WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL NEWS REVIEW – Jan.31st – Feb.6th 2026

SUDAN

RSF COUNTEROFFENSIVE IN KORDOFAN

On January 30, 2026, the RSF launched a drone attack on El-Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, targeting a military base, police headquarters, regional parliament, telecom offices and the stadium. The RSF has besieged El-Obeid for 11 months and satellite images show new fortifications suggesting preparations for a prolonged siege, according to the Humanitarian Research Lab of the Yale University.

DRONE STRIKES HIT WEST AND SOUTH

On February 2, 2026, Sudan’s army and RSF exchanged drone strikes in western and southern Sudan. In Dilling, South Kordofan, a drone hit the government humanitarian aid agency building, following the army’s recent breaking of the RSF’s siege. In Zalingei, Central Darfur, witnesses saw smoke and flames from an RSF warehouse after a drone attack. The army claimed progress toward Kadougli, 130 km south of Dilling.

8 CIVILIANS KILLED BY RSF IN KADOUGLI

On February 3, 2026, the Sudanese army announced it had broken the RSF’s long siege of Kadougli, South Kordofan, a city declared in famine. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane hailed the advance, vowing to reach “every part of Sudan.” Hours later, an RSF drone strike killed 8 civilians, including 3 children. Residents described enduring extreme hunger during the siege. The RSF admitted the army’s infiltration but vowed to continue the siege. Al-Burhane rejected truce talks, stating, “No ceasefire as long as the RSF occupy cities.”

RSF PUSH ARMY BACK NEAR ETHIOPIAN BORDER

On February 4, 2026, RSF and their allies from the SPLM-N group seized army positions in Blue Nile State near the Ethiopian border. The SPLM-N announced the capture of Deim Mansour, Bashir Nougo and Khor al-Boudi, with witness describing how fighters massed in forests before attacking. The SPLM-N, allied with the RSF since February 2025, controls supply lines from Ethiopia and Sudan South, and holds the strategic Roseires Dam, 100 km from the Ethiopian border.

SUDANESE SURVIVORS TREATED IN CHAD

Sudanese victims were treated in Tiné, Chad. The hospital had treated Sudanese people since the fall of El Fasher in October 2025, mostly for drone-related injuries. Combatants from anti-RSF armed groups were also hospitalized after clashes in Girgira. A victim from Zamzam camp described being beaten and raped by soldiers during her escape. Other victims came from near Um Baru.

NIGERIA

162 KILLED KILLED IN KWARA STATE

On February 4, 2026, armed men attacked Woro village in Kwara State, central-west Nigeria, killing at least 162 people. Babaomo Ayodeji from the local Red Cross confirmed the toll. Local lawmaker Sa’idu Baba Ahmed reported many bodies found, with others possibly still in the bush. Attackers burned shops and a local palace. Palace resident’s whereabouts remain unknown. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq blamed terrorist cells. He praised villagers for resisting. This attack is following recent military campaigns that “neutralized” about 150 bandits in Kwara’s forests. The country faces insecurity from armed gangs and jihadist groups. Lakurawa, linked to IS Sahel and JNIM are expanding South while ethnic militias and separatist groups like Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) also contribute to the violence. President Bola Tinubu ordered an army battalion deployed to Kaiama. Tinubu blamed Boko Haram for the “cowardly and bestial” attack. In Katsina State, 23 civilians were also killed recently in a separate attack, reportedly in retaliation for military operations.

ETHIOPIA-ERYTREA

DRONE STRIKES HIT TIGRAY, 1 KILLED

On January 31, 2026, two drone strikes targeted trucks in central Tigray, killing one truck driver and wounding his assistant. The pro-Tigrayan media outlet Dimtsi Woyane reported that a banana truck and another vehicle were hit. Images showed a destroyed truck cabin with a body inside. The strikes followed direct clashes between Ethiopian federal troops and Tigrayan forces in western Tigray, days before. Federal authorities, reportedly the only ones to possess such drones in the area, have not commented. Residents of Tigray expressed fear of a return to war after the recent clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters in Tselemt (western Tigray) and Afar (near Djibouti). Mekelle residents described shortages of food and cash, recalling the 2020–2022 war that killed at least 600,000 people.

