15 December 2025
Oil Tankers
The US stormed a cargo ship travelling from China to Iran. This raid happened in November, and what was seized could have been helpful for Iran’s conventional weapons. The Trump administration seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. So this demonstrates a more aggressive shift in policy on the high seas.
Iran seized an oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, which was carrying 6 million litres of illegal diesel fuel, according to Iranian officials.
The EU has imposed new sanctions on companies and individuals that operate Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers. This includes businessmen linked to Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as shipping companies that own and manage tankers, and 14 persons and entities under the bloc’s hybrid threat sanctions framework.
Australia
Fifteen people were killed in a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, and a further 40 were wounded after a father and son opened fire on a Hanukkah event on Sunday evening. Twenty-six remain in hospital. The father, Sajid Akram, was shot by police and died on the scene, while his son, Naveed, was captured by authorities. One bystander, Ahmed al-Ahmed, wrestled a gun from one of the attackers, despite being shot in the process.
Afghanistan
The Afghan Taliban issued a set of religious rulings that ban Afghans from leaving the country to join foreign battlefields. It also requires the government to stop anyone who wants to leave for combat. This comes as regional tensions are increasing, as terrorist groups, who operate within Afghanistan, are conducting attacks in Tajikistan and primarily Pakistan.
Sudan
Six UN peacekeepers are dead after a drone attack on the UN base in the South Kordofan region. The UN blames the RSF for the attack. All the victims were from Bangaldesh.
United States
President Trump vows retaliation against ISIS in Syria after a gunman killed two US soldiers and their civilian interpreter in an ambush. The US has expanded its operations in the country with the assistance of the new Syrian government forces.
Social media wires
Bystander, Ahmed al-Ahmed, disarming one of the Bondi Beach terrorists
Serbian President Vučić in an unexpected hot mic incident
Featured Photo: “US & Turkey forces in Syria” – NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive, 2025
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.