AnewZ Morning Brief - 11 January, 2026

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 intensifies security crackdown as protests spread nationwide

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. 

U.S. strikes across Syria target Islamic State, military confirms

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 rally in Minneapolis after fatal ICE shooting

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 begin BRICS Plus naval exercise off South Africa

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.

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News Politics Morning Brief Minneapolis ICE shooting China Russia South Africa Iran Iran protests US strikes Islamic state Syria