WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL NEWS REVIEW – Jan.17th – 23rd 2026

SUDAN

FSR THREATEN TO BESIEGE KORDOFAN CAPITAL

On January 17, 2026, the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University warned that El-Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, risked being besieged again by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Satellite images revealed new earthen walls along the city’s main exit routes, consistent with siege preparations. El-Obeid, controlled by the Sudanese army, is a strategic hub linking Darfur to Khartoum and hosts tens of thousands of displaced people. Mercy Corps reported that people were being turned back at checkpoints. The city had previously been besieged by the RSF at the start of the war in April 2023, before the army broke the siege in February 2025.

CPI: RSF USE MASS GRAVES TO HIDE MASSACRES

On January 19, 2026, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Nazhat Shameem Khan reported that the RSF committed massacres in Darfur and concealed victims in mass graves. Addressing the UN Security Council, Khan described a “calculated campaign” against non-Arab communities, with evidence of executions, body desecration, and organized violence reminiscent of El-Geneina, where up to 15,000 Massalit civilians were killed. She urged Sudan to arrest ICC fugitives, including ex-defense minister Abdul Raheem Mohamed Hussein and Ahmed Haroun, wanted since 2007 for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Janjaweed militia.

CLASHES WITH CHADIAN TROOPS

On January 19, 2026, the RSF apologized for “involuntary” clashes with Chadian forces at the border, which left 7 Chadian soldiers dead. The RSF claimed the incident resulted from a mistake during operations targeting Sudanese army forces. Chad’s government blamed the RSF for the violence.

NIGERIA

MASS KIDNAPPING OF CHRISTIANS

On January 18, 2026, armed gangs abducted 172 worshippers during Sunday services at two churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru district, Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. Reverend Joseph Hayab, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria for the northern region, confirmed that 163 remained captive after 9 escaped.

NIGER

JIHADIST MASSACRE LEAVES 31 DEAD

On January 18, 2026, armed men killed 31 civilians in Bosiye village, Gorouol commune, Tillabéri region, western Niger. The attack occurred in the “three borders” area near Burkina Faso and Mali, a hotspot for jihadist groups. A local resident and the Coordination of Gorouol Students confirmed the deaths: 30 on the spot and one later in a medical center. 4 others remain hospitalized in critical condition. Tillabéri, the deadliest region in the central Sahel in 2025 with over 1,200 deaths, has seen repeated jihadist violence, including the September 2025 killing of Gorouol’s mayor and 22 villagers in Takoubatt.

UGANDA

ARMY DENIES FORCED ABDUCTION OF OPPOSITION LEADER

On January 17, 2026, the Ugandan army denied forcibly abducting Bobi Wine by helicopter, after his party claimed he was taken to an unknown location. Army spokesperson Chris Magezi called the allegations “unfounded” and aimed at inciting violence. Police maintained Wine was at home, with additional security deployed due to “sensitive” conditions. Locals reported hearing drones, helicopters overnight and heavy police presence.

MUSEVENI’S SON THREATENS TO KILL BOBI WINE AFTER ELECTION VICTORY

On January 19, 2026, Ugandan army chief and presidential son Muhoozi Kainerugaba threatened to kill opposition leader Bobi Wine, writing on X: “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists. I pray Kabobi [Wine] is the 23rd.” Kainerugaba, known for inflammatory posts, also mocked Wine’s appearance and called him a “baboon.” Museveni, 81, was declared winner with 71.65%, extending his 40-year rule.

BOBI WINE FLEES POST-ELECTION CRACKDOWN

On January 21, 2026, Bobi Wine declared he was in hiding after fleeing a security raid on his home, denying government claims that he and his supporters were “terrorists.” He accused the army, led by Museveni’s son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of killing civilians and threatening his life. Wine said he was protected by ordinary people in Kampala’s slums, with no clear plan but to “respond to oppression.”