ETHIOPIA ACCUSES ERYTREA OF « MASSACRES » IN TIGRAY WAR

The NGO Sentry reported detailed Erytrea’s “unprecedented” war crimes, including mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and pillaging in 2025. Erytrea denies all allegations and accuses Ethiopia of seeking to reclaim the port of Assab. Tensions remain high, with Erytrean troops still present in Tigray despite the 2022 peace agreement.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

DRONE ATTACK TARGETS KISANGANI AIRPORT

On January 31–February 1, 2026, the strategic airport of Kisangani, in Tshopo province, was targeted by a drone attack. Local authorities reported that 8 enemy drones were neutralized before reaching their target, with no casualties. Witnesses described explosions near the airport until 02:00 on February 1, prompting some residents to flee. The provincial government assured that the situation was under control and urged displaced residents to return. The airport, used by both civilian and military aircraft, is crucial for Congolese army drone and airstrike operations against M23 and Rwandan forces over 400 km away. The M23 rebel group claimed responsibility later for the attack, stating it had destroyed the Congolese military’s drone command center.

UN TO DEPLOY CEASEFIRE MONITORING MISSION IN EASTERN DRC

On February 3, 2026, the UN announced plans to deploy a mission in eastern DRC to monitor a ceasefire between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group. The decision followed a meeting in Doha, mediated by Qatar, where both sides agreed on a surveillance mechanism for a “permanent” ceasefire. The UN’s Monusco mission is expected to start operations in Uvira, a strategic city near the Burundi border recently retaken by Congolese forces after a M23 occupation in December 2025. Despite multiple peace agreements, fighting continues, including recent clashes near Minembwe in South Kivu.

MALI

JIHADISTS EXECUTE 15 TRUCK DRIVERS IN THE WEST

In January 2026, at least 15 truck drivers were executed by jihadists from the JNIM (Group to Support Islam and Muslims, affiliated with Al-Qaeda) during attacks on a fuel convoy traveling from the Senegalese border to Kayes, western Mali. According to a local security source, the drivers were stopped, blindfolded, and shot at point-blank range. A local radio host confirmed that villagers discovered 15 bodies near burned tankers and buried them on site. JNIM had previously declared all fuel truck drivers as « military targets » in a November 2025 propaganda video. The attack occurred on an axis previously spared, as military escorts had been redirected to the Ivory Coast-Mali route. The Mali Drivers’ Union demanded the army to recover the bodies, but access was denied by the jihadists.

LEBANON

ISRAELI STRIKE KILLS 1 IN THE SOUTH

On January 31, 2026, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed one person in the village of Roub Thalathine, near the Israeli border. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the victim was a man repairing a roof. The Israeli army claimed it targeted a Hezbollah member involved in rebuilding “terrorist infrastructure,” calling it a ceasefire violation.

ISRAELI STRIKES WOUND 8

On February 2, 2026, Israeli airstrikes hit several southern Lebanese villages, including Ansariyeh and Qleileh, wounding eight. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the casualties, while the Israeli army said it targeted Hezbollah weapons depots. Israel had warned residents of Kfar Tibnit and Ain Qana to evacuate before striking. Despite the November 2024 ceasefire, Israel maintains troops in five border zones.

LEBANON ACCUSES ISRAEL OF SPRAYING SOILS WITH GLYPHOSATE

On February 4, 2026, Lebanon accused Israel of spraying glyphosate on Lebanese farmland near the border, citing soil samples with concentrations 20–30 times above normal. Lebanese Agriculture and Environment Ministries warned of damage to crops and soil fertility. President Joseph Aoun called it a “flagrant violation of sovereignty and an environmental crime.” The UN’s Finul force confirmed Israel’s use of an “unknown chemical substance,” forcing peacekeepers to cancel operations. Israel did not comment. Lebanon plans to raise the issue at the UN Security Council.

