THE FRONTLINE REPORT

It's Friday, December 26th. On Christmas, the United States conducted airstrikes against ISIS forces in northwest Nigeria, marking the first U.S. military action in Nigeria under the Trump administration. Turkey arrested 115 ISIS suspects planning holiday attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations across Istanbul. Israel killed an Iranian IRGC Quds Force commander in Lebanon, violating the November ceasefire agreement. North Korea showcased a nearly complete nuclear-powered submarine during Kim Jong Un's inspection visit. The Russia-Ukraine war continued unabated with mass drone exchanges that killed at least 2 civilians in Chernihiv and Kherson. Across all theaters, at least 25-30 people died in armed conflict events on Christmas Day.

• Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed IRGC Quds Force commander Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari and a Hezbollah operative
• Three Palestinians killed at Gaza ceasefire Yellow Line after crossing into restricted zones
• One IDF soldier injured by explosive device in Rafah during ongoing operations
• Houthi ballistic missile intercepted over central Israel with 9 injured rushing to shelters
• West Bank settlers conducted masked raid firing live ammunition at Palestinians near Ramallah
• IDF reservist filmed running over praying Palestinian with ATV prompting investigation

Israeli strikes kill Iranian commander in Lebanon ceasefire violation

Israel conducted drone strikes in Lebanon on December 25 that killed Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, identified by the IDF and Shin Bet as a senior operative of Iran's IRGC Quds Force Unit 840. The strike occurred in the Ansariyah area of southern Lebanon. This marks the first confirmed killing of an acknowledged IRGC operative in Lebanon. A second Israeli strike killed a Hezbollah operative in the Safad al-Batikh area of Bint Jbeil district. Both strikes violate the November 2024 U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The IDF stated al-Jawhari was involved in directing Iranian operations against Israel and its security forces from Syria and Lebanon.

Gaza ceasefire zone sees continued casualties

Three Palestinians were killed on December 25 at the ceasefire Yellow Line in Gaza after crossing into restricted zones established under ceasefire terms. Israeli forces opened fire on individuals who entered areas designated as off-limits to Palestinian movement. One IDF soldier was injured by an explosive device in Rafah during ongoing security operations. The incidents occurred amid continued implementation challenges of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with both Israeli military operations and Palestinian movement restrictions generating daily friction points along demarcation lines.

Houthi missile intercepted over central Israel

Israeli air defenses intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile over central Israel on December 25. Nine people were injured while rushing to bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across the region. The missile was launched from Yemen and intercepted before reaching populated areas. Houthi forces have maintained their campaign of missile and drone attacks on Israel despite repeated Israeli airstrikes on Yemen. The attacks represent Houthi solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and opposition to Israeli military operations.

West Bank violence includes settler raid and IDF incident

Masked Israeli settlers conducted a raid near Ramallah in the West Bank on December 25, firing live ammunition at Palestinian civilians. The attack followed a pattern of settler violence that has escalated throughout 2025. Separately, an IDF reservist was filmed running over a praying Palestinian man with an ATV. Israeli military officials launched an investigation into the incident after video footage circulated on social media. Palestinian authorities condemned both incidents as evidence of systematic violence against civilians in the occupied territories.

• Turkey detained 115 suspected ISIS members in 124 simultaneous raids across Istanbul planning holiday attacks
• Russia launched 131 attack drones overnight with Ukraine intercepting 106 but 22 striking targets
• Chernihiv apartment building hit by drone killing 1 and injuring 10 including a child
• Kherson central market shelled at noon killing 1 market worker and injuring 2 civilians
• Ukrainian SBU drones struck Temryuk seaport igniting two oil storage tanks with fires over 2,000 square meters
• Storm Shadow missile strike hit Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery causing multiple explosions
• Polish fighter jets intercepted Russian reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea

Turkey thwarts ISIS Christmas attack plot with mass arrests

Turkish security forces conducted 124 simultaneous raids across Istanbul on December 25, detaining 115 suspected ISIS members allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations targeting non-Muslims. Intelligence indicated ISIS was planning simultaneous attacks on shopping centers and public markets using suicide bombs, car bombs, and drones. Police issued 137 arrest warrants with 22 suspects remaining at large. Seized materials included firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents. Authorities also announced the capture of senior Turkish ISIS figure Mehmet Goren near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. This represents Turkey's most significant counter-terrorism operation since the 2017 Reina nightclub attack.