UGANDA ARMY CHIEF CLAIMS 30 OPPOSITION KILLED, 2,000 ARRESTED

On January 23, 2026, Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the killing of 30 NUP “terrorists” and the arrest of 2,000 supporters. Kainerugaba updated his previous casualties toll on X. Police also arrested NUP MP Muwanga Kivumbi.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

THE ARMY RETAKES UVIRA AFTER M23 WITHDRAWAL

On January 19, 2026, the Congolese army (FARDC) announced it had retaken control of Uvira, a strategic city in eastern DR Congo, following the withdrawal of M23 rebels backed by Rwanda, which had seized the city in December 2025. Local militias and special forces entered Uvira on January 18, greeted by celebrating residents, though looting and sporadic gunfire were reported. The M23, which had claimed to place Uvira under “international responsibility,” repositioned its troops on the city’s outskirts and nearby hills. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi accused the M23 of staging a “victimization tactic” and manipulating the Banyamulenge community, many of whom fled with the rebels. The army arrested 20 looters and continued deploying to secure the city, including the Banyamulenge neighborhood.

MINING ACTIVITIES THREATEN LOCAL AREA

On January 23, 2026, Valery Kyembo and local leaders in Lukutwe, Haut-Katanga, reported that soldiers blocked access to their protected forest reserve, as mining companies increasingly encroach on community lands. The DRC’s cobalt-rich belt, producing 70% of the world’s supply, is under intense pressure from firms like Tiger Resources (Australian, via its subsidiary SEK), MMG Limited (Australian, via MMG Kinsevere SARL), and China Minmetals (Chinese, majority shareholder in MMG), as well as Huayou Cobalt (Chinese, via Congo Dongfang Mining). Despite official land titles for 20 community forest reserves, locals fear displacement and environmental destruction. A November 2025 spill from Congo Dongfang Mining polluted Lubumbashi’s suburbs, prompting a government suspension.

GOMA’S FALL ANNIVERSARY

One year ago, the M23 rebel group supported by Rwanda seized Goma, the capital of DR Congo’s North Kivu province, after intense fighting that left thousands dead. The city now falls silent after 6 p.m. as M23 patrols enforce curfews, conduct arrests and execute suspected criminals. Prisons overflow, and the stadium serves as an open-air detention center. NGOs report torture and summary executions. The M23 has imposed its own judges, taxes, and ideological training, while banks remain closed and the airport inaccessible. Civilians, stripped of livelihoods, survive on dwindling savings and Rwandan francs.

LEBANON

ISRAELI STRIKE KILLS 2, UN PEACEKEEPERS TARGETED

On January 16, 2026, an Israeli airstrike killed one man in Mansouri, southern Lebanon, targeting a van. Another man was killed in Mayfadoun the previous night. The Israeli military also struck the Bekaa Valley, north of the Litani River, despite a November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah. The UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) also reported that an Israeli drone dropped explosives and that a tank fired on its positions in Kfar Chouba, with 30 small-caliber rounds hitting a sentinel post and lodging.

ISRAELI STRIKES CONTINUE, 2 DEAD

On January 21, 2026, Israeli airstrikes killed two people in southern Lebanon: one in Zahrani (near Sidon) and another in Bazourieh (near Tyre). Israel also launched airstrikes on five villages, Qanarit, Kfour, Jarjouaa, Kharayeb, and Ansar. The Lebanese army condemned the “aggressions,” stating they hinder its disarmament efforts.

PALESTINE

ISRAELI FORCES KILL PALESTINIAN TEEN IN WEST BANK CLASHES

On January 16, 2026, Israeli forces shot and killed 14-year-old Mohammed al-Nassan in Al-Mughayyir, West Bank, during clashes after Friday prayers. The Israeli army stated soldiers responded to stone-throwing, while the village mayor said the teen was exiting a mosque when soldiers opened fire. The army imposed a curfew and set up checkpoints, citing recent settler outposts and land seizures.

TRUMP NAMES TONY BLAIR AND MARCO RUBIO TO GAZA PEACE COUNCIL

On January 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the formation of a Gaza Peace Council, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov as High Representative for Gaza and General Jasper Jeffers at the head of the international stabilization force.

