Both leaders described US-China relations as improving after months of strain over trade and security issues.
Pentagon Launches Misconduct Review of Senator Kelly Over Video Urging Troops to Refuse Illegal Orders
The Department of Defense announced Monday it is reviewing “serious allegations of misconduct” against Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a retired Navy captain, after he appeared in a video telling service members they could refuse unlawful orders.
The 90-second message, released by six Democratic lawmakers who are military veterans, prompted outrage from President Trump, who accused them of “seditious behavior.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the video “despicable and reckless,” alleging Kelly violated federal laws governing military discipline by using his rank to lend authority to remarks that could undermine command loyalty. The Pentagon said possible actions include recalling Kelly to active duty for court-martial proceedings.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations…
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) November 24, 2025
Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut, said he learned of the probe through social media and vowed not to be silenced, calling the investigation politically motivated. He currently serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Defense Department.
US- and Israel-Backed Gaza Aid Group Shuts Down
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israel-backed private aid initiative created to bypass the United Nations in delivering food to Gaza, announced Monday it will permanently cease operations.
The organization claimed it “fulfilled its mission” after six weeks of inactivity following a US-brokered ceasefire.
Critics, including Palestinian officials and aid groups, accused GHF of endangering civilians by forcing them to cross Israeli military lines to access aid, leading to hundreds of reported deaths. GHF denied violence at its distribution sites but acknowledged the risks to civilians traveling to them.
GHF said it delivered more than 3 million food boxes before ending operations and would transfer its model to the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center overseeing the ceasefire.
The foundation operated in secrecy, using armed contractors and undisclosed funding sources, and was widely condemned by the UN, which called it a system that deepened Israel’s control over food distribution in Gaza.
In one of the most complex humanitarian environments in modern history, GHF delivered 187 million free meals directly to civilians in Gaza in under 4.5 months – safely, efficiently, and without a single instance of looting or diversion.
As we conclude our emergency operations,… pic.twitter.com/VRhCcYU2eY
— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) November 24, 2025
Separately, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and military Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir publicly clashed over the army’s internal review of its failures during Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
Katz froze new army appointments pending further review, while Zamir criticized the decision and called for an independent commission to investigate the military and political leadership’s roles in the attack that triggered the latest Gaza war.
US Conducts 100th Airstrike in Somalia, Marking Record Year for AFRICOM Operations
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed it carried out its 100th airstrike of 2025 in Somalia over the weekend, marking a record level of military activity against Islamist militants in East Africa.
The latest strike, on Saturday, targeted Islamic State fighters in the Golis Mountains. The number of strikes this year far surpasses previous totals, potentially doubling the 2019 record of 63.
The increase follows a January directive granting AFRICOM commanders more autonomy to authorize strikes. While al-Shabab remains the main focus, operations against ISIS in Somalia have surged as the group’s estimated strength has grown from about 300 fighters in 2019 to roughly 1,500, most of them foreign.
AFRICOM said its mission continues to include advising Somali forces and conducting coordinated air operations to weaken militant networks.
Sudan’s Army Chief Rejects US-Backed Ceasefire Plan, Accuses Mediators of Bias
Sudan’s top general, Abdel-Fattah Burhan, rejected a US-led ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the country’s 30-month war, calling it “the worst yet” and accusing mediators of bias.
The plan, backed by the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—known as the Quad—called for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process.
Burhan said the proposal would dissolve Sudan’s armed forces while leaving the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intact.
The RSF, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, said it had agreed to the truce following global condemnation of its atrocities in Darfur.
💢 Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced a unilateral three-month humanitarian truce with the Sudanese army
🗣️ The group said the move responds to international efforts to halt violence and expand access for relief agencies https://t.co/nuyHaVZJuV pic.twitter.com/Bs0CNYDtCu
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) November 24, 2025
The UAE, accused by rights groups and US intelligence of arming the RSF, denounced Burhan’s stance as “obstructive.”
The war, which began in April 2023, has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over 14 million, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to accept a ceasefire and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid.
US and Ukraine Revise Controversial Peace Plan as Russia Awaits Details
US and Ukrainian officials reported progress over the weekend in revising Washington’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine, though they released no details and the Kremlin said it had not seen the changes.
The original plan drew criticism for mirroring Russian demands, including requiring Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its military, and forgo NATO membership. European leaders pressed for revisions during talks in Geneva, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb saying major issues remain unresolved.
US President Donald Trump, who set a Thursday deadline for Ukraine’s response, suggested the talks could be moving in a positive direction. Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed the deadline, saying negotiations would continue.
Moscow said some earlier provisions were “quite acceptable” but dismissed European input as “unconstructive.”