Russian drones kill civilians in Chernihiv and Kherson

Russia launched 131 attack drones overnight December 24-25, with Ukraine intercepting 106 but 22 striking targets across the country. A drone hit a Chernihiv apartment building, killing an 80-year-old woman and injuring 10 people including a child. In Kherson, artillery shelling struck the central market at noon, killing one market worker and injuring at least two others. Zaporizhzhia region suffered 705 Russian strikes on 25 settlements, injuring 5 people in the city. The attacks continued despite Germany's rejected proposal for a Christmas truce. The frontline saw 115 combat engagements, with 26 attacks concentrated in the Pokrovsk direction.

Ukraine strikes Russian energy and military infrastructure

Ukrainian forces conducted multiple strikes on Russian territory on December 25. SBU drones struck the Temryuk seaport in Krasnodar region, igniting two oil storage tanks with fires spreading over 2,000 square meters. Storm Shadow missiles hit the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov region, causing multiple explosions. Drones also struck one of the world's largest gas processing facilities in Orenburg. Moscow region air defenses intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones, causing temporary flight restrictions at two airports. The Adygea military airfield was struck overnight. Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed responsibility for a December 24 IED attack in Moscow that killed two police officers allegedly involved in torturing Ukrainian POWs.

NATO responds to Russian air activity over Baltic

Polish fighter jets intercepted Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on December 25 as part of NATO air policing operations. Two Russian Tu-95MS nuclear-capable bombers flew more than seven hours over the Norwegian and Barents Seas, prompting NATO to scramble fighters to escort the aircraft. Objects, likely smuggling balloons, entered Polish airspace from Belarus overnight. The incidents reflected heightened NATO vigilance along the alliance's eastern flank during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

• United States conducted airstrikes against ISIS forces in Sokoto State northwest Nigeria
• President Trump announced strikes killed multiple ISIS terrorists in coordination with Nigerian authorities
• Mosque bombing in Maiduguri killed at least 5 people and wounded 35 with suicide vest fragments recovered
• Alliance of Sahel States activated 5,000-strong unified joint force under Burkinabè command
• Russian specialists and CAR forces destroyed two militant bases in Wakaga Prefecture ahead of elections
• Sudan deputy leader declared no truce and no negotiation with RSF occupiers

U.S. launches airstrikes against ISIS in northwest Nigeria

President Trump announced on December 25 that U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria. AFRICOM confirmed the operation killed multiple ISIS terrorists and was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes to come. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed President Tinubu authorized the strikes after speaking twice with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry stated the strike hit outside a village and caused no civilian casualties. This marks the first U.S. military action in Nigeria under the Trump administration, following weeks of warnings about potential intervention against groups killing Christians.

Maiduguri mosque bombing kills five

A mosque bombing in Maiduguri on December 25 killed at least 5 people and wounded 35. Police recovered fragments of a suspected suicide vest from the scene. Authorities attributed the attack to Boko Haram. The bombing occurred in Borno State, the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency that has killed tens of thousands since 2009. Security forces maintained heightened alert status across northeastern Nigeria during the holiday period.

Sahel states activate unified military force

Mali's Transitional President General Assimi Goïta handed over command of the Alliance of Sahel States Unified Joint Force to Burkinabè General Daouda Traoré on December 25. The 5,000-strong multinational force between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger aims to fight jihadist groups independently of Western partnerships. The activation represents a fundamental shift in African security architecture away from ECOWAS and traditional Western alliances. The Sahel region continues facing attacks from JNIM and Islamic State affiliates despite increased military cooperation among the junta-led governments.

