North America
Sixty-seven people were killed when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30). The crash, caused by miscommunication with Reagan National Airport’s air traffic control, resulted in 41 bodies being recovered from the Potomac River by Friday. The flight carried several figure skaters returning from a competition in Wichita, Kansas, as well as Russian and Chinese nationals.
[ Source: NBC News ]
Ex-New Jersey U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in jail for bribery for foreign agents on Wednesday (Jan 29). Last July, a jury found him guilty of accepting gifts—including gold bars, cash, and a luxury car—in exchange for aiding foreign governments, particularly Egypt. Although prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, Menendez maintained his innocence and plans to appeal his sentence. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, is set to face trial in March, following delays due to medical treatment.
[ Source: BBC ]
The Pentagon revoked former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley’s security clearance and detail on Wednesday (Jan 29) under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Milley, the former highest-ranking officer in the U.S. military and a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, faced backlash for his actions following the January 6 Capitol riot. Reports indicated that he had unilaterally contacted Chinese officials to reassure them that the U.S. would not initiate a nuclear strike. Milley was among the officials pardoned by President Biden in his final days in office.
[ Source: BBC ]
Migrants remain fearful as the Trump administration ramps up detention and deportation efforts. In the weeks following President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, deportation efforts have stepped up significantly. Since January 20th, approximately 3,500 undocumented immigrants have been detained and deported, including just over, 1,179 on Sunday (Jan 26), 969 on Monday (Jan 27) and 1,000 on Tuesday (Jan 28), according to daily statistics published by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This contrasted the average of 310 arrests made in 2024 during former President Joe Biden’s final year in office.
[ Source: BBC ]
Trump fires a dozen independent government watchdogs on Friday (Jan 24). Amid his stated goals of purging the government of perceived “disloyalty”, the heads of several independent watchdog agencies were terminated, including the inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the inspector general of the Small Business Administration, CBS said. Several other watchdog agencies were rumored to be next, including inspector generals at the departments of agriculture, commerce, defense, education, housing and urban development, interior, labor, transportation and veterans’ affairs, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency were all reportedly considered.
[ Source: BBC ]
Europe
The man who sparked nationwide protests in Sweden over his burning of the Quran was assassinated on Wednesday (Jan 29). Salwan Momika, infamous for his burning of a Quran outside the Stockholm Central Mosque in 2023 that sparked nationwide riots, was shot dead in his apartment. Stockholm police have since confirmed that five people have been arrested in connection with the murder. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has not ruled out the involvement of a foreign power, with Swedish security services actively involved with the investigation.
[ Source: BBC ]
Serbia’s Prime Minister has resigned on Tuesday (Jan 28) following months-long mass protests. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation was prompted by mass protests following the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy that killed fifteen people last November. Although the country’s former Transport Minister Goran Vesic and over a dozen individuals have since been charged, protests have continued unabated. More than 100,000 people stayed home following calls for a general strike on Friday (Jan 24). President Aleksandar Vucic has since announced that he would make a decision within the next ten days to decide whether to form a new government or hold fresh parliamentary elections.
[ Source: BBC ]
Ukraine has reported that North Korean troops have been pulled off the front-lines by Russia. Amidst scattered reports of North Korean killings of allied Russian soldiers, combined with general inefficiency in combat, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have announced that North Korean forces were pulled off the frontlines within the Kursk region on Friday (Jan 31). The New York Times has also reported that the North Koreans had been pulled off the front lines, albeit temporarily for potential further training. Western officials have since reported that of the approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers deployed, roughly 1,000 have been killed in action.
[ Source: BBC ]
Despite immense far-right backing, an immigration bill was rejected by Germany’s parliament on Friday (Jan 31). The immigration bill, put forward by Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz, who has been tipped to be Germany’s next chancellor, had tried to rely on support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party but the bill was defeated by 350 votes to 338. Although the CDU has been leading in the polls, Merz’s reliance upon the AfD, despite previously rejecting any form of cooperation, has drawn sharp criticism from his predecessor, former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
[ Source: BBC ]
Ukrainian drone strikes hit a second Russian oil refinery on Friday (Jan 31). The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported a major drone strike against oil refineries in the Russian town of Kstovo, located about 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the front lines in eastern Ukraine. As the third year of the war drags on, the strikes on Kstovo, Smolensk, and Belgorod were part of a larger overnight attack, marking one of the largest Ukrainian operations of its kind during the war. In the same wave, Ukraine also targeted Moscow with at least 121 drones.
[ Source: BBC ]
Asia-Pacific
US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance programmes, resulting in cuts to services for refugees from war-ravaged Myanmar on Thursday (Jan 30). The freeze was intended to give the administration time to review which of the thousands of humanitarian programmes would continue receiving US funding. As a result, hospital care in camps in Thailand, where more than 100,000 refugees were living, was halted, according to activists and officials. About 106,000 long-term refugees resided in nine camps along Thailand’s western border with Myanmar, with food and shelter supplied by the Border Consortium.
