- Trump Confirms US Strike on Venezuelan Facility: President Trump announced that the US hit a “big facility” linked to alleged drug boats in Venezuela; while reports suggest a CIA drone strike, the administration has framed it as part of a campaign against narcotics and the Maduro regime.
- Israel to Revoke Licenses of 37 Gaza Aid Groups: Israel has moved to strip the licenses of numerous humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, a decision criticized by 10 countries as “unacceptable” amid the ongoing crisis.
- Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies: Khaleda Zia, who served three terms as prime minister and whose long-standing rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladeshi politics for decades, has passed away at the age of 80.
- China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan Following US Arms Sale: In a display of military power, China mobilized warships, aircraft, and rockets near Taiwan, stating it will “always respond forcefully” to the island’s efforts to strengthen defenses through US arms deals.
- Economic Unrest Grips Iran as Currency Hits Record Low: Protests have spread from Tehran to universities across the country after the Iranian rial hit an all-time low against the US dollar, placing immense pressure on Iranian leadership.
- UAE to Withdraw from Yemen After Rift with Saudi Arabia: Tensions between once-close allies have peaked as the UAE announced its withdrawal from Yemen following a Saudi airstrike on a separatist-held port allegedly carrying Emirati arms.
- Thieves Steal €30m in Sophisticated German Bank Heist: Police in Gelsenkirchen are investigating a massive robbery where thieves used a “quiet” drill during the post-Christmas period to break into a high street bank vault.
- Russia and Ukraine Clash Over Alleged Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence: The Kremlin accused Ukraine of targeting a presidential residence with drones—a claim President Zelenskyy denied as a fabrication—threatening to derail ongoing peace negotiations.
- Critical Security Alert Issued for SmarterMail Software: The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore warned of a maximum-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0) in SmarterMail that allows for remote code execution through arbitrary file uploads.
- Eurostar Power Failure Causes Major Holiday Travel Chaos: High-speed rail services between Britain and continental Europe were paralyzed by a power failure in the Channel Tunnel, leaving thousands of passengers stranded during one of the busiest weeks of the year.