Sharaa and Trump discuss Syria, Kurdish rights and Islamic State Cooperation
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed developments in Syria during a phone call on Monday, including Kurdish righ...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 11th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran has intensified its security crackdown on ongoing nationwide protests, with reports of dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests. Rights groups confirm at least 65 fatalities, including protesters and security forces. The protests, initially sparked by soaring inflation, have evolved into political demands, calling for the end of clerical rule. The Revolutionary Guards have been deployed, and authorities have accused foreign powers, including the U.S. and Israel, of inciting unrest. International condemnation has increased, with the U.S. and European nations urging restraint.
The U.S. Central Command released videos on 10 January showing jets preparing and conducting multiple airstrikes in Syria, targeting the Islamic State (ISIS). These recent strikes followed the 13 December attack in which two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed by ISIS militants. CENTCOM did not specify casualties from the latest strikes, and the Pentagon has yet to provide further details.
Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Minneapolis on 10 January, condemning the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Civil liberties groups have accused ICE of using unjustified lethal force, while the Trump administration claims the agent acted in self-defence. Protests also took place in several U.S. cities, with demonstrators calling for an end to ICE and justice for Good. The incident has intensified tensions between Minnesota's Democratic leaders and the federal government, with local law enforcement launching their own investigation into the shooting.
China, Russia, and Iran have begun a week-long naval exercise off the coast of South Africa, aimed at ensuring the safety of shipping routes and enhancing maritime cooperation. The drills, titled "Exercise WILL FOR PEACE 2026," are being held amid strained relations between these countries and the U.S. The expanded BRICS bloc, which includes China, Russia, South Africa, and several other nations, has increasingly coordinated on political and security issues, drawing criticism from U.S. officials. However, South Africa's government stressed that the exercise is non-political and focused on improving naval capabilities, despite domestic criticism over the country's neutrality.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (17 January) that concerns over security in Greenland should be addressed within the framework of NATO, describing a ground military intervention as highly unlikely.
Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing that the companies profited unfairly from his early support of the artificial intelligence firm, according to a court filing made public on Friday.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation said on Monday.
European leaders voiced growing alarm on Sunday over U.S. threats to impose tariffs on eight NATO allies, warning the move could destabilize transatlantic relations and heighten tensions in the Arctic.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Monday (19 January) that he will resign from office, a move that has fuelled speculation he may form a political party ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday (19 January) that the government will use special constitutional powers to force the passage of the 2026 budget without a parliamentary vote, despite earlier pledges to avoid doing so.
Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev said on Monday that he will resign from office, fuelling speculation that he may form his own political party ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation said on Monday.
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence chief attended a major regional defence exhibition.
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