End of January Sitrep Support

Trump Threatens Insurrection Act Deployment as ICE Shootings Spark Protests in Minnesota 

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military domestically as protests intensified across Minnesota following two incidents in which federal immigration agents fired their weapons, wounding a man and killing a woman within a week. Demonstrations erupted in Minneapolis amid public anger over aggressive immigration raids, with protesters condemning what they described as excessive force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On social media, Trump warned that if Minnesota officials failed to stop what he called “professional agitators and insurrectionists,” he would invoke the 19th-century law, which has not been used in more than three decades. Democratic Governor Tim Walz accused federal agents of carrying out a campaign of brutality, citing multiple violent encounters and urging residents to document ICE interactions, while calling for peaceful protest and an end to what he labeled an occupation. Minnesota officials said the latest shooting followed a struggle during an attempted arrest, with the wounded man identified as a Venezuelan national, and additional suspects detained after allegedly assaulting the agent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declined to say whether Trump should invoke the law, calling it his constitutional authority. The unrest has intensified scrutiny of ICE tactics, as reports show a record number of deaths in immigration detention in 2025 and growing concerns over training, oversight, and accountability.

President Sheinbaum Calms Fears Over U.S. Military Activity Near Mexico 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to allay public concern after recent U.S. military-related movements near Mexico sparked alarm amid heightened regional sensitivities following the U.S. attack on Venezuela. An advisory from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned pilots to exercise caution over parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico and Central and South America due to military activities, prompting questions about possible U.S. operations in the area. Mexico waited several hours before receiving written assurances from the U.S. government that no U.S. military flights would occur over Mexican territory, and was provided precise coordinates for U.S. operations outside Mexican airspace. Photos circulating on social media of a U.S. military transport plane on the tarmac at Toluca Airport near Mexico City further fueled speculation. Sheinbaum explained that the plane’s arrival was a routine logistical operation involving Mexican officials flying to the U.S. for training, authorized by Mexico’s Secretary of Defense and not requiring Senate approval, as no troops entered Mexican territory. Her security cabinet noted such training flights take place under established bilateral cooperation protocols. The incidents have underscored Mexican sensitivity to sovereignty issues, particularly amid U.S. proposals and rhetoric about potential military actions against drug cartels, which Mexico has rejected. Both governments reaffirmed ongoing cooperation on security, with officials scheduled to meet to strengthen joint efforts against cartels and curb the flow of fentanyl and weapons across their shared border. 

U.S. Seizes Seventh Venezuelan-Linked Tanker in Caribbean Under Trump Blockade 

U.S. forces have seized another tanker in the Caribbean, the seventh vessel apprehended since President Donald Trump imposed a blockade to prevent sanctioned ships from traveling to or from Venezuela. The ship, identified as the Motor Vessel Sagitta, was taken “without incident” after operating in defiance of the quarantine established by Trump, according to U.S. Southern Command. The military emphasized that only oil exports coordinated and authorized under U.S. supervision would be allowed to leave Venezuela. This seizure follows a series of operations, including the interception of a Russia-linked tanker earlier this month in the North Atlantic, reflecting Washington’s expanded naval presence in the region. The U.S. has carried out maritime interdictions, targeted drug-trafficking boats, and previously claimed to seize Venezuelan oil as part of its broader campaign to control Caracas’s resources following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. Venezuelan authorities dispute U.S. claims, maintaining that the state-run oil company remains in control of the country’s exports and is engaged in negotiations with Washington over oil sales. The operation underscores ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions, project power in the Caribbean, and maintain oversight of Venezuelan energy flows amid escalating geopolitical tensions. 

