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US pauses visas for all Afghan passport holders, halts asylum requests

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As the President Donald Trump administration’s immigration crackdown intensifies in the wake of a fatal attack on two National Guard members, the US State Department has announced it is “immediately” suspending issuing visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports to protect “public safety.”

The United States immigration authorities announced on Friday that they would continue to make decisions regarding all asylum applications for the time being.

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In a post on X on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the State Department had “paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling with Afghan passports.”

Authorities named Afghan national Rahmanaullah Lakanwal as the main suspect in the Washington, DC shooting that left one National Guard member in critical condition on Wednesday.

Rubio claimed that protecting our country and our people is the top priority for the United States.

Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, both of whom were patrolling close to the White House, are accused of being attacked by Lakanwal in an unprovoked attack by Lakanwal.

The Trump administration confirmed on Thursday night that 24-year-old Wolfe is still in critical condition while 20-year-old Beckstrom passed away from her injuries.

Lakanwal worked for the spy agency in Afghanistan before immigrating to the US shortly after the Western forces backed out of the nation in 2021, according to the CIA.

The charges against Lakanwal have been upgraded to first-degree murder, along with two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, according to US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) director Joseph Edlow stated in a separate announcement on Friday that the agency had also put a stop to all asylum applications in the name of “the safety of the American people.”

In a post on X, Edlow wrote that “USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible.”

According to Trump, Edlow claimed a day earlier that he had ordered “a full, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern.”

At Trump’s request, the measures are the most recent in a line of increasing immigration restrictions.

Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, including the granting visas to Afghan nationals who worked with US forces in Afghanistan, on numerous occasions in recent days.

Following the US’s exit in 2021, Lakanwal arrived in the US as part of a program from the Biden era called “Operation Allies Welcome.”

Trump declared he planned to suspend immigration from “all Third World countries,” and ordered authorities to re-examine all green card applications from 19 “countries of concern” in a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.

Although he did not define the term “Third World,” it is frequently used as a slang term for developing nations in the Global South.

Trump added that he would “remove anyone who is incapable of loving our country or who is not a net asset to the United States.”

He declared, “I will denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquillity, deport any foreign national who poses a public security risk, or is incompatible with Western civilization,” and so on.

S African ex-leader Zuma’s daughter quits parliament amid Russia war claims

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In response to allegations that she allegedly lured 17 men to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, her daughter, former South African president Jacob Zuma, has resigned from parliament.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned on Friday after being named in police custody over her alleged involvement in luring South Africans to Russia. A group of men between the ages of 20 and 39 reportedly ended up on the front lines of Ukraine’s conflict after the police made the announcement.

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Zuma-Sambudla had been a member of parliament since June 2024 for her father’s opposition party, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), after he was expelled from South Africa’s then-governing African National Congress.

Nkosinathi Nhleko, the MK Party’s national chairperson, stated at a press conference that “the national officials have accepted comrade Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s decision to resign and support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are safely returned to their families.

According to MK officials, Zuma-Sambudla resigned on her own and that all other public positions and titles were immediately removed.

Nhleko, the MK’s Nhleko, added that Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation was not a confession of guilt, but that MK would support the men’s families in Ukraine. She added that the party was not involved in luring the men to Russia.

Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister has not publicly refuted the accusations she made, even though she did not speak at the news conference.

On November 11, 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, appears in court in Durban, South Africa, on suspicion of terrorism.

After being duped into fighting for mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts, South Africa’s government announced earlier this month that 17 of its citizens were stuck in the Donbass region of Ukraine.

After her half-sister had submitted a formal request for the investigation into her and two other people, police announced they would investigate Zuma-Sambudla last weekend.

In an affidavit, Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, claimed that two other people had duped the South Africans into fighting by promising to give them security training in Russia. The other two people’s identities were unknown.

According to the affidavit, the South Africans were forced to fight in the conflict and handed over to a Russian mercenary group. Eight of the 17 men were members of Zuma-Sambudla’s and Zuma-Mncube’s extended family, according to the report.

Authorities were “working ever so quietly” at all levels “to secure their safe return,” according to South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who spoke to Al Jazeera.