Central African Republic conducts pre-election operations

Russian specialists from Africa Corps and Central African Armed Forces destroyed two militant bases in Wakaga Prefecture on December 25 that were allegedly planning to disrupt the December 28 presidential elections. The operation targeted armed groups seeking to destabilize the electoral process. CAR has relied heavily on Russian security assistance since 2018 to combat multiple rebel groups controlling portions of the country.

Sudan leader rejects negotiations with RSF

Deputy Sovereignty Council Chairman Malik Agar Ayyir declared on December 25 that there is no truce and no negotiation with an occupier, referring to the Rapid Support Forces. The statement dashed hopes for diplomatic resolution as the civil war enters what analysts describe as its deadlier phase. The conflict has killed over 150,000 people since April 2023 and displaced millions more.

• North Korea showcased 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine with largely completed burgundy-colored hull
• Kim Jong Un denounced U.S.-South Korea nuclear submarine deal as offensive act during inspection
• KCNA reported Kim was briefed on new underwater secret weapons development
• Russia launched Obzor-R X-band radar satellite from Plesetsk Cosmodrome
• Putin sent Kim New Year greeting thanking North Korean troops for heroic entry into Kursk battles

North Korea reveals nearly complete nuclear submarine

North Korean state media released images on December 25 showing Kim Jong Un inspecting an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine with a largely completed burgundy-colored hull. Analysts assessed the vessel could be ready for sea trials within months, representing a significant advancement in Pyongyang's nuclear naval capabilities. Kim was accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae and denounced the U.S.-South Korea nuclear submarine deal as an offensive act. He stated it was urgent to further accelerate the radical development of the modernization and nuclear weaponization of the naval force. KCNA reported Kim was briefed on new underwater secret weapons.

North Korea conducted anti-aircraft missile test

North Korea conducted its first test of new high-altitude long-range anti-aircraft missiles in the Sea of Japan on December 24, accurately hitting mock targets at 200 kilometers altitude. The test demonstrated expanding missile capabilities beyond ballistic systems. State media described the missiles as part of strengthening air defense systems against aerial threats.

Russia-North Korea cooperation expands

Russian President Putin sent Kim Jong Un a New Year's greeting on December 25, thanking him for North Korean troops' heroic entry into battles in Russia's Kursk region. The message confirmed North Korean military personnel are actively fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Russia also launched a military Obzor-R X-band radar satellite from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on December 25, marking its ninth Defense Ministry orbital launch of 2025. The expanding Russia-North Korea military cooperation represents a significant geopolitical realignment.

• Colombian President Petro ordered security forces to attack ELN guerrilla group on December 25
• ELN imposed 72-hour civilian confinement in areas under its control despite declared Christmas ceasefire
• U.S. deployed approximately 15,000 personnel in Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear
• Sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker pursued by U.S. forces turned away from Venezuela
• Human Rights Watch reported Maduro using U.S. military threats as pretext for internal crackdowns

Colombia orders attacks on ELN despite ceasefire

President Gustavo Petro ordered Colombian security forces to attack the ELN guerrilla group on December 25 after the National Liberation Army imposed 72-hour civilian confinement in areas under its control. Petro called the ELN drug traffickers dressed as revolutionaries and urged Colombians to go out without fear. The order came despite the ELN's declared Christmas ceasefire running from December 24 to January 3, indicating the fragility of the peace process. The ELN has maintained armed operations in several Colombian departments while participating in on-and-off peace negotiations with the government.

U.S.-Venezuela standoff continues in Caribbean

The U.S.-Venezuela standoff continued on December 25 with approximately 15,000 U.S. personnel deployed in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear, the largest U.S. military buildup in the region in generations. A sanctioned tanker pursued by U.S. forces turned away from Venezuela. Russia condemned U.S. actions as lawlessness in the Caribbean Sea. Human Rights Watch reported the Maduro government was using U.S. military threats as pretext for internal crackdowns, deploying military forces and arresting critics as traitors. The standoff has raised concerns about potential military confrontation in the region.