LEBANON AND SYRIA SIGN PRISONER TRANSFER DEAL

On February 6, 2026, Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement in Beirut for the transfer of about 300 Syrian prisoners from Lebanese jails to Syria. The deal, announced by Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, aims to improve bilateral relations. Mitri stated that Lebanon will also dissolve the Libano-Syrian Higher Council, review “unjust agreements” from the Assad era, and work on demarcating land and maritime borders. The agreement covers Syrians convicted of crimes in Lebanon who have served at least 10 years. Lebanon holds 2,250 Syrians with many accused of links with armed groups during Syria’s war.

PALESTINE

ISRAELI STRIKES KILL 32 IN GAZA

On January 31, 2026, Israeli airstrikes killed 32 Palestinians in Gaza, including women and children, according to the Civil Defense. Strikes hit apartments, tents and shelters in Gaza City and Khan Younis. A strike hit a shelter in al-Mawassi, a location with many displaced people. The Israeli army claimed it targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders. The Egyptian and Qatari mediators condemned Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire.

ISRAEL ORDERS MSF TO LEAVE GAZA

On February 1, 2026, Israel ordered Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to cease operations and leave Gaza by February 28, citing the NGO’s refusal to provide a list of its Palestinian staff. Israel’s Diaspora Ministry accused MSF of failing to honor a January commitment to share staff details, claiming two MSF employees had ties to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, allegations MSF denies. MSF stated it had offered a list with security guarantees, but negotiations collapsed. Israel previously threatened 37 NGOs with expulsion for non-compliance.

NETANYAHU EXCLUDES PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY FROM GAZA GOVERNANCE

On February 3, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US envoy Steve Witkoff that the Palestinian Authority would have “no role” in governing post-war Gaza. The Trump plan envisions transitional governance by the 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), under a “Peace Council” led by Trump, until the Palestinian Authority implements reforms. Hamas and other armed factions are excluded from any future role.

ISRAELI FORCES KILL PALESTINIAN IN WEST BANK CLASHES

On February 3, 2026, Israeli forces shot and killed 24-year-old Said Nael Said al-Cheikh in Jericho, West Bank, and wounded three others. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the death, while the Israeli army stated soldiers responded to stone-throwing by “terrorists.”

ISRAELI STRIKES KILL 24 IN GAZA, RED CRESCENT WORKER AMONG VICTIMS

On February 4, 2026, Israeli strikes killed 24 Palestinians in Gaza, including children and Red Crescent medic Hussein Hassan Al-Samiri, who was evacuating wounded in Khan Younis. The Israeli army claimed it targeted Hamas commander Bilal Abu Assi and Islamic Jihad commander Ali Raziana. Survivors described indiscriminate shelling on homes and tents. The Rafah crossing remained open for limited movement.

TEN ISRAELIS INDICTED FOR SMUGGLING TO GAZA

On February 4, 2026, Israeli authorities indicted ten Israelis for smuggling goods into Gaza, including cigarettes, iPhones, batteries, communication cables, and auto parts, since summer 2025. The suspects, including army reservists, allegedly exploited the October 2024 ceasefire and humanitarian aid routes. Police and Shin Bet confirmed arrests of both Israelis and Gaza residents. According to Israeli medias, among those under investigation is Betzalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini.

SYRIA

LEBANON AND SYRIA AGREE ON PRISONER TRANSFER

On January 31, 2026, Lebanon and Syria agreed to transfer Syrian prisoners from Lebanese jails to Syria, according to Lebanese Vice Prime Minister Tarek Mitri. The deal, to be signed the following week, applies to Syrians convicted of crimes in Lebanon who have served at least ten years. The move aims to resolve bilateral issues and build trust following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. About 2,250 Syrians, many accused of links with Syrian armed groups, are imprisoned in Lebanon.

