Armed conflicts and attacks

The United States Southern Command announces U.S. forces have struck an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person. (ABC News)

• https://abcnews.go.com/International/new-eastern-pacific-strike-alleged-drug-boat-kills/story?id=128642786

Business and economy

The Italian Competition Authority fines Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair €255 million (US$300 million) for allegedly abusing its dominant market position from April 2023 to April 2025 by restricting how travel agencies sell its flights. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/italy-regulator-fines-ryanair-255-million-euros-alleged-abuse-dominant-position-2025-12-23/

International relations

The United States imposes visa bans on Center for Countering Digital Hate CEO Imran Ahmed, former European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, Global Disinformation Index co-founder Clare Melford, and HateAid CEOs Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon for allegedly pressuring U.S. social media platforms to restrict speech. (Reuters)

• https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna-Lena_von_Hodenberg
• https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-targets-former-eu-commissioner-activists-with-visa-bans-over-alleged-2025-12-23/

Law and crime

Romanian president Nicușor Dan announces an investigation into alleged systemic abuses within the judiciary after judges and prosecutors report intimidation and undue influence by the High Court of Cassation and Justice. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/romanian-president-says-judiciary-will-be-investigated-address-claims-abuses-2025-12-22/

Law and crime

The Venezuelan National Assembly approves a law that creates prison terms of up to 20 years for promoting or financing activities defined as piracy, blockades, or related international crimes. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-passes-law-against-piracy-blockades-amid-us-oil-ship-seizures-2025-12-23/