PALESTINIAN GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE BEGINS WORK IN CAIRO

On January 16, 2026, the newly formed 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee held its first meeting in Cairo, attended by Jared Kushner and Nickolay Mladenov. The committee is tasked with temporarily administering Gaza and overseeing reconstruction. Committee head Ali Shaath emphasized the importance of housing, with 85% of Gaza’s buildings destroyed and announced plans to deploy 200,000 prefabricated units. The committee’s work is overseen by Trump’s Peace Council and is based on an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan. Gazans expressed frustration and skepticism as the second phase of Donald Trump’s peace plan began, with airstrikes and humanitarian crises persisting. 14 people have been killed since the start of phase 2, and infrastructure remains in ruins. The new Palestinian technocratic committee in Cairo is seen as distant and ineffective by locals.

NETANYAHU REJECTS TURKISH AND QATARI TROOPS IN GAZA

On January 19, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to the inclusion of Turkish or Qatari troops in the Gaza stabilization force, citing disagreements over the territory’s future governance. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had not coordinated with the U.S. on the composition of the new executive committee, which includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi. Israel’s foreign ministry was instructed to address the issue with the U.S. State Department.

ISRAELI BULLDOZERS DEMOLISH UNRWA HEADQUARTERS

On January 20, 2026, Israeli bulldozers demolished buildings at the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem, prompting the agency to denounce an “unprecedented attack” and a violation of international law. Israeli forces seized the complex, which had been vacant since Israel banned UNRWA activities a year ago, accusing the agency of Hamas ties. UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler called it a “grave violation” and warned of broader implications for international organizations. Israeli officials, including far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, celebrated the demolition, stating the site would no longer “support terrorism.” The move follows Israel’s long-standing opposition to UNRWA and its recent legislative crackdown on the agency.

FATAH OFFICIAL EXPOSES PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY CORRUPTION

On January 20, 2026, Tawfiq al-Tirawi, a former Palestinian intelligence chief and Fatah central committee member, publicly accused the Palestinian Authority of systemic corruption in an open letter to President Mahmoud Abbas. Tirawi cited unaddressed land grabs, embezzlement, and a “moral collapse” within institutions, claiming Abbas’s inner circle deliberately hides the truth. He threatened to expose further details if no action is taken. The letter reflects growing internal dissent within Fatah and the PA, as the U.S. and EU push for reforms to enable Palestinian participation in post-war Gaza governance.

3 JOURNALISTS KILLED IN ISRAELI STRIKE

On January 21, 2026, an Israeli airstrike killed AFP collaborator Abdoul Raouf Shaath and two other Palestinian journalists, Anas Ghneim and Mohammed Salah Qashta, in al-Zahra, central Gaza. The Israeli military claimed the journalists were operating a “suspect” drone. Witnesses said they were filming an Egyptian aid distribution when their vehicle was struck. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate condemned the attack as a “war crime” and part of a systematic campaign against media workers. Over 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to Reporters Without Borders.

SYRIA

PRESIDENT RECOGNIZES KURDISH RIGHTS AMID CONFLICT

On January 16, 2026, Syrian President Ahmad al-Chareh issued a decree recognizing the national rights of Kurds, making their language official and declaring Nowruz a public holiday. The move came as his forces clashed with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo. Al-Chareh, who overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, called on Kurds to participate in rebuilding Syria. The US-led coalition intervened to reduce tensions, as both sides are US allies. Negotiations over a March 2025 agreement to integrate Kurdish institutions into the state remained stalled.

ARMY ADVANCES INTO KURDISH-HELD TERRITORIES

On January 17, 2026, the Syrian army entered Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, after SDF forces withdrew following intense shelling and a 24-hour ultimatum. The army claimed control of 34 towns and villages, while SDF leader Mazloum Abdi accused Damascus’ troops of violating agreements. The Syrian army seized Tabqa and the local dam, 40 km from Raqqa, after intense fighting with the SDF. The army claimed control of the town and accused the SDF of blowing up two bridges leading to Raqqa, cutting off the city. The army’s advance was supported by local Arab armed groups. Kurdish authorities imposed a total curfew in Raqqa province as the Syrian army declared a closed military zone around Tabqa and threatened airstrikes. The army warned civilians to leave, while the SDF reported heavy clashes in five localities east of the Euphrates. Civilians fled the area, with some crossing the Euphrates.

