Axios

A Bek Air plane crashed shortly after taking off from Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan on Friday morning, leaving at least 12 people dead, the New York Times reports.

Why it matters: It's the latest aviation tragedy in the former Soviet region, which faces a spotty historic safety record and masses of new passengers thanks to the creation of low-cost carriers like Bek Air.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed Friday that the Avangard, the country's new intercontinental hypersonic weapon, became operational and entered combat duty, per the AP.

Why it matters: Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized that Russia is the only country armed with hypersonic weapons. He also has compared the success of the Avangard's development to the Soviet Union's first satellite launch in 1957.

Muslim minorities from China to India and beyond are facing discrimination, mass internment, and even extermination at the hands of their own governments.

Why it matters: The global trend is rooted in the U.S. war on terror, inflated fears of Islamic terrorism, and the rise of authoritarian populism around the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he had won a "giant victory" in the primary race for leadership of his ruling Likud Party Thursday night, the AP reports.

Why it matters: If the early results hold, it would be the first hurdle cleared by the embattled prime minister as Israel heads for its third elections in less than a year. Netanyahu, who is seeking to maintain immunity after being indicted last month on corruption charges, pledged to convince President Trump to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and all settlements in the West Bank in a last-ditch campaign promise ahead of Thursday's primary.

Go deeper: Israel heads for third elections with Netanyahu weakened by indictments

China, Russia and Iran announced they will hold joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman from Dec. 27 to 30, AFP reports.

Why it matters: The drills come after the U.S. withdrew from a key international nuclear deal with Iran — and as it faces down geopolitical threats from both Russia and China, especially after the end of a key Cold War missile treaty.

Russian authorities raided the Moscow office of opposition leader Alexei Navalny Thursday, using power tools to enter the premises before taking laptops and other materials, the BBC reports.

The big picture: Navalny, an anti-corruption lawyer and politician, is the face of Russia's domestic opposition to President Vladimir Putin and has been jailed dozens of times as a result of his activism. Navalny was hospitalized in July after his doctor said he was poisoned with "undefined chemical substances."

After local media reported a rocket fired from Gaza forced the evacuation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday, the Israel Defense Force tweeted it' "struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza" in response.

A Hong Kong mall closed early as police fired tear gas to break up protests Wednesday, Reuters reports, as the city's leader Carrie Lam said on Facebook the Christmas demonstrations had "ruined" celebrations.

Why it matters: After a period of relative calm, clashes between police and protesters erupted again this week at rallies in shopping districts. On Tuesday, police also used rubber bullets, per the New York Times. Authorities hoped the withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered the protests six months ago would've quelled the unrest that's often left the Asian financial hub paralyzed. But it looks set to continue into the new year.

Go deeper:

• Hong Kong protests show no signs of slowing as movement enters 6th month
• Thousands march in Hong Kong after landslide election victories
• Trump delights Hong Kong demonstrators, enrages Beijing

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos and details on the latest unrest.