However, an investigation is still being conducted that will examine how they were recruited, who was involved, and what were promised. . . said Magwenya

Following the murder of two Jordanian nationals on Thursday, Jordan became the latest nation to criticize Russia for recruiting its citizens to fight.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared it would “take all available measures” to stop further recruitment of Jordanians and demanded that Moscow renounce its current enlisted citizens’ contracts.

According to figures shared by Ukrainian Brigadier General Dmytro Usov, who claimed that almost 3,400 foreigners had died fighting for Russia, Moscow claims to have recruited at least 18, 000 foreign fighters from 128 nations.

Zuma-Sambudla is seen as a divisive political figure in South Africa, according to Michael Appel, who is a journalist for Al Jazeera in Johannesburg. He is already facing “serious charges” related to the unrest in South Africa in 2021 that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.

Jess Glynne reveals tragic reason she failed to surprise Alex Scott after I’m a Celeb exit

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After her partner left I’m A Celebrity, Jessica Glynne spoke after she started dating Alex Scott, a former football player, since the summer of 2023. Get Me Out of This Situation

Jess Glynne has revealed the heartbreaking reason why she didn’t join Alex Scott on the bridge after she left I’m A Celebrity.

She claimed that her mother needed urgent brain surgery because of a “major stroke”. Jess opened up, saying, “My woman may be leaving far earlier than she ever deserved, but I’m so unbelievably proud of her. She didn’t receive the airtime to demonstrate just how amazing she really is, and this is only the start.

I wanted to share something personal because I know people will ask me why I wasn’t there at the bridge’s end. My mother recently had a significant stroke that required urgent brain surgery. My family has been through a very difficult, life-changing time, and I’ve been forced to stay close. Alex would always prefer to take me where I’m most in need. I look forward to having her back by my side.

Alex was the first campmate evicted from I’m A Celebrity, though mystery had initially shrouded why her partner didn’t welcome the TV presenter. Ant and Dec announced the news after a phone vote, which insiders said was “incredibly close.”

It feels like you’re free, Alex said. Such a wonderful experience has been had. It’s been difficult mentally and physically. It’s difficult in there, she continued, “because you constantly get water and firewood.” ”

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During her time on the programme, the football broadcaster spoke openly about their relationship. When asked by campmate Ruby Wax about whether she’d tie the knot with Glynne, Scott replied: “I will get married to her, just waiting for her to ask, Rubes!

The former football player also discussed sneaking banned salt into camp, which she sprinkled on dinner after being removed from the house. I simply grabbed a few drops of salt and put them in my sock, Alex continued. My campmates were involved. And they still wished they had salt every day. “

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She also supported Shona McGarty in winning. She remarked, “It will change her and give me the confidence to do great things.” “Millions of people are expected to have cast their ballots,” according to Aitch and Angry Ginge fans in particular.

The insider continued, “This has been unprecedented, and one of the reasons why users have issues with the app. “

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,374

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On Saturday, November 29, this is how things are going.

Fighting

  • Four people were hurt when Russian drones hit six locations in Kyiv’s city center and eastern suburbs early on Saturday, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the country’s military administration.
  • Despite Moscow’s claims that its troops are completely in control of the area, Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskii, said that Ukrainian forces are defending their positions and pursuing sabotage groups in the northeastern city of Kupiansk.
  • In the first few weeks of its full-fledged invasion in 2022, Russian troops took control of Kupiansk, but Ukrainian troops recaptured it later that year. The city was “fully in our hands,” according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who made the statement on Thursday. The allegations were quickly refuted by Smyrskii, who cited “astonishing evidence from the Russian leadership regarding the state of the Kupiansk.”
  • In the midst of ferocious fighting, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian forces reportedly cleared Ukrainian troops from 6, 585 buildings in Pokrovsk, Ukraine.
  • The Saky airbase and Saratov oil refinery in the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula have been hit by Ukraine’s forces, according to Ukraine. Regarding the refinery strike, the Ukrainian military reported that “a number of explosions were recorded, followed by a fire in the target area.”
  • 136 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed overnight by Russian air defense systems, according to the Moscow Defense Ministry.

Ukrainian politics

    Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s negotiations team at tumultuous United States-backed peace talks, has left, hours after anticorruption investigators searched his home. Ukraine’s efforts to retaliate against US-proposed peace agreements, which would satisfy many of Moscow’s territorial and security needs, were led by Yermak.