ARMY TAKES CONTROL OF MAJOR OIL FIELDS

On January 18, 2026, the Syrian army took the al-Omar and al-Tanak oil fields in Deir Ezzor from the SDF, marking a significant step in President Ahmad al-Chareh’s campaign to reassert State control. The SDF withdrew, while the army claimed the move would boost reconstruction. The oil fields, Syria’s largest, had been under Kurdish control since 2017. Clashes also erupted near Raqqa’s al-Aqtan prison. 2 civilians were killed in Raqqa by SDF fire, according to State media.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND KURDS

On January 18, 2026, President Ahmad al-Chareh announced a 14-point ceasefire agreement with the Kurds, forcing the integration of SDF forces into the Syrian army and state security. The deal, following Kurdish military defeats, requires the SDF to hand over Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces, border crossings and oil fields to Damascus. Kurdish civil institutions in Hassakeh will be integrated into the state, and a Kurdish governor may be appointed. The agreement also makes Damascus responsible for ISIS prisoners camps. The SDF, which had sought decentralization, called the deal a blow to Kurdish autonomy.

KURDISH PROTESTS ERUPT ON TURKISH BORDER

On January 20, 2026, over 1,000 pro-Kurdish protesters clashed with Turkish police at the Nusaybin border crossing, demanding an end to Syria’s offensive against Kurdish armed groups. The DEM Party, Turkey’s third-largest, organized rallies in support of the Syrian Kurds, accusing the international community of abandoning them. In Syria, the SDF called on Kurds worldwide to join their resistance. The PKK vowed never to abandon Syrian Kurds, accusing Damascus, Ankara and ISIS of colluding against them.

ARMY ENTERS AL-HOL CAMP, 7,000 ISIS PRISONERS TRANSFERRED

On January 21, 2026, the Syrian army entered the al-Hol camp, home to 24,000 ISIS family members, after the SDF withdrew to defend their heartland in Hassakeh. The camp, the largest of its kind, holds 15,000 Syrians and 6,300 foreigners from 42 countries. The UN’s refugee agency was unable to enter due to volatile security. Meanwhile, the US decided to transfer up to 7,000 ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq, fearing security breaches. The US military already transferred 150 ISIS prisoners from Hassakeh, with thousands more to follow. Iraq’s judiciary will prosecute the detainees, including foreigners. The US Centcom stressed the need for all parties to avoid interfering with the operation. The Syrian government, now responsible for ISIS detention centers, pledged to coordinate with the US-led coalition. The SDF, forced to retreat from al-Hol, warned of security risks.

THE “BUTCHER OF HAMA” RIFAAT AL-ASSAD IS DEAD

On January 21, 2026, Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of former president Bashar al-Assad, died at 88 after a week-long illness, according to sources close to the family. He had relocated to the United Arab Emirates following his nephew’s fall in December 2024. A Lebanese security source previously reported his escape from Syria via Beirut. Rifaat al-Assad commanded the 1982 Hama massacre, killing 10,000 to 40,000 during the suppression of an uprising. Exiled in 1984 after a failed coup, he lived in France for 37 years before returning to Syria in 2021 to avoid a French conviction. Swiss prosecutors also accused him of ordering murders, torture and illegal detentions in Hama.

2016 CHEMICAL ATTACK CONFIRMED

On January 22, 2026, the OPCW confirmed that Syrian government forces under Bashar al-Assad used chlorine in a 2016 attack near Kafr Zita. The report, based on witness interviews and satellite imagery, marked the first time the OPCW directly blamed Assad’s forces for the attack. The new Syrian regime, led by Ahmad al-Chareh, has pledged to dismantle Assad’s chemical weapons program and granted OPCW investigators full access.

OVER 134,000 DISPLACED IN NORTH-EAST

On January 22, 2026, the UN migration agency reported that over 134,000 people were displaced in Hassakeh province as the Syrian army advanced and the SDF retreated. More than 41,000 sought shelter in collective centers, lacking food and basic supplies. The UN warned of a humanitarian crisis as civilians fled the violence.