SYRIA DISBANDS HEZBOLLAH-LINKED CELL

On February 1, 2026, Syria’s Interior Ministry announced the dismantling of a “terrorist cell” responsible for recent attacks in Damascus’s Mazzeh district, linking seized weapons to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Security forces arrested the cell members and confiscated drones prepared for attacks. Investigations revealed the group’s ties to foreign entities and Hezbollah’s supply of rockets and launch platforms. The porous Lebanon-Syria border has been a route for arms smuggling, especially after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

SYRIAN TROOPS DEPLOY TO KURDISH HOLDINGS

On February 2, 2026, Syrian government forces entered the Kurdish stronghold of Hassaké following a landmark agreement with Kurdish authorities to integrate Kurdish forces and administration into the Syrian state. The deal, announced after months of tension and clashes, allows Damascus to deploy security forces in the Kurdish autonomous zone and absorb the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army. The agreement also mandates the handover of oil fields, Qamichli airport, and border crossings to Damascus within ten days. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated only a “limited internal security force” would enter Hassaké and Qamichli, with no military troops deployed in Kurdish towns. A 24-hour curfew was imposed in Hassaké’s center. The only remaining area outside Damascus’s control is the Druze region of Suweida.

TURKEY BLOCKS AID CONVOY TO KOBANE

On February 4, 2026, Turkish authorities blocked a 25-truck aid convoy destined for the Kurdish-majority Syrian city of Kobane, forcing it to return to Diyarbakir. The convoy, carrying water, food and blankets, was stopped at the Suruç border crossing. Kobane, a symbol of Kurdish resistance against ISIS in 2015, is now surrounded by Syrian government forces. The blockade underscores ongoing restrictions on cross-border aid to Kurdish areas.

IRAN

HOSPITALS TARGETED

On January 30, 2026, human rights organizations reported that Iranian security forces extended their crackdown on anti-government protesters to hospitals, arresting wounded demonstrators, doctors, and medical staff. Sajad Rahimi, 36, died from severe bleeding after delaying hospital treatment for fear of being targeted by security forces. NGOs documented cases where authorities ordered medical staff to report patients with gunshot wounds, and raided hospitals to arrest protesters and volunteers. Amnesty International and the Centre for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) confirmed these practices. Dr. Ali Reza Golchni was arrested in Qazvin for treating injured protesters. The WHO expressed concern. Authorities denied targeting medical staff.

OVER 50,000 DETAINED, INCLUDING 139 FOREIGN NATIONALS

On February 3, 2026, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of 139 foreign nationals during the nationwide protests that began in December. Ahmad Negahban, Yazd’s police chief, stated these individuals were involved in “organizing, inciting, and leading riots,” and some had contacts with networks abroad. The protests, initially against rising living costs and human rights abuses, evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. The government published names of 2,986 deceased, while the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported 6,854 deaths with more being investigated. HRANA also reported that Iranian authorities had detained at least 50,235 people during and after the recent protests. Arrests targeted students, writers, and teachers, often accompanied by home raids. HRANA documented over 300 forced confessions broadcast on state TV. Some detainees are risking death penalty. Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejeï, vowed no leniency for protesters. Among those arrested were filmmaker Mehdi Mahmoudian, student leader Abdollah Momeni, and women’s rights activist Vida Rabbani, accused of drafting a statement calling the crackdown a “crime against humanity.”

IRAN INTENSIFIES PERSECUTION OF BAHA’I MINORITY

Representatives of the Baha’i International Community (BIC) denounced a major escalation in Iran’s persecution of the Baha’i minority, accusing authorities of using them as “scapegoats” amid national crisis. State TV broadcast forced confessions and false accusations against Baha’is, who are considered heretics and “spies” linked to Israel. Arrests surged following the recent protests. The BIC expressed alarm at the campaign’s intensity, noting that Baha’is have faced systematic persecution since the 1979 Revolution, including executions.

US SHOOTS DOWN IRANIAN DRONE

On February 3, 2026, a US F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln “aggressively” in the Arabian Sea, 800 km off Iran’s coast. The US Central Command (Centcom) stated the drone was downed in self-defense. Iranian agencies Tasnim and Fars claimed the drone was on a routine surveillance mission and had successfully transmitted images before losing contact. Earlier, two Iranian armed boats and a drone threatened to board a US-flagged oil tanker, the Stena Imperative, prompting a US destroyer to intervene. Iran’s Fars agency denied any security incident, accusing the tanker of illegally entering Iranian waters. Tensions remain high as Iran faces international pressure over its nuclear program and recent crackdown on protests.

