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, no signs of compromise were evident, with Putin emphasizing a firm stance on territorial issues related to Ukraine.

Mass protests erupted in Bulgaria as tens of thousands of citizens demonstrated against a controversial budget plan and widespread corruption, leading the government to withdraw the proposal. The protests reflect a growing discontent among the population, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly organizing online and distancing themselves from state media.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended two military strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Hegseth attributed the oversight of survivors to the 'fog of war,' raising concerns about potential violations of international law.