‘VAST MAJORITY’ of Trump’s Ukraine plan has been ‘agreed upon’ – Leavitt
By the Americans and Ukrainians at least
‘We’re gonna have to make sure that…the Russians agree to them as well’ https://t.co/bPei09uiUA pic.twitter.com/lQIIRvaRHS
— RT (@RT_com) November 24, 2025
Ukraine’s allies plan further discussions Tuesday, while Russia has not yet been invited to new talks. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv killed four people and wounded 13 as the war entered another week of heavy fighting.
Germany’s Christmas Markets Open Under Tight Security After Recent Attacks
Germany’s traditional Christmas markets opened Monday across the country, welcoming visitors with food, crafts, and festive lights amid heightened security following two deadly attacks in recent years.
Berlin’s markets, including those at the Gedächtniskirche church, City Hall, Gendarmenmarkt, and Charlottenburg Palace, opened with ceremonies and police presence.
The increased security follows last year’s car-ramming attack at a Magdeburg market that killed six people and the 2016 truck attack at Berlin’s Gedächtniskirche market that left 13 dead. Cities like Cologne have implemented reinforced barriers and private security measures to protect visitors.
Year after car attack, Christmas market opens in Magdeburg.
The Christmas market opens in the German city of Magdeburg, despite safety fears following a deadly car-ramming attack at last year’s event. The attack on December 20, 2024 killed six people and wounded more than 300,… pic.twitter.com/c0NDerP49c
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 21, 2025
Despite the precautions, vendors reported strong crowds and positive spirits as Germans embraced the centuries-old holiday tradition.
US MQ-9 Reaper Drone Crashes Off South Korea’s West Coast During Routine Mission
A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone from the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base crashed early Monday off the west coast of South Korea, military officials reported.
The aircraft went down near Maldo-ri in Gunsan city around 4:35 a.m. (local time) while on a routine mission.
No injuries or property damage were reported, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
The 431st Squadron, reactivated in September as a reconnaissance unit, supports US-Korean intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
The MQ-9 Reaper, capable of flying up to 50,000 feet with a range of about 1,150 miles, is a key asset in US aerial monitoring across the Korean Peninsula.
Japan Advances Missile Deployment Near Taiwan as Tensions With China Escalate
Japan’s plan to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, located about 70 miles from Taiwan, is moving forward, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Sunday during his visit to military installations on Yonaguni and Ishigaki.
The expansion of Camp Yonaguni will include a new medium-range missile unit intended to strengthen Japan’s defense posture and deterrence capabilities, Koizumi said, rejecting claims that the move would heighten regional tensions.
BREAKING:
Japan refuses to bow down to Chinese pressure over Taiwan and announces that it’s deploying medium-range missiles to Yonaguni Island, just 110 km east of Taiwan.
Japan says it’s doing so decrease the likelihood of a Chinese invasion attempt against Taiwan 🇯🇵🇹🇼 pic.twitter.com/ZNwj0fgVmp
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 23, 2025
The announcement comes as relations between Tokyo and Beijing grow more strained. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said a Chinese attack on Taiwan would pose “an existential threat” to Japan, prompting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to accuse Japan of crossing a diplomatic “red line.”
Japan has already deployed Type-12 and Type-03 missiles on Ishigaki Island to counter China’s expanding military activity near Taiwan and the East China Sea.
Koizumi emphasized cooperation with US forces under the Japan-US alliance but declined to outline Yonaguni’s role in any Taiwan conflict scenario.
Myanmar Military Showcases Crackdown on Online Scam Centers, Detains Over 1,000 Foreigners
Myanmar’s military government has launched a highly publicized crackdown on online scam operations, broadcasting daily footage of raids, arrests, and demolitions on state television.
The campaign, aimed at countering international criticism, has led to the detention of more than 1,700 foreigners in Shwe Kokko since November 18 and over 12,000 since January, with nearly 10,000 deported through Thailand.
Authorities say they seized thousands of computers, mobile phones, and Starlink devices used in online fraud schemes.
BOOM! Myanmar military BLOWS UP buildings used as online scam centers as it continues crackdown pic.twitter.com/GbsZ51cGG4
— RT (@RT_com) November 24, 2025
The scam centers, including the recently raided KK Park and Shwe Kokko complexes near the Thai border, have been central to global cyber fraud networks generating an estimated $40 billion annually.
Critics argue that major operators remain active elsewhere and accuse military-linked militias of protecting the criminal enterprises.
Ethnic Karen groups, including the army-backed Border Guard Force and the Karen National Union, have denied involvement despite government claims linking them to the operations.
Sources: News Agencies
Evening Brief: Trump to Visit China Next Year, US Conducts 100th Airstrike in Somalia, US and Ukraine Revise Controversial Peace Plan
Trump accepts Xi’s invite to Beijing, Pentagon probes Senator Mark Kelly, and more. Here’s what’s making headlines this Monday evening.
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