KURDISH LEAVE RAQQA PRISON UNDER DEAL WITH DAMASCUS

On January 23, 2026, the SDF withdrew from al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, handing control to the Syrian government as part of a ceasefire agreement. The control transfer followed five days of negotiations and international mediation. The Syrian Interior Ministry will now manage the prison, which holds 800 prisoners, including ISIS fighters. On the same day, the UN refugee agency reported it could not enter al-Hol prisoners camp due to volatile security, despite delivering water and hoping to resume food distribution. The government pledged to ensure security for humanitarian operations. The SDF’s retreat and the army’s takeover have left the camp’s future uncertain.

YEMEN

YEMENI AUTHORITIES ACCUSE UAE OF RUNNING SECRET PRISONS

On January 19, 2026, Yemen’s Saudi-backed authorities accused the United Arab Emirates of operating “secret prisons” in the southern province of Hadramout. Governor Salem al-Khanbashi, newly appointed to the Presidential Council, stated that his administration had uncovered these facilities and was documenting abuses. He vowed to hold accountable those responsible, including STC leader Aidarous al-Zoubaidi and UAE officials. The UAE, a former ally of Saudi Arabia in Yemen, has not responded. The discovery follows recent clashes between Saudi-backed forces and UAE-aligned separatists.

WORSENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

On January 19, 2026, the UN warned that Yemen’s humanitarian crisis will deepen in 2026, with 21 million people in need of aid, up from 19.5 million in 2025. Julien Harneis, UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, cited worsening food insecurity, collapsing healthcare, and the risk of epidemics like cholera and polio. The UN’s 2025 appeal was only 28% funded, and further cuts in international aid are expected. The decade-long civil war has divided Yemen between Houthi rebels in the north and the internationally recognized government in the south, with recent infighting between Saudi and UAE-backed factions exacerbating the crisis.

IRAN

DEATH TOLL ESTIMATES VARY

On January 16, 2026, estimates of protester deaths in Iran ranged from hundreds to over 20,000, with verification hampered by the government’s internet shutdown. Iran Human Rights (IHR) confirmed 3,428 deaths, while Iran International cited sources claiming at least 12,000 killed. The Iranian government admitted hundreds of deaths, blaming foreign disinformation. Human Rights Watch warned that severe communication restrictions obscured the true extent of the atrocities. French Foreign Minister confirmed that a Franco-Iranian woman was injured during the protests in Iran. No further details on her condition were provided.

IRAN’S LEADER VOWS TO BREAK PROTESTERS

On January 17, 2026, Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that authorities must “break the back of the seditious,” blaming the US and Israel for the nationwide protests that erupted on December 28, 2025, over rising living costs and human rights abuses. Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of being “guilty of the victims” and warned that both domestic and international “criminals” would face no mercy. Iranian state media reported thousands of arrests, while rights groups described a “massacre.” Iranian witnesses recounted harrowing scenes of security forces firing on protesters in Tehran and other cities. A witness described the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery overflowed with bodies, and families struggling to bury their dead. Another witness spoke of street barricades and gunfire. Saleh Alavizadeh, an Iranian actor in France recounted two deaths, including a young actor shot in the head and identified only by his tattoos. The internet blackout prevented real-time reporting.

IRAN PLANS GRADUAL INTERNET RESTORATION

On January 18, 2026, Iranian authorities announced plans to “gradually” restore internet access after an unprecedented shutdown during the crackdown on protests. Some schools and universities, closed for a week, reopened. State media reported limited internet access in Tehran, but most providers remained blocked. Amnesty International verified videos showing security forces firing on protesters.

IRANIAN POLICE GIVE PROTESTERS 3-DAY TO SURRENDER

On January 19, 2026, Iran’s police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan gave protesters involved in “riots” a three-day ultimatum to surrender, promising “more leniency” for those who comply. The judiciary vowed “decisive punishment” for instigators, with some acts punishable by death under local laws.