PAKISTAN

DEADLIEST BALOCHISTAN ATTACKS IN DECADES

On February 1, 2026, Pakistan’s Balochistan province was placed on high alert after two days of coordinated attacks left at least 250 dead, including 197 separatist militants, 36 civilians, and 22 security personnel. Security forces conducted search operations across 12 targeted sites, while mobile networks were jammed and rail services suspended. Quetta, the provincial capital, was quiet with streets and markets deserted. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating it targeted military installations, police, and civilian officials using shootings and suicide bombings. The BLA also released videos showing women participants and a leader directing armed units on motorcycles. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of supporting the attackers, vowing to bring all involved to justice. Analyst Abdul Basit noted the unprecedented daylight assaults and the militants’ strategic coordination. Regional chief Sarfraz Bugti vowed to hunt down the remaining rebels. The province remains volatile, with 70% of its population living in poverty despite rich mineral and hydrocarbon resources, often exploited by foreign companies.

EASTERN EUROPE

RUSSIAN STRIKE HITS MATERNITY IN ZAPORIZHZHIA, 6 WOUNDED

On February 1, 2026, a Russian strike targeted a maternity hospital in the central-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, wounding at least six people, including two women undergoing medical examinations. Images released by local authorities showed shattered windows, destroyed medical equipment, and debris scattered across consultation rooms. The attack occurred as Russian forces intensified their bombardment of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, causing widespread power and heating outages during the winter. In the southern city of Kherson, a woman suffered severe injuries, including the amputation of part of her leg, after a Russian shelling.

UKRAINIAN DRONE STRIKE KILLS 2 IN RUSSIA

On February 2, 2026, a Ukrainian drone strike killed two civilians in the Russian border region of Belgorod, according to the local governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. The attack hit a private residence in the town of Stary Oskol, causing a fire and partial collapse of the building. This strike is part of Ukraine’s increasing use of long-range drones to target Russian military and logistical sites, as well as border regions, in response to Russia’s sustained aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities.

RUSSIA CONVICTED OF “INHUMAN TREATMENT” OF NAVALNY BY EUROPEAN COURT

On February 3, 2026, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) unanimously ruled that Russia subjected opposition leader Alexei Navalny to “inhuman and degrading treatment” and “illegal detention” following his arrest in January 2021. The court found that Navalny’s imprisonment was based on a politically motivated conviction for fraud, which the ECHR had previously deemed unfair. During his detention, Navalny was subjected to sleep deprivation, constant video surveillance, and forced head shaving. The ECHR also concluded that Russia violated Navalny’s right to life and liberty. However, Russia, which was expelled from the Council of Europe in 2022, no longer recognizes the ECHR’s authority and has refused to comply with its rulings. Navalny died in an Arctic penal colony in February 2024 under disputed circumstances.

UKRAINIAN STRIKE KILLS 2 IN RUSSIA-CONTROLLED ZAPORIZHZHIA

On February 3, 2026, a Ukrainian drone strike killed an 18-year-old man and a young woman in the Russia-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia, according to local authorities. The attack also wounded eleven people, including three children. The strike occurred as Russia and Ukraine prepared for a new round of negotiations in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States. The region, which Russia claims to have annexed in 2022, remains a frequent target for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, with civilians often caught in the crossfire.

UKRAINIAN ARTILLERY STRIKE KILLS 3 IN RUSSIA-CONTROLLED KHERSON

On February 3, 2026, Ukrainian artillery fire killed three civilians in Nova Kakhovka, a city in the Russia-controlled part of the Kherson region. The strike hit a food store and an administrative building, according to Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-installed governor. Nova Kakhovka, strategically located near the Kakhovka Dam, has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion in 2022.

UKRAINIAN DRONE STRIKE KILLS 2 IN RUSSIA-CONTROLLED LUGANSK

On February 4, 2026, a Ukrainian drone attack killed a young man and a woman, both 20 years old, in Novokrasnianka, a village in the Russia-controlled Lugansk region. The strike hit a minibus. Lugansk was illegally annexed by Russia in September 2022, though Moscow does not fully control the territory. Both sides continue to target each other’s positions and infrastructure.