At a sacred festival in India on January 29, 30 people were found dead and another 60 injured in a stampede, after tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in the convergence of the three sacred rivers – Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswathi. The 6-week Maha Kumbh festival is the world’s largest religious festival and it occurs once every 12 years. Authorities expected 100 million devotees to turn up and engage in the ritual bathing.
[ Source: AP news ]
Youtefa Bay – found in Papua, Indonesia – known for its blue waters and mangrove forests, has undergone infrastructural developments to help improve the lives or locals and the Indonesian economy. However, the clearing of the forest has impacted the women from the indigenous Tobati village and Enggros village. One of the affected areas is a sacred space known as the Women’s Forest, where the women remove their clothes to swim in search of clams. Men who enter the premises are fined 300,000 to 1 million rupiah. The space is also regarded as a safe space for the women to talk freely and share their grievances. As a result, the community – led by Papuan environmentalist Petronela Merauje on January 27 – has gathered to take action and find solutions to the issue.
[ Source: CNA ]
Japanese emergency services spent hours on Tuesday (Jan 28) to save a driver of a truck that fell into a sinkhole near Tokyo. The sinkhole was about 10 meters wide and 6 meters deep. The driver was able to talk to the responders for a few hours until they had to retreat due to the area surrounding the sinkhole becoming unstable for them to operate. Despite their initial plans of going into the sinkhole to rescue the driver, they decided against it after two members were mildly injured in their attempt to do so.
[ Source: CNA ]
18 Pakistani paramilitary security forces and 23 rebels were found dead in – what officials claim to be – the heaviest clash in recent years on Saturday (Feb 1). This was a result of Pakistani troops fighting against separatist insurgents who set up roadblocks on a key highway in the northwestern region of Balochistan. Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in 2024 witnessed a 40% surge in militant attacks, compared to in 2023.
[ Source: AP news ]
Middle East
Syria’s newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (Feb 2), marking his first official foreign visit since taking office. In Riyadh, he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional cooperation and potential Saudi support for Syria’s transnational government. Following the meeting, al-Sharaa emphasized Saudi Arabia’s “genuine desire” to assist Syria in rebuilding with talks covering energy, technology education and healthcare. The visit shows a major shift in Syria’s diplomatic alignment, as the new administration moves away from Bashar al-Assad’s past alliances with Iran and Russia. Al-Sharaa, who led the opposition in toppling Assad on Dec 8, is seeking regional legitimacy and relief from Western sanctions. While his past ties to al-Qaeda have raised concerns, his government is focused on economic recovery and integration with Arab nations. Saudi Arabia has already begun diplomatic efforts to push for sanctions relief.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling to Washington, DC, to meet US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Feb 2) to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The deal, which began in January, has so far led to the release of 33 Israeli Captives in exchange for nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners, with further negotiations expected. Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition to abandon the ceasefire and resume attacks, while Trump, who claims credit for the deal, has sent mixed signals about the future. This is Netanyahu’s first US visit since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged crimes in Gaza.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Israeli forces demolished at least 20 buildings in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Sunday (Feb 2), just hours after killing a 73-year-old Palestinian man, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Powerful explosions rocked the city and nearby towns, with residents describing the situations as horrific. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, claiming the destroyed buildings were “terrorist infrastructure” but provided no evidence. This escalation is part of Israel’s ongoing “Iron Wall” operation, launched last month, which has killed at least 50 Palestinians in the West Bank since mid-January.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Arab foreign ministers issued a joint statement on Saturday (Feb 1), rejecting US President Donald Trump’s call for Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians from Gaza, calling it a threat to regional stability and peace. Officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League declared their opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians under any circumstances. Trump’s comments last week, suggesting Gaza’s 2.3 million residents should be relocated after 15 months of Israeli bombardment, have been widely condemned, with critics calling it ethnic cleansing. Despite Egypt and Jordan rejecting the idea, Trump repeated his proposal on Thursday, implying their acceptance was expected due to US aid. Meanwhile, Arab Ministers welcomed Egypt’s plans to host an international conference in partnership with the UN to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction. No date has been set for the event.
[ Source: Reuters ]
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Friday (Jan 31) that any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel or the US would trigger an all out war in the region. The statement comes amid fears that US President Donald Trump could support an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites while tightening sanctions during his second term. Araghchi also praised Qatar’s mediation role in securing the Gaza ceasefire and met with Hamas officials while in Doha, calling their resistance victory despite the devastation in Gaza. He further commented on Syria, expressing Iran’s support for a broad-based government following the fall of former ally Bashar al-assad. On US-Iran relations, he noted a long history of mistrust but left the door open for nuclear negotiations if the US takes practical steps, such as unfreezing Iranian assets.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Africa
Somalia’s Puntland government confirmed that US airstrikes hit ISIL (ISIS) targets in the Golis Mountains on Sunday (Feb 2), taking out key important figures from the group. The strikes back ongoing Puntland Security Forces (PSF) operations against ISIL, which has been trying to expand its presence in northern Somalia. Former US President Donald Trump said the airstrikes took out a senior ISIS attack planner and destroyed militant hideouts. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamaud thanked the US for its support in the fight against terrorism. The exact number of casualties is unclear, but officials say this mark a major step forward in countering the coup.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa, who heads an alliance that included the M23 group, vowed on Friday (Jan 31) to push all the way to Kinshasa after his fighter seized Goma, the biggest city in eastern DR Congo. Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, reports suggest the Rwanda-backed rebels are now advancing toward Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city. President Félix Tshisekedi responded with a defiant speech, promising a “vigorous and coordinated response” to reclaim lost territory. The fighting has already displaced around 500,000 people, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, tensions between Rwanda and South Africa have escalated after Rwandan President Paul Kagame pushed back against accusations that his country is backing the rebels. Western powers, including the UK and Germany, are now threatening to cut aid to Rwanda over its alleged involvement, adding more pressure as the conflict unfolds.