IRAN RELEASES ITS OFFICIAL DEATH TOLL

On January 21, 2026, Iranian state TV reported 3,117 deaths during the protests, including 2,427 “martyrs” (security forces and bystanders) and 690 “terrorists and rioters.” Authorities organized media tours of damaged sites, including burned buses and mosques. The UN and rights groups dismissed the official toll as a severe undercount, with new reports from NGOs mentioning up to 25,000 deaths. The judiciary reiterated that there would be “no leniency” for those involved.

FEAR IN HOSPITALS

On January 22, 2026, an Iranian protester in Istanbul described security forces shooting young protesters and a doctor with shotguns. He said hospitals were too dangerous for the wounded, as authorities arrested and interrogated anyone with protest-related injuries. He saw children as young as six chanting anti-regime slogans and homes opening to shelter protesters.

US-BASED NGO CONFIRMS +5,000 DEATHS

On January 23, 2026, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirmed 5,002 deaths during Iran’s protests, including 4,714 protesters, 42 minors, 207 security forces, and 39 bystanders. The group is investigating 9,787 additional possible deaths. Iran Human Rights (IHR) put the confirmed toll at 3,428, but warned the real number could reach 25,000. The internet blackout and ongoing repression continue to hinder accurate reporting.

EASTERN EUROPE

LOCAL CEASEFIRE FOR REPAIRS IN NUCLEAR PLANT

On January 16, 2026, Ukraine and Russia agreed to a local ceasefire to repair the last backup power line at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The line was damaged by military operations on January 2, 2026. The IAEA reported ongoing explosions near the site and multiple air raid alerts. The plant has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, with all six reactors shut down but still requiring electricity for cooling and safety systems.

600,000 FLEE KIEV

On January 20, 2026, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko told AFP that 600,000 people had left the Ukrainian capital since his January 9 call for temporary evacuation, after Russian strikes left half the city’s residential buildings without heat. Overnight strikes again cut heating to nearly half of Kiev’s buildings, with temperatures near -20°C. Klitschko accused Russia of using the cold as a weapon to break Ukrainian resistance.

UKRAINIAN DRONE STRIKES KILL 5 AND INJURE 21 IN RUSSIA

On January 21, 2026, Russian authorities reported 11 injuries after a Ukrainian drone strike near Krasnodar, southern Russia. The attack caused a fire in a residential building and parking lot in the Takhtamoukaï district. Later, a second Ukrainian attack on oil terminals in Krasnodar 3 three and injured 8, according to local authorities. The attack ignited four fuel tanks in the port village of Volna. Krasnodar, near the Black and Azov Seas, is frequently targeted by Ukrainian drones. The previous day, other Ukrainian drone strikes killed 2 and injured 2 more in Belgorod region.

RUSSIAN AGENTS ARRESTED IN GERMANY

On January 21, 2026, German prosecutors arrested a Russian and a German national near Berlin for allegedly organizing fund and supply transfers to pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s Donbas region. The suspects are accused of supporting “foreign terrorist organizations”. German authorities also arrested a German-Ukrainian national, for allegedly spying for Russia in Berlin. She is accused of gathering intelligence about German military aid to Ukraine, defense industry events and drone tests. Investigators believe she worked with retired German military officials. The case highlights Germany’s ongoing struggle with Russian espionage and hybrid threats, including espionage and sabotage, as Berlin rebuilds its military and supports Ukraine.

RUSSIAN DRONE STRIKE KILLS 4 IN DONETSK

On January 23, 2026, a Russian drone strike in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region killed four, including a five-year-old child, and injured five others. The attack hit the village of Cherkaske, damaging two homes. Regional authorities identified the victims as a 32-year-old man, his son, and two neighbors. Donetsk, partially controlled by Russia since 2022, remains a hotspot in the ongoing war.

THAILAND-CAMBODIA

THAI ARMY ACCUSED OF DEMOLISHING CAMBODIAN HOMES

On January 20, 2026, the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights accused the Thai army of demolishing Cambodian homes in disputed border areas of Banteay Meanchey province after a ceasefire took effect in December 2025. It stated that a significant number of homes and structures were razed by Thai forces in both disputed and undisputed zones, citing satellite imagery and media reports. The NGO condemned the demolitions as a violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law, noting no legitimate military objective. Phnom Penh had previously denounced the destruction, while Bangkok claimed its security measures complied with the ceasefire agreement.