  • On Saturday, Zelenskyy said he would look into replacing his chief of staff. Russia is eager to make mistakes in Ukraine. In a video address, Zelenskyy urged unity and said, “We won’t make any.” Our work continues, the saying goes. He continued, “Our struggle goes on”.
  • The justice and energy ministers of Ukraine resigned amid a comprehensive investigation just weeks after they launched investigations into high-level corruption, which has sparked outcry and put the country’s leadership in crisis.

talks on a ceasefire

  • Zelenskyy stated in a video message to the nation that senior Ukrainian military, intelligence, and foreign ministry representatives would soon engage in discussions with Washington officials regarding the resolution of the conflict.
  • Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, stated that when a US delegation arrives in Moscow next week, Russia anticipates receiving information on the agreed points of a proposed peace plan. Moscow is assuming that it is negotiating the plan exclusively with the US, according to Peskov.

Sanctions

    According to a spokesperson for the European Union, “intensive discussions” are being held, including with Belgium, regarding using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine in staying afloat. The plan’s support from Belgium is crucial because Euroclear, a financial institution with a presence in Belgium, owns the assets the EU wants to use.

  • Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to warn that using the assets could thwart a peace deal with Ukraine.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed “increasing urgency” about the need to support Ukraine with frozen Russian assets, and hoped for a resolution soon.
  • Following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced that Russia would provide Hungary with agreed crude and gas supplies in accordance with existing contracts.
  • Two vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers have been blown out of their ships in the Black Sea, close to Turkiye’s Bosphorus Strait, by explosions. The 274-meter-long (898 ft) tanker Kairos, which was traveling from Egypt to Russia, was reported by Turkiye’s Ministry of Transportation, which was on the verge of an explosion and caught fire in the Black Sea. The 25 crew members on board the emergency response vessels were immediately rescued, according to the statement.
  • The Kairos reported having “an external impact” that had caused a fire 28 nautical miles (51. 8 kilometers) off the Turkish coast, according to Turkiye’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs.
  • Further east in the Black Sea, a second Russian tanker, Virat, reportedly hit by a missile about 35 nautical miles (64 kilometers). Although it was not immediately known what caused the explosions, ships have recently struck mines in the Black Sea.
  • Russia has urged nations to support its nomination for a seat it lost in 2023, but it still hasn’t gotten enough votes to re-establish itself as the governing body of the UN shipping agency. The outcome is a blow to Russia, which also failed to win enough votes in September to become president of the UN aviation agency, and is also a diplomatic blunder against Moscow for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Regional security

  • According to two anonymous US officials, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels the following week, which is unusual for Washington to not attend a key transatlantic gathering at a crucial moment for peace talks in Ukraine.
  • Instead, according to one of the officials, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will represent Washington. Rubio’s intentions to skip the December 3 meeting were unklar. His likely no-show comes as US and Ukrainian officials have been working to close any gaps between US President Donald Trump’s plan to stop Ukraine’s Russian invasion.
  • As Warsaw warns of Russian attempts to destabilize nations supporting Kyiv, Poland has detained two Ukrainians and three Belarusians on suspicion of acting at the foreign intelligence services’ orders. In a “hybrid war” waged by Russia to undermine Ukraine’s support, Poland claims that it has been the target of arson and cyberattacks.
  • A senior intelligence official noted that with a growing emphasis on naval installations, Germany had its highest number of drone sightings over military installations in October. Prior to now, drones had frequently been seen hovering over military and airbases, including those used to train Ukrainian troops.
  • Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the ex-Saudi president’s daughter, has resigned from parliament after being accused of defrauding 17 Ukrainian men of Russian smuggling. In her father’s Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), Zumba-Sambudla was a lawmaker. According to MK officials, she voluntarily resigned and took over all other public positions immediately, including the National Assembly.
  • Putin will travel to India on December 4 and 5, according to Russian state news reports from the Indian government.

Freddy Brazier and Jeff Brazier’s ‘war that will never end’ takes fresh twist

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Following his split from wife Kate Dwyer, who he married in 2018, showbiz presenter Jeff Brazier, has had a difficult month.

Freddy and Jeff Brazier’s feud has accelerated as the young man has turned to his gran Jackiey Budden for support, it is claimed.