Trump Administration Seeks Cuban Government Allies to Negotiate End of Communist Rule by Year‑End 

The Biden administration, encouraged by the recent removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, is actively seeking to leverage Cuba’s economic vulnerability to pursue a negotiated end to the island’s long‑standing Communist regime before the end of 2026, according to The Wall Street Journal. U.S. officials believe Cuba’s economy is nearing collapse after losing critical Venezuelan support and are meeting with Cuban exile groups and civic organizations in Miami and Washington to identify potential insiders within Havana’s government who might be willing to negotiate a political transition. While the administration has no detailed blueprint for dismantling Cuba’s one‑party system, officials see the operation that helped capture Maduro as both a model and a warning for Havana and have warned that further pressure could follow without engagement. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Cuban leaders to “make a deal before it’s too late,” announcing a halt to Venezuelan oil and financial support to the island. Intelligence assessments suggest chronic shortages of goods, medicine, fuel, and electricity are contributing to Cuba’s fragility, and U.S. strategy includes targeting remaining oil flows and Cuba’s overseas medical missions, a major hard‑currency source. The State Department has stated that democratic governance in Cuba aligns with U.S. national interests, but Havana has rejected negotiations on Washington’s terms and continues to assert its sovereignty and resistance to external coercion. 

Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez Publicly Rejects U.S. Influence After Maduro’s Capture 

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, issued a rare and forceful public rebuttal to Washington’s directives on Monday, declaring that she has had “enough” of U.S. interference in Venezuelan political affairs and urging that internal disputes be resolved domestically rather than under foreign pressure. Rodríguez made the remarks during an address to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz, broadcast on state television, saying “enough already of Washington’s orders regarding politicians in Venezuela” and stressing that Venezuelan politics should navigate internal conflicts without outside influence. Her comments mark a notable moment of defiance after a U.S. military operation on January 3 led to the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and subsequent assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington would “run” Venezuela during a transition period, though Caracas has repeatedly rejected such claims. Rodríguez’s rhetoric underscores a growing resistance within the interim leadership to perceived external control even as her government operates amid intense U.S. pressure over oil policy, sanctions, and diplomatic alignment. Observers note that while Rodríguez has publicly pushed back against U.S. influence, Venezuela remains constrained by the evolving political crisis and U.S. strategic interests in the region, with Caracas seeking to assert sovereignty and navigate a complex transition. 

China Vows Support for Cuba as U.S. Threats and Sanctions Pressure Intensify 

China pledged on Tuesday to provide Cuba with “support and assistance” amid escalating tensions with the United States, reaffirming long-standing ties between the two socialist allies and condemning Washington’s decades-long economic blockade of the island. Beijing’s statement followed sharp warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Cuba was “ready to fall” and urged Havana to “make a deal” or face consequences similar to Venezuela, where Trump recently removed President Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. bombing raid that killed dozens. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing was deeply concerned by U.S. actions toward Cuba, accusing Washington of undermining regional peace and stability and calling for the immediate lifting of sanctions and the embargo. Guo emphasized that China would continue offering as much assistance as possible to Havana. The remarks come as reports indicate the Trump administration is considering a naval blockade to cut off oil imports to Cuba, framing energy supplies as a critical pressure point against the Cuban government. In response to rising threats, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel oversaw military exercises over the weekend, portraying them as a deterrent against potential U.S. aggression and signaling Havana’s readiness amid mounting geopolitical pressure.

ICE Launches “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine Targeting 1,400 Criminal Aliens 

Federal immigration agents have deployed to Maine under a new initiative, “Operation Catch of the Day,” with initial raids resulting in more than 50 arrests, according to Fox News. ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde stated that roughly 1,400 illegal immigrants are targeted, many with criminal records including child rape, drug trafficking, sexual assault, simple assault, and DUI offenses. Early arrests included a Sudanese man with over a dozen convictions and a deportation order, and two Ecuadorian nationals charged with drunk driving, one of whom had entered the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration. The deployment drew criticism from local leaders: Portland Mayor Mark Dion rejected the need for ICE’s presence, citing a lack of evidence of rampant criminal activity, while Maine Governor Janet Mills condemned the tactics and emphasized that state law enforcement operates under professional standards without quotas or masked operations. This follows similar federal actions under the Trump administration in Minnesota, New Orleans, Charlotte, Memphis, and Chicago, where thousands of illegal immigrants have been apprehended in recent weeks, highlighting a nationwide escalation of targeted immigration enforcement operations. 