[ Source: BBC ]
A plane carrying 21 people crashed near the oil fields in Unity State, South Sudan, on Wednesday (Jan 29), killing at least 20 passengers and crew. The aircraft went down just 500 meters from the airport shortly after takeoff on its way to the capital, juba. Authorities have confirmed that only one person survived the crash. The passengers included 16 South Sudanese, two Chinese nationals, and one Indian citizen, all of whom were employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC). The pilot and co-pilot were also among the victims. While officials have not yet determined the cause of the accident, South Sudan has a troubled history with aviation safety, with past crashes often linked to overloading and poor aircraft maintenance. Images circulating on social media show the wreckage lying upside down in a field, with debris scattered across the area. The crash is the latest in a series of fatal aviation accidents in South Sudan, including a 2015 incident that killed 36 people and a 2021 cargo plane crash near Juba that claimed five lives.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
The military led government of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which marks a significant shift in the region’s politics in general. The withdrawal, finalized on Wednesday (Jan 29), follows a year of strained relations between the bloc and the three nations, which have accused ECOWAS of serving the interest of former colonial power France. This move comes amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL, as well as increasing geopolitical competition between Russia and the West. Thousands of supporters rallied in Niger and Burkina Faso to celebrate the exit, with leaders calling it a step toward “breaking imperialist ties”. In response, ECOWAS has reiterated its commitment to regional solidarity and called on remaining member states to continue granting privileges to citizens of the departing nations. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have strengthened their security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel states, to counter internal and external threats.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Khaby Lame, the world’s most followed TikTok star, was named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador on Friday (Jan 31) In Dakar, Senegal. The 24 years old, known for his silent yet expressive videos, said he hopes to use his platform to shed light on global issues affecting children. Lame, who has over 160 million followers, reflected on his own struggles with poverty, job loss, and finding his purpose, emphasizing that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Speaking to Senegal’s youth, many of whom face economic hardships and migration pressures, he encouraged them to dream big and never let obstacles stop them.
[ Source: UNICEF ]
South America
Prior to President Donald Trump’s order relating to the Gulf of Mexico being changed to Gulf of America, Mexico has asked Google Maps not to make the change on Thursday (30 Jan) Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent a letter to Google to reconsider renaming the gulf of Mexico. The executive order would only affect people living in the US but elsewhere, it will retain its current name – which has been in use for hundreds of years. In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the US cannot legally change the Gulf’s name due to the individual country’s sovereign territory only extending up to 12 nautical miles out from the coastline.
[ Source: BBC ]
President Donald Trump has appointed the use of US military planes for deportations. The military deportation flight to Guatemala from Monday (Jan 27) to Sunday (Feb 2), cost about $4,675, according to U.S. and Guatemalan officials. Compared to a one-way first class ticket on American Airlines from El Paso, Texas – which costs $853 – this flight was more than five times that. The launch of these flights were part of his national emergency declaration on immigration. As of now, six planeloads of migrants have been sent to Latin America.
[ Source: Reuters ]
President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of tariffs of 25% on goods entering America from Mexico on Saturday (1 Feb) It’s set to take effect on March 1, and will include a process for the countries to seek specific exemptions for certain imports, according to authorities. Americans are expected to be paying more for things like their automobiles if the administration were to proceed with this plan. A 25% tariff could cause Canada and Mexico to lose 3.6% and 2% of real GDP.
Argentina debated limiting online gambling for teenagers on Friday (31 Jan) This is a growing trend that has been seen in Argentina’s society with teenagers and young adults gambling their money online. A report published by the Ombudsman of the city of Buenos Aires found that nearly a quarter of the local students aged 12 to 19 have gambled online. Their reasons mostly pertained to needing fast cash, due to the rise in poverty, which concerns authorities will make this addiction tempting and allow for illegal as well as legitimate platforms to proliferate.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
Colombian President Petro refused to let two US military aircraft carrying deported Colombian migrants land, amid Trump’s crackdown on migration to the US on Monday (Jan 27). Trump was accused of mistreating the deported migrants. Petro took to X, reposting a video that depicted deportees with their hands and feet bound. “I cannot allow migrants to remain in a country that does not want them; but if that country sends them back, it must be with dignity and respect for them and for our country,” he wrote. Petro responded to this with an offer to deploy a presidential plane to facilitate the return of the migrants, in a more dignified way compared to how the US was sending them back. Late on Sunday, Colombia eventually agreed to accept deportees, and the US claimed their victory.
[ Source: Al Jazeera ]