VENEZUELA

FAMILIES DEMAND PROOF OF LIFE FOR 200 MISSING POLITICAL PRISONERS

On January 20, 2026, families of political prisoners in Venezuela protested in Caracas, demanding proof of life for 200 detainees whose whereabouts remain unknown. The demonstration, held outside the Public Ministry, followed the government’s slow pace of prisoner releases since the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces on January 8. While the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez promised the release of “numerous prisoners,” only about 150 out of over 800 political detainees have been freed, according to NGOs. Diego Casanova of the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners called the situation “alarming”. The government has not provided proof of life or confirmed detention locations.

VENEZUELA OPERATES CLANDESTINE PRISONS

On January 21, 2026, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reported that Venezuela continues to operate “clandestine detention centers”. Gloria Monique de Mees, IACHR’s special rapporteur for Venezuela, highlighted the lack of transparency and effective oversight, calling for updated, verifiable information on detainees’ conditions and locations. The IACHR was barred from Venezuela in 2002.

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

FRENCH WOMAN FACES TRIAL FOR COMPLICITY IN YAZIDI GENOCIDE

On January 20, 2026, French prosecutors requested a trial for Lolita Cacitti, a French national accused of complicity in the genocide of Yazidis in Syria. Cacitti is alleged to have facilitated the enslavement of an eight-year-old Yazidi girl in 2017. Prosecutors argue that her actions supported ISIS’s genocidal project, including forced conversion and the plan of eradication of the Yazidi community. Cacitti, who returned to France in 2021, claims she treated the child “like her own daughter.” This is the second case of a French woman facing genocide charges related to ISIS crimes against Yazidis. Sonia Mejri, another French national, is set for trial in 2027.

6 CHARGED FOR SABOTAGE IN LITHUANIA, POSSIBLY LINKED TO GRU

On January 16, 2026, Lithuanian prosecutors charged six foreign nationals, from Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Belarus, with terrorism-related offenses for attempting to set fire to military equipment destined for Ukraine. The suspects, allegedly acting on behalf of Russia’s GRU military intelligence, targeted a Lithuanian company supplying radio equipment to Ukrainian forces. Additional suspects, including a Colombian awaiting extradition, are under investigation for coordinating similar attacks in the Czech Republic, Romania and Poland. The case underscores ongoing Russian hybrid warfare efforts in Europe.

GREENLANDER PROTESTS AGAINST US ANNEXATION PLANS

On January 20, 2026, Greenland militants staged daily protests outside the US consulate in Nuuk against President Donald Trump’s annexation plans. The stated they “don’t want to be invaded”. They dismissed Trump’s claims about Russian and Chinese threats as baseless, arguing that Greenland’s security is ensured by the EU, NATO and the UN. Activists plan to continue protesting, vowing to resist any foreign domination “on the waters, shores, mountains, and land.”

CANADIAN MILITARY MODELS US INVASION

On January 20, 2026, the Canadian military reportedly modeled a hypothetical US invasion scenario. While Canadian officials stressed this was a strategic exercise and not an operational plan, the scenario comes amid Donald Trump’s repeated statements about making Canada the “51st state.” The model suggested that US forces could neutralize key Canadian positions within days, with Canadian resistance potentially taking the form of guerrilla tactics.

HONG KONG TRIAL BEGINS FOR TIANANMEN VIGIL ORGANIZERS

On January 22, 2026, the trial of three Hong Kong activists, Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Albert Ho, began for “inciting subversion” by organizing annual Tiananmen Square massacre vigils. The Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, now dissolved, had held candlelight vigils in Victoria Park for decades, but authorities banned the gatherings in 2020 under the national security law. Chow and Lee pleaded not guilty, while Ho pleaded guilty. The trial, expected to last 75 days, is seen as another step to silence dissent in Hong Kong. Amnesty International condemned the proceedings, calling them an attempt to rewrite history and punish those who remember Tiananmen’s victims. The case follows the conviction of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai.