Hundreds of Thai police surround Buddhist temple in Bangkok to arrest abbot
The 72-year-old abbot Phra Dhammachayo is wanted in connection with suspected money laundering.
Berlin attacker Anis Amri transited through Lyon, surveillance footage shows
Investigators are still trying to find out how Amri fled Germany and reached France and then Italy.
China restores diplomatic ties with Taiwan's former ally Sao Tome and Principe
This comes after the African island nation broke away from Taiwan last week.
13 killed in Mexican states of Michoacan and Guerrero in drug violence on Christmas Day
Six human heads were found in front of a business in Jiquilpan town, near the border with Jalisco, Mexico.
Queen misses Christmas Day church service as she recovers from cold
It is the first time since 1988 that the monarch will miss service on Christmas Day.
Pakistan defence minister issues nuclear threat against Israel in response to fake news article
Khawaja Muhammad Asif said: "Israel forgets Pakistan is a nuclear state too."
Trump's White House Communications director pick Jason Miller steps away from the job
In a statement, Miller said he declined the job offer to spend more time with his family.
Pope Francis says Christmas needs to be freed of materialism
He said that the message of Christmas was simplicity, humility and mystery.
Turkish air strikes on Isis stronghold of al-Bab kill 88 civilians in 24 hours
It is reportedly the bloodiest attack by Turkish troops since Ankara began its campaign in Syria in August.
Jimmy Carter is the only former president who has confirmed he'll attend Trump's inauguration
Carter, recently said at his Sunday school class in Georgia that he would attend the ceremony.
Two brothers arrested by German police for plotting terror attack on shopping mall
The targeted mall CentrO, is reportedly one of the biggest malls in Germany with almost 250 shops.
Gambia: Yahya Jammeh says he will wait for court ruling in January before ceding power
Jammeh, who lost to Adama Barrow, is seeking to annul the results of the country's presidential elections.
UN Security Council to vote on halting Israeli settlement construction
The draft resolution drawn up by Egypt says Israel's construction has 'no legal validity'.
Berlin Christmas market attack: German police launch new manhunt for armed gunman
Police said that more than one gunman could be on the run.
Refugee on Nauru Island 'upset' as authorities delay treatment for heart ailment
The man, who prefers the pseudonym Yusuf, said he has been too sick to even get up from his bed.
US shuts its embassy and consulates in Turkey for a day after Ankara shooting
Shots were fired outside the US embassy in Ankara hours after the assassination of the Russian ambassador.
Poland scraps controversial media restriction plan after demonstrations
This is the second time when the ruling PiS has backed away from a controversial plan due to protests.
Australian woman finds deadly snake wrapped around her Christmas tree
The tiger snake is understood to have entered through an open door before curling up among the decorations.
Henry Kissinger says Trump could possibly go down in history as a 'very considerable president'
Kissinger also added that Donald Trump is a phenomenon that foreign countries haven't seen.
Isis claims responsibility for suicide attack in Yemen which killed 49 soldiers
In a statement, Daesh claims it killed up to '70 apostates' in the attack in Aden.
Pakistan to lift ban on screening of Bollywood films
Movie theatres in Pakistan are gearing up for screening Aamir Khan's Dangal.
Hamas lashes out at Israel over killing of militant group's drone expert
Hamas' armed wing Qassam Brigades says Mohammed Zawari had been with the group for 10 over years.
South Korea's parliamentary investigators denied access to Blue House
Presidential office says that the Blue House cannot be searched for national security reasons.
European Union agrees to extend sanctions against Russia
The process to formally extend sanctions on Moscow's defence, financial and energy sectors will begin next week.
Renewal of sanctions against Iran becomes law without President Obama's signature
US lawmakers insisted that the renewal was important to keep a check on Iran's behaviour.
Colombian government pardons 110 Farc rebels
The pardons only apply to 'political crimes' and not serious criminal offences such as killings, rape and torture.
Trump's transition team disowns contentious questionnaire sent to US Energy Department after uproar
The team had demanded the names of employees who assisted President Barack Obama in his climate policy efforts.
'Is there literally nothing that can shame you?' US Ambassador Samantha Power lambasts Assad, Russia
Power accuses Syrian regime, Iran and Russia of putting a 'noose' around thousands of civilians in eastern Aleppo.
United States to stop some weapon sales to Saudi Arabia over air strikes in Yemen
The US said it will continue to provide intelligence focused on border security.
Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn pardons 150,000 prisoners, including those convicted for insulting monarchy
Those who are convicted of rape and murder are not be eligible for pardon, officials said.