Freddy, 21, has this month split with his pregnant girlfriend Holly Swinbourn despite recently gushing about how excited he was to become a father. It is believed he has sought support from Jackiey — mother of his tragic mum Jade Goody — as he adjust to being a single man again.

Photographs taken on Thursday show Freddy, who is a model, with the pensioner as they walked together around Bermondsey, southeast London. It is understood Freddy has moved in with his grandmother in her two-bedroom home in the area. The bonding comes in the wake of Jeff’s own emotional time as the TV presenter too has split with his partner Kate Dwyer, who he married in 2018.

However, it is believed that Jeff, 46, is unhappy that his son opted to move to Jackie’s house instead of his home in Harlow, Essex. “Jeff utterly detests the closeness of Jackiey and Freddy,” according to a source. Freddy isn’t interested in being with her. Jeff claims Jackiey makes his son’s trouble worse and that he is telling people about it. It’s a never-ending war.

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The father and son, though, were snapped this week embracing warmly at a Christmas lights switch on at a farm in West Sussex. Speaking after this event, a source conceded Freddy and Jeff have faced “an incredibly stressful year”.

It is thought Freddy finds Jackie good company to ease some of the pressures he faces. Speaking after his move to her London home, the insider told the Daily Mail: “While Freddy was with [his ex-girlfriend] Holly, he was living between Jackiey’s house and Jeff’s. But now he’s on his own he has gone back to his nan’s. He likes it there, he can chill out, smoke and talk about his mum. He sleeps in her old bedroom, it’s comforting for him.”

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Their relationship wasn’t so tight, however, as earlier this year Freddy had claimed his maternal grandmother got him “hooked” on drugs when he was just 12. The feisty pensioner quickly refuted these allegations, saying: “I’ve read all these things he’s said about me and I just can’t believe he’d say them. It just isn’t true at all – I can’t believe it.

Before he and I ever smoked together while we were traveling in Essex near Jeff’s house, Freddy said, “He had gotten into some bad crowds, but it wasn’t with me.

Kensington Palace gives huge update on major Kate Middleton event happening in days

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Westminster Abbey is hosting The Princess of Wales’ annual Christmas carol concert next week, and new information about the occasion has been made public.

Brand new details about the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas carol concert have been released – just days away from the big event.

Kate will preside over the Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, now in its fifth year, on Friday (December 5). The event will bring together 1,600 guests to celebrate love in all its forms – whether within families, through friendships, across communities or kindness between strangers. A string of new musicians have been announced as performers at the event, with those being added to the stage including singer songwriter Katie Melua, Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends and rising star Griff.

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And for the first time this year, an illustrator will be sketching obscene scenes from the Abbey to record their unfolding.

The princess will be joined by husband Prince William, who will give a reading, and royal fans will be hoping their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis make an appearance alongside other members of the royal family.

Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith, both members of the pop rock band Bastille, will also be performing on the roster.

The event will honor those who have volunteered or given their time to help others in their communities, organized initiatives that unite people in their communities, or offered a helping hand to those who are close to them.

During the event, readings linked to the theme of love, compassion and connection will be delivered by Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe and rising actor Joe Locke, with the speakers accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.

The service will also feature the stories of some of those invited, who are assisting in making a more caring and connected society, as well as candles lit by people William and Kate have met in recent years and others who have participated in it.

The Royal Horticultural Society will donate wreaths made by their ambassadors, including Dame Mary Berry, and schoolchildren, while horticulturist Jamie Butterworth’s festive display, based on the significance of nature in our lives, will be presented to them.

A “connection tree” will allow the congregation to include their names, illustrating the importance of genuine connection and the power of interdependence.

A brass ensemble of eight teenagers will play as guests arrive at the service, which Future Talent, the late Duchess of Kent, co-founded to support musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds.

Some 15 community carol services, held in places including the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury and a community farm in Gwent, are also set to take place across the UK with the same love and togetherness theme.

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Armagh, Berkshire, Derbyshire, Dumfries, Dyfed, East Riding, Gwent, Greater Manchester, Isle of Wight, Lanarkshire, Nottinghamshire, Renfrewshire & Ayrshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire and Worcestershire are the locations for the community services which are to be hosted by lord-lieutenants and supported by The Royal Foundation.

On Christmas Eve, the Westminster Abbey program will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX, and it will also be repeated on Christmas Day.