AZERBAIJAN HANDS HEAVY PRISON SENTENCES TO KARABAKH SEPARATIST LEADERS

On February 5, 2026, a military court in Baku sentenced several former leaders of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to lengthy prison terms, including life imprisonment. Araïk Haroutiounian, who led the separatist government from 2020 to 2023, was sentenced to life for “waging aggressive war, genocide, terrorism, and other offenses” related to the decades-long Armenian control of Karabakh. Former separatist presidents Arkadi Ghoukassian and Bako Sahakian received 20-year sentences due to their age, while other top officials, including former parliament speaker Davit Ichkhanian and ex-foreign minister Davit Babaïan, were also given life terms. The trials, follow Azerbaijan’s full recapture of Karabakh in September 2023 and the mass exodus of over 100,000 Armenians. Armenia’s foreign ministry vowed to pursue international legal action to protect the rights of those convicted.

RUSSIAN MILITARY REPORTS STARLINK OUTAGES ON FRONT

On February 5, 2026, Russian military observers reported widespread outages of Starlink satellite terminals used by Russian forces on the Ukrainian front. The disruption followed Elon Musk’s announcement of measures to block unauthorized use of Starlink by the Kremlin, after Ukraine accused Russia of using the technology to bypass electronic jamming and target Ukrainian positions. Russian military bloggers and press confirmed the outages. Analysts noted that Russia lacks a comparable alternative, leaving fiber-optic cables as the only, more complex and costly, option for frontline communications.

UKRAINE AND RUSSIA EXCHANGE 157 PRISONERS EACH

On February 5, 2026, Ukraine and Russia conducted their first prisoner exchange since October, with 157 prisoners returned to each side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that most of the freed Ukrainians had been in captivity since 2022, including military personnel, national guards, border guards, and civilians. Nineteen of the released Ukrainians had been previously sentenced by Russian courts, 15 of them to life imprisonment. The exchange followed negotiations in Abu Dhabi and was hailed as a rare concrete result amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war.

UKRAINE-RUSSIA TALKS “COMPLEX BUT CONSTRUCTIVE”

On February 6, 2026, the Kremlin described two days of negotiations in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. as “very complex” but “constructive.” The only public outcome was the prisoner exchange. Further talks are expected. The main stumbling block remains territorial disputes, with Moscow demanding Kiev cede all of Donetsk, including areas still under Ukrainian control, in exchange for a potential frontline freeze. Kiev has refused, fearing Western pressure to concede.

RUSSIAN STRIKE KILLS COUPLE IN ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION

On February 6, 2026, a Russian drone strike destroyed a private home in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, killing a 49-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.

FINLAND REINTRODUCES MINES NEAR RUSSIAN BORDER

On February 6, 2026, Finland’s military began training conscripts to deploy antipersonnel mines, reversing a 2012 ban, as tensions with Russia rise. The move follows Finland’s 2023 NATO accession and withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits such weapons under IHL. Lieutenant Joona Rättö and Colonel Riku Mikkonen emphasized the need for mines to deter and alert against potential Russian incursions. Finland plans to produce its own mines, aiming to rebuild stocks. The government will decide on minefield deployment in case of crisis, with detailed mapping and related smartphone apps under development.

ARMENIA FACES RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

On February 6, 2026, Armenian intelligence reported large-scale “malicious information operations” by foreign state actors, including Russia, ahead of June’s parliamentary elections. Analysts linked the campaign to Armenia’s pivot toward the West and strained relations with Moscow. Fake news, hacking, and cloned websites, some falsely claiming France sends nuclear waste to Armenia, are being used to discredit Western cooperation. The government, while pledging to combat disinformation, faces challenges balancing free speech and security. The EU has allocated €15 million to help Armenia counter hybrid threats.

MYANMAR

JUNTA ORDERS RETURN OF RESIGNED CIVIL SERVANTS, PROMISES TO CLEAR “BLACKLISTS”

On February 1, 2026, Myanmar’s junta ordered civil servants who resigned after the February 1, 2021 coup to return to work, promising to remove their names from “blacklists”. The National Defence and Security Council stated that former employees who “left their workplace without permission for various reasons” since February 2021 should contact their former departments. The announcement follows the junta’s late-January elections, which were widely dismissed as illegitimate by international observers and opposition groups.

MYANMAR & RUSSIA SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR MILITARY PACT

On February 3, 2026, Myanmar and Russia signed a five-year military cooperation agreement, extending support for Myanmar’s junta amid ongoing civil war. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, visiting Naypyidaw, pledged full backing for Myanmar’s “territorial integrity” and criticized Western pressure. The pact, effective until 2030, follows Myanmar’s reliance on Russian arms to combat rebel groups. Analysts see the alliance as crucial for the junta’s survival.

VENEZUELA

HELICOID: SYMBOL OF VENEZUELAN REGIME’S TORTURE ENDS

On January 31, 2026, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez ordered the closure of the Hélicoïde, a Caracas landmark turned notorious political prison, following an amnesty and US pressure after Nicolás Maduro’s capture. The building, originally designed as a luxury shopping center under Marcos Pérez Jiménez’s dictatorship (1951-1958), became a symbol of torture. Over 700 political prisoners remain in Venezuela, according to Foro Penal, with dozens held at Hélicoïde. Former detainee Víctor Navarro, director of a NGO described it as “the largest torture center in Latin America,” recounting beatings, mock executions, and electric shocks. The UN and ICC are investigating crimes against humanity, while authorities denied allegations. Human rights defender Marino Alvarado called for Hélicoïde to become a “memory center”.

FRENCH CITIZEN TORTURED IN PRISON

On February 6, 2026, French yoga teacher Camilo Castro, 41, recounted his five-month detention in Venezuela, where he was accused of espionage and subjected to torture by military intelligence. Arrested at the Colombian border on June 26, 2025, Castro was held in underground cells, witnessed bloodstains, faced threats and violence, including forced intubations and asphyxiation with plastic bags. Transferred to Rodeo 1 prison, he endured nightly humiliations, mock trials, and propaganda sessions. Castro described his captors as “vampires,” noting the use of scopolamine, sleep deprivation, and psychological abuse. Released in November, he now seeks recognition as a victim in France.

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

FRENCH-RWANDAN DRIVER RETRIED FOR 1994 GENOCIDE COMPLICITY

On January 30, 2026, the second trial of Claude Muhayimana, 65, began in Paris for complicity in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. A former driver at Kibuye’s Guest House, Muhayimana is accused of transporting Hutu militias and gendarmes to Tutsi massacre sites in Karongi, Gitwa, and Bisesero between April and June 1994. Initially convicted in 2021 to 14 years, his lawyers argue the evidence is inconsistent and maintain his innocence. France is exercising universal jurisdiction.

ITALIAN OFFICIALS ON TRIAL FOR DEADLY MIGRANT SHIPWRECK

On January 30, 2026, six Italian officials, four police and two coast guards, went on trial in Crotone for failing to rescue a migrant boat that sank off Cutro in February 2023, killing at least 94 people, including 35 children. Prosecutors allege the officials ignored a Frontex alert and delayed action for four hours, despite worsening weather. The boat, carrying migrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria, broke apart on rocks. Survivors and NGOs accuse Italy’s right-wing government of prioritizing deterrence over rescue.

MSF DENOUNCES HUMANITARIAN BLOCKADE IN SOUTH SUDAN

On January 30, 2026, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned South Sudan’s government for blocking aid flights to Jonglei State, where fighting between Kiir and Machar loyalists has displaced 180,000. MSF, the sole healthcare provider for 400,000 in the area, was forced to evacuate staff from Lankien, Pieri, and Akobo, leaving 23 critically ill patients stranded. The UN warned of a “humanitarian catastrophe,” with cholera cases surging and treatment centers overwhelmed.

FRENCH COURT ISSUES ARREST WARRANTS FOR BLOCKING GAZA AID

On February 2, 2026, a French court issued arrest warrants for two Franco-Israeli activists, Nili Kupfer-Naouri and Rachel Touitou, on charges of “complicity in genocide” for their alleged role in blocking humanitarian aid convoys bound for Gaza. The warrants, issued in July 2025, stem from an investigation opened in May 2025 following complaints by NGOs. The activists, linked to the groups Israel Is Forever and Tsav 9, are accused of obstructing aid at the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom crossings between January 1 and November 26, 2024, and in May 2025. They also face charges of “public and direct incitement to genocide” for allegedly calling to prevent Gaza’s resupply and dehumanizing its population.

GERMANY ARRESTS FIVE FOR ILLEGAL EXPORTS TO RUSSIAN MILITARY

On February 2, 2026, German authorities arrested five individuals suspected of illegally exporting goods worth €30 million to Russian arms companies, violating EU sanctions. The network, allegedly managed by Russian state agencies, sent 16,000 shipments to at least 24 Russian-listed arms firms since the Ukraine war began. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil vowed firm action against sanctions evasion. Two suspects hold Russian dual nationality, one Ukrainian.

HIDDEN NAZI-LOOTED ASSETS

On February 4, 2026, UBS faced sharp criticism in a US Senate hearing for withholding 150 documents related to Credit Suisse’s handling of Nazi-looted Jewish assets. Neil Barofsky, the Senate-appointed investigator, revealed new evidence of Credit Suisse accounts linked to Nazi officials and funds transferred to Argentina. UBS’s legal chief, Barbara Levi, cited legal threats from the Simon Wiesenthal Center as the reason for blocking access, despite a 2000 settlement meant to resolve such claims. Senators called UBS’s stance a “historic shame” and “unnecessary obstruction.” UBS has asked a federal judge to clarify the 2000 agreement’s scope.

WFP HALTS SOUTH SUDAN AID AFTER CONVOY LOOTED

On February 4, 2026, the World Food Programme (WFP) suspended operations in South Sudan’s Baliet County after armed youths looted a convoy carrying 1,500 tons of food aid in Upper Nile State. The attack, which occurred last week, went unchecked by local security forces despite prior assurances. WFP demanded the return of stolen goods and guarantees for staff safety before resuming work. The suspension comes as violence between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar displaces over 280,000 in Jonglei State.

CHAD REKINDLES TIES WITH FRANCE AMID SECURITY CONCERNS

On February 5, 2026, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby met with Emmanuel Macron in Paris, after a 2024 defense pact rupture. Facing spillover from Sudan’s war and rebel attacks, Chad seeks French security and intelligence support. Analysts say Déby, accused of aiding Sudan’s RSF, now fears losing Emirati backing and struggles to secure borders without French assistance. France, which withdrew troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, sees an opportunity to regain Sahel influence.

HONG KONG STUDENT FEDERATION DISBANDS UNDER PRESSURE

On February 5, 2026, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy student federation (HKFS) announced its dissolution, citing “increasing pressure” after decades of activism. Founded in 1958, HKFS led major protests, including the 2014 Umbrella Movement and 2019 democracy rallies. President Isaac Lai said members faced threats and harassment, forcing the shutdown. The move follows a crackdown on student unions under the 2020 national security law, with many groups dissolving or reducing activities.

UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE IN “SURVIVAL MODE”

On February 5, 2026, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned his office is in “survival mode” after funding shortfalls forced cuts to half its 2025 human rights missions and reduced presence in 17 countries. The office, which needs $400 million in voluntary contributions for 2026, documented tens of thousands of abuses last year and secured the release of 4,000 arbitrarily detained people. Türk said budget cuts “give a free pass to human rights abusers” and urged states to honor pledges, as the UN faces a broader financial crisis.

KOSOVO NATIONAL ARRESTED IN SERBIA FOR 1990S WAR CRIMES

On February 5, 2026, Serbian police arrested a Kosovo national, M.L. (46), at the Batrovci border crossing, suspected of war crimes during the 1998–1999 Kosovo conflict. M.L., a former alleged Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) member, is accused of participating in attacks, abduction and massacre of Serbians. He was detained pending prosecution. The arrest comes as Serbia continues to reject Kosovo’s 2008 independence.