Minneapolis Erupts in Violence After Border Patrol Shooting 

A Border Patrol agent‑involved shooting in South Minneapolis on Saturday triggered widespread chaos, with large crowds swarming federal personnel and clashing with agents attempting to secure the scene. The incident began when federal agents shot an armed man near a local donut shop during a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, who allegedly approached the agents with a 9mm handgun. Crowds of nearly 200 people quickly obstructed law enforcement, surrounding vehicles, blocking roads, and forcing federal officers into defensive positions as unrest escalated. Videos posted on social media show rioters confronting ICE and Border Patrol agents, who deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least one agitator suffered a broken leg and was assisted by agents. DHS officials released a photograph of the handgun allegedly seized from the deceased. Commentary from observers framed the riot as a failure of local leadership, with criticism directed at Mayor Frey and Governor Tim Walz for the escalation. The confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between federal law enforcement and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis, as well as the volatile environment surrounding immigration enforcement operations in the city. 

Public Backlash Drives Support for Unconditional Mass Deportations 

The article argues that much of the political left, joined by some centrists and libertarians, has misrepresented public support for Donald Trump’s 2024 immigration platform by claiming voters only endorsed deportations of “violent criminals,” a framing the author describes as deliberate propaganda rather than Trump’s stated position. According to the piece, Trump’s message was always that all illegal migrants are criminals by definition and therefore subject to removal, and attempts to narrow this definition are portrayed as an effort to shift the Overton Window and reframe the debate. The author contends that the core motivation behind majority support for strict immigration enforcement is not crime alone, but opposition to multiculturalism, cultural replacement, and the perceived erosion of Western civilization. Polling cited in a recent CNN segment is said to show roughly 55% to 65% of Americans favor mass deportations without exceptions, a level of support described as consistent with pre-election data from 2024. The article maintains that activist-driven unrest in cities has failed to move public opinion, and that Americans reject arguments based on length of illegal residence or post-entry law-abiding behavior. Economic pressures, welfare costs, wage competition, political redistricting, and fears of cultural transformation are presented as central drivers of public support for deportations.

Trump Links Push for Greenland to Nobel Peace Prize Snub in Message to Norway’s Prime Minister 

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a shift away from relying solely on diplomatic approaches in his persistent campaign to acquire Greenland, telling Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that America’s interests must come first after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a message released by European officials, Trump wrote that because Norway “decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS,” he no longer felt “an obligation to think purely of Peace,” and instead would focus on what he sees as “good and proper for the United States of America,” while insisting that “the World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” Trump questioned Denmark’s ownership of the territory and asserted that it could not defend Greenland from Russia or China, arguing that NATO should act in the United States’ interest. Norway’s prime minister confirmed he received the message, which came in response to a note he and Finland’s president sent urging de‑escalation and opposing proposed tariffs connected to the Greenland dispute. Norway reiterated that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and affirmed support for Danish sovereignty. The episode reflects deepening diplomatic tensions with NATO allies over Trump’s aggressive push for control of the Arctic island following his perceived Nobel Peace Prize snub and proposes tariffs and other pressures to advance his objectives. 

Chinese Military Pilots Trained in U.S. Civilian Flight Schools, According to Peter Schweizer 

Peter Schweizer’s new book, The Invisible Coup, claims the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is exploiting U.S. openness by sending thousands of future military pilots to train in the United States under civilian guise. Schweizer writes that China needs 5,000 pilots annually but can produce only 1,200 domestically, prompting a covert program to educate roughly 3,000 in the U.S. each year. These pilots reportedly enter on student visas with minimal oversight and train at at least sixteen flight schools, including Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Atwater, California, and AeroGuard near Phoenix, Arizona. Documents cited in the book suggest the schools maintain close ties to Chinese government and military-linked entities, with some programs offering EB-5 residency incentives alongside aviation training. Schweizer highlights local concerns about creating a pipeline of pilots who could eventually confront U.S. forces, noting that courses range from initial flight instruction to advanced helicopter and fixed-wing training. The AeroGuard program, which trains Chinese cadets