• Five people killed in firefight between Tajik border guards and armed intruders from Afghanistan at Kavo village
• Two Tajik guards and three intruders died with attackers carrying M-16 rifles and explosives
• Bangladesh violence victim died from 90 percent burns suffered during December 18-19 political clashes
• Hindu man Amrit Mandal lynched by mob in Rajbari district on December 24-25
• Qatar and nations condemned December 23 Pakistan police attack that killed 5 officers in Karak
• Pakistan experienced 25 percent surge in terror violence through November 2025

Tajikistan-Afghanistan border clash kills five

Five people were killed in a firefight between Tajik border guards and armed intruders from Afghanistan at Kavo village on December 25. Two Tajik guards and three intruders died in the exchange. The attackers carried M-16 rifles, silenced pistols, grenades, and explosives. This was the third such cross-border incident in recent weeks, with Tajikistan demanding an apology from the Taliban. The clashes reflect deteriorating security along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border since the Taliban takeover, with Tajik authorities accusing Afghan forces of failing to prevent militant infiltration.

Bangladesh violence continues with multiple deaths

An 18-year-old girl who suffered 90 percent burns during December 18-19 political violence died on December 25. A 29-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mandal, was lynched by a mob in Rajbari district on December 24-25. The violence stems from the December 12 shooting death of a student leader, with Hindu minorities increasingly targeted ahead of February 2026 elections. The attacks have raised concerns about religious minority safety during Bangladesh's political transition period.

International condemnation follows Pakistan police attack

Qatar and other nations issued condemnations on December 25 for the December 23 attack in Karak district that killed five Pakistani police officers. The attack involved militants ambushing a patrol vehicle, killing all officers, then dousing it in gasoline and setting it ablaze. Pakistan experienced a 25 percent surge in terror violence in 2025, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounting for 68 percent of the country's 3,187 terror fatalities through November. The Pakistani Taliban is suspected in the Karak attack given the region's security profile.

• Fortinet warned of active exploitation of 5-year-old SSL VPN vulnerability bypassing two-factor authentication
• Bangchak Corporation in Thailand targeted by Qilin ransomware on December 25
• Malaysian law firm Adnan Sundra and Low hit by DireWolf ransomware
• France La Poste suffered 8-hour DDoS attack by pro-Russian Noname057 group on December 22-24
• Romania National Water Management Agency ransomware affected 1,000 systems across 10 regional offices
• China Kuaishou platform experienced first documented AI-orchestrated attack flooding 416 million users

Critical vulnerability exploited during holiday period

Fortinet warned on December 25 of active exploitation of a 5-year-old SSL VPN vulnerability that bypasses two-factor authentication. The critical concern intensified during skeleton-staffed holiday periods when security teams operate at reduced capacity. CVE-2020-12812 allows attackers to circumvent authentication controls and gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. Security researchers observed active scanning and exploitation attempts targeting organizations during the Christmas holiday.

Ransomware attacks surge during holidays

Multiple ransomware attacks were posted on December 25 targeting organizations across sectors. Bangchak Corporation in Thailand's energy sector was hit by Qilin ransomware. Malaysian law firm Adnan Sundra and Low suffered a DireWolf ransomware attack. Danish firm Friis and Moltke was targeted by Akira ransomware. The attacks followed a pattern of increased malicious activity during holiday periods when IT security staffing is reduced. Cybersecurity teams had warned of heightened attack risk during the Christmas and New Year period.

Major infrastructure attacks from previous days continue impact

France's La Poste postal service suffered an 8-hour DDoS attack by pro-Russian hacktivist group Noname057 on December 22-24 that disrupted postal and banking services during the Christmas rush. Romania's National Water Management Agency continued struggling to recover from a ransomware attack that affected approximately 1,000 systems across 10 regional offices. China's Kuaishou platform experienced the first documented AI-orchestrated attack on December 22, flooding 416 million daily users with harmful content for 90 minutes before being contained.

Space domain sees continued military activity

Russia launched a military Obzor-R X-band radar satellite from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on December 25, its ninth Defense Ministry orbital launch of 2025. U.S. and French military satellites continued joint maneuvers under Operation Olympic Defender. U.S.-China satellite dogfighting in geostationary orbit escalated with both nations demonstrating anti-satellite capabilities through close approach maneuvers. The activities reflected the expanding militarization of space as a contested domain.