Assad loyalists kill 14 in clash with Syria's new ruling forces
The clash took place with supporters of the ousted leader in Tartous, a stronghold of his Alawite sect.
Twenty years on: 'My boat was metres from the shore when the tsunami hit'
A BBC reporter looks back to the day in 2004 when the tsunami hit while she was on the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Dozens survive Kazakhstan passenger plane crash
Kazakh authorities say almost half the people on board the aircraft survived the deadly incident.
Five Gaza journalists killed in Israeli strike
A Palestinian TV channel says they were in a marked media van, but Israel says it targeted an armed group.
Zelensky condemns 'inhumane' Christmas Day attack
Russia has launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Israel probe says army actions had 'influence' on killing of six hostages by Hamas
It also said that soldiers did not know the hostages were there when they began their operation.
Bird flu kills 20 big cats at US animal sanctuary
The animals - including a Bengal tiger, cougars and bobcats - have died of the virus over the past several weeks.
S Korea MPs file motion to impeach acting president
The motion comes less than two weeks after parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
More than 1,500 escape Mozambique prison amid election protests
The prisoners took advantage of ongoing political unrest triggered by disputed poll results, police say.
Taiwan's ex-presidential candidate charged with corruption
Ko, once a rising star in Taiwan politics, is accused of accepting half a million dollars in bribes.
Whisper it - alcohol-free wine has arrived in France
It used to be considered treason in France - but now, alcohol-free wine is here to stay.
Bald eagle officially declared US national bird after 250 years
The bird has been a national emblem in the US for years, but it never had an official status in the country's 248-year history.
Pope urges negotiations to end Ukraine-Russia war
The pontiff also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the freeing of hostages held by Hamas.
Greenland and the Panama Canal aren't for sale. Why is Trump threatening to take them?
Trump's promises to use America's strength to its advantage helped propel him twice to the White House.
Owner and architect of Turkey quake collapse hotel jailed
They received hefty sentences after 72 people were killed when the building fell in the 2023 quake.
Three shot dead as medics, journalists and police attacked at Haiti hospital
Two journalists and a police officer are reported to have been killed, with others injured in the attack.
Watch: ISS crew sends Christmas greetings from space
Astronauts on the International Space Station send a festive message from orbit, some 250 miles (400km) above Earth.
Pope opens Holy Door to kick off special jubilee year
More than 30 million Catholic pilgrims are expected to head to Rome for the jubilee, which takes place once every 25 years.
Fireworks explode as US house burns down
No injuries were reported from the fire but two homes were destroyed, firefighters say.
Watch: Cargo ship tips on its side in Turkey
A cargo ship rolls over as it is being loaded at a port in Istanbul in the early hours of Monday morning.
Boy, 7, injured by falling drone during holiday show
The boy required open-heart surgery after he was hit in the chest by the drone in Orlando, Florida.
Illegal trade booms in South Africa's 'super-strange looking' plants
A biodiversity hotspot has become the stomping ground of poachers.
Palestinian Christians struggle to find hope at Christmas
For the second year running, tourists are staying away and public festivities have been cancelled.
Ukraine's war stamps put humour, patriotism and swearing in the post
Ukraine's war stamps, some with swear words, boost morale at home and promote its image abroad.
Modernism and Islamic motifs: How Indian artists envisioned Christ's birth
Over the centuries, painters in India have depicted Jesus's birth from a uniquely local perspective.
The famous Christmas carol inspiring Ukraine's defenders
Carol of the Bells was written in Pokrovsk, a key target for advancing Russian troops in Ukraine.
As Biden commutes death row sentences, how Trump plans to expand executions
Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of 40 death row inmates, derailing Trump's plan to ramp up executions.
Magdeburg attack offers far right fertile ground despite suspect's backing for AfD
There is deep sadness in the city - and also anger directed at the government and migrants.
On patrol with Kenyan forces inside Haiti's gang warzone
The BBC goes on patrol with the Kenyan officers sent to quell violence in gang-ravaged Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.
Four revelations from the House ethics report on Matt Gaetz
The report gives fresh details about the former Florida congressman's alleged payments for sex and drugs.
Indian fans fed up with paying top prices for stinking toilets and traffic jams at concerts
India is fast becoming a major live industry market but poor facilities at concerts have left fans unhappy.
The US town where it's the law to own a gun
Kennesaw, Georgia became the first American town to require people to own a gun in the 1980s.