THE FRONTLINE REPORT

Executive Summary

It's Monday, December 29th. December 28 saw high-level diplomacy and persistent conflict across multiple regions. President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago for peace talks, claiming parties were 95% agreed on a framework, while Russian strikes continued killing civilians in Ukraine. Syria experienced its deadliest post-Assad violence as 3 died and 60+ were injured in clashes between security forces and pro-regime loyalists in Latakia. Six people including a 2-year-old girl were killed in a beach massacre in Ecuador, prompting nationwide border closures. North Korea test-fired long-range cruise missiles, China announced major encirclement exercises around Taiwan, and Pakistan killed 12 militants in counterterrorism operations. Myanmar held junta elections amid civil war, Thailand and Cambodia observed their first day of ceasefire, and Iran saw economic protests erupt as the rial collapsed to historic lows.

Syria's deadliest post-Assad violence leaves 3 dead in Latakia clashes

Armed clashes erupted across Latakia, Tartous, and Jableh on December 28, marking Syria's bloodiest unrest since Assad's fall. At least 3 people were killed and more than 60 wounded in Latakia alone as security forces battled pro-regime loyalists. The violence stemmed from protests demanding the release of former Assad-era soldiers, organized by Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Alawite Supreme Council. Armed groups linked to the former regime attacked security personnel and civilians, prompting the Syrian Defense Ministry to deploy armored vehicles to city centers. The Syrian Army characterized the attackers as outlaw groups. The clashes followed a December 26 mosque attack in Homs that killed 8 people, signaling persistent sectarian tensions in Syria's post-transition period.

Gaza winter storm kills woman as humanitarian crisis deepens

A severe winter storm continued claiming Palestinian lives in Gaza on December 28. At least 30-year-old Alaa Marwan Juha died when a wall collapsed onto her tent in Gaza City's Remal neighborhood, with additional deaths including a 7-year-old child. Cumulative storm deaths reached 20+ from building collapses, with 15 hypothermia deaths in December including 3 infants. The crisis reflects conditions for approximately 900,000 Palestinians living in tents across the territory. Gaza's Health Ministry reports 414+ Palestinians killed since the October 10 ceasefire began, with Israeli forces conducting intermittent operations. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers launched coordinated attacks on Palestinian property in Hawara, Al-Jaba, and Turmus Aya, burning vehicles and spray-painting threats.

Iran's economic crisis triggers Tehran bazaar protests

Tehran's bazaar districts erupted in protest on December 28 as the Iranian rial plunged 7% in a single day to 1,445,000 per dollar. Shopkeepers in the Alaeddin mobile complex, Tehran Iron Market, and Shoush shoe market closed stores and took to streets chanting economic grievances. The unrest came as Russia launched 3 Iranian satellites from Vostochny Cosmodrome into 500km orbit, including Paya at 150kg, Zafar-2, and Kowsar. President Pezeshkian declared Iran in full-scale war with the U.S., Israel, and Europe. Hezbollah's leader in Lebanon rejected disarmament calls ahead of a U.S.-imposed year-end deadline.

Somalia declares Israel an enemy over Somaliland recognition

Somalia's parliament held an emergency joint session on December 28, condemning Israel's December 26 recognition of Somaliland as a naked invasion and declaring Israel an enemy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned Somalia would not allow its territory to be used for Israeli regional operations. The session scheduled a UN Security Council emergency meeting for December 29. Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi escalated tensions by declaring any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be a military target for our armed forces. The threat raised concerns about renewed Houthi attacks after the group paused Red Sea operations following the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire. Condemnation came from the African Union, Arab League, OIC, Egypt, Turkey, and Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Trump hosts Zelensky for peace talks as war continues

The most consequential diplomatic development of December 28 occurred at Mar-a-Lago, where President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for over three hours following a 75-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin. Trump characterized progress toward a 20-point peace framework as 95% agreed on U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, while Zelensky claimed 100% agreement on that element. Negotiations remain deadlocked on Donbas territorial status and control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA announced both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire window of silence near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to enable power line repairs.

Russian strikes kill civilians across Ukraine despite diplomatic progress

Russian forces continued attacks across Ukraine on December 28 even as peace negotiations advanced. In Kherson, MLRS strikes wounded 10 civilians in the Korabelnyi district during morning hours, with a separate artillery strike damaging the Combined Heat and Power Plant, the sole heating source for tens of thousands of apartments. In Sloviansk, three FAB-250 guided aerial bombs struck residential areas, killing a 51-year-old man in his garden and wounding four elderly civilians, including a 78-year-old and an 88-year-old. Putin stated Russia will achieve its objectives by force if Ukraine refuses negotiations.

Ukrainian forces strike deep into Russian territory targeting oil infrastructure

Ukrainian forces executed retaliatory drone strikes overnight on December 28, targeting the Syzran oil refinery in Samara Oblast, a key Russian military fuel supplier, and an electrical substation that caused citywide blackouts. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed interception of 25 Ukrainian UAVs across six regions. Contested Russian claims of capturing Myrnohrad and Huliaipole were dismissed by Ukrainian officials as disinformation. Ukrainian forces also struck an oil refinery in Rostov Oblast with Storm Shadow missiles.

Mali operation kills 21 jihadists in counterterrorism push

Malian Army forces killed 21 jihadist militants and lost 1 soldier during operations in central/western Mali on December 28, with 3 soldiers and 2 civilians wounded. The operation targeted fighters linked to JNIM, the al-Qaeda affiliate conducting a prolonged siege of Bamako through fuel blockades. The Sahel continues to account for 51% of global terrorism deaths in 2025. JNIM has destroyed over 130 fuel tankers since September, while AES alliance forces killed Moussa Himma Diallo, the number-two leader of Katiba Serma, on December 26. In Nigeria, security forces killed bandit leader Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto State, following controversial U.S. airstrikes on ISIS/Lakurawa camps on Christmas Day.

Chad-Sudan border tension rises after RSF drone attack

A December 27 RSF drone strike killed 2 Chadian soldiers at a border post in Tine, with diplomatic condemnation issued December 28. Both Sudan and Chad blamed the RSF, while the paramilitary group denied responsibility. The incident raised tensions along the Chad-Sudan border, with both nations exchanging formal protests. Chad maintains significant refugee populations from Sudan's ongoing civil war, with the attack complicating regional stabilization efforts.

North Korea tests cruise missiles as Kim vows nuclear expansion

Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test-firing of 2 long-range strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea on December 28, with both weapons flying for over two hours before striking their targets. The arrow-type missiles demonstrated an approximately 2,000-kilometer range, capable of reaching U.S. military installations in Japan. KCNA released imagery showing Kim observing the launch from the Sunan area near Pyongyang. Following the test, Kim affirmed North Korea would devote all efforts to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force. The drill came amid heightened Korean Peninsula tensions, including South Korea's announcement of plans for nuclear-powered submarines and the USS Greenville's recent docking in Busan.

China announces massive Taiwan encirclement exercises

China's Eastern Theater Command announced Justice Mission 2025 military drills encircling Taiwan scheduled for December 30 featuring army, navy, air force, and rocket force units. The exercises will simulate blockade and control of key ports including Keelung and Kaohsiung across five maritime and airspace zones. Taiwan's Defense Ministry detected 89 Chinese military aircraft, the highest count in over a year, along with 28 warships and 14 coast guard vessels operating near the island. The announcement followed the U.S. approval of an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's statement about potential military intervention if China attacks. Taiwan's military activated rapid response exercise mode in preparation for the drills.

Myanmar holds junta election amid ongoing civil war

Myanmar's military government conducted the first phase of nationwide elections on December 28, the first vote since the 2021 coup that sparked an ongoing civil war. Voting proceeded in 102 of 330 townships, with 65 townships excluded due to active conflict. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing cast his ballot in civilian clothes in Naypyidaw, while observers from Russia, China, Belarus, and Cambodia monitored proceedings. Western democracies refused to send observers, dismissing the election as a sham. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party was dissolved and banned, with its leader serving a 27-year prison sentence. The UN estimates the civil war has killed approximately 90,000 people since the coup, displaced 3.5 million, and left 22 million requiring humanitarian assistance.

Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire holds on first full day

The first full day following the December 27 Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire passed without combat, as both nations began a 72-hour monitoring period. The agreement halted 20 days of fighting that killed at least 26 Thai soldiers, 1 Thai civilian, and 30+ Cambodian civilians, while displacing over 800,000 people on both sides. The ceasefire was facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN Chair, with U.S. President Trump credited for applying pressure. Martial law remained in effect in Thai border provinces including Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo. The conflict centered on the disputed 817-kilometer border, including the contested Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple areas.

Ecuador beach massacre claims six lives including toddler

Gunmen executed a brazen daylight attack on the Puerto López beachfront boardwalk in Manabí Province, killing 6 people including a 2-year-old girl and wounding 3 others. Armed assailants arrived by van and motorcycle at approximately 9 AM local time, opening fire with automatic weapons near fish stalls and local businesses. The attack was the third deadly incident in Puerto López that weekend, bringing the area's 48-hour death toll to 9. Ecuador remains under a state of internal armed conflict declared in 2024, with homicides up 37% nationwide through August 2025 compared to the prior year. The government has closed all but one border crossing each with Colombia and Peru citing national security concerns.

Brazil court orders house arrest for Bolsonaro coup plot accomplices

The Brazilian Supreme Court ordered house arrest for 10 Bolsonaro coup plot accomplices on December 28, including former international affairs adviser Filipe Garcia Martins and former Federal Highway Police director Silvinei Vasques. The ruling came as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged 2022 coup attempt following Bolsonaro's election defeat. The decision allows the individuals to await trial outside of prison under monitoring conditions.

Pakistan counterterrorism operations eliminate 12 militants

Pakistani security forces killed 12 militants in two operations on December 28. In Karak District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police and intelligence agencies killed 8 militants during an ongoing operation in mountainous terrain, dismantling several hideouts between Kohat and Karak districts. In Balochistan's Kalat District, security forces killed 4 militants described by the military as Indian-sponsored separatists linked to the Baloch Liberation Army. The operations occurred against the backdrop of a devastating 2025 for Pakistani security. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, combat-related deaths increased 73% year-over-year, with 664 security personnel killed and 580 civilian deaths. The country recorded 1,063 militant attacks in 2025, the most since 2014, including 26 suicide bombings.

Afghanistan-Tajikistan border investigation proceeds after deadly clash

Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi confirmed a joint investigation into a December 23-25 border clash that killed 5 people, including 2 Tajik border guards. Concerns focused on the Jamaat Ansarullah jihadist group operating from Afghanistan. The incident highlighted ongoing border security challenges between the two nations, with Tajikistan raising concerns about militant activity originating from Afghan territory.

Iranian hackers target Israeli officials in psychological warfare campaign

The Iranian-linked Handala hacking group released personal data of Tzachi Braverman, a close associate of Prime Minister Netanyahu and ambassador-designate to the UK, on December 28. The leak included personal correspondence, phone data, and contact lists in an ongoing psychological warfare campaign. Handala previously compromised former PM Naftali Bennett's Telegram account and has placed $30,000 bounties on 14 IDF and defense industry figures. The group continues targeting Israeli officials as part of Iran's broader cyber operations against the state.

Major gaming breach hits Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege suffered a major breach on December 28 enabling attackers to distribute approximately $13.33 million in fraudulent game currency and unlock all cosmetic items, forcing a service shutdown. The attack exploited CVE-2025-14847, a critical MongoDB vulnerability with active exploitation reported December 28. Security researchers identified the vulnerability as allowing unauthorized access to game economy systems. Ubisoft took servers offline to address the breach and prevent further exploitation.

Pro-Russian hackers disrupt French postal services

France's La Poste postal service experienced ongoing DDoS disruption from pro-Russian group NoName057 on December 28, affecting digital banking for millions. The hacktivist group has conducted sustained campaigns against European infrastructure throughout 2025, with particular focus on countries supporting Ukraine. The attack disrupted online services but did not compromise mail delivery operations. French cybersecurity agencies coordinated response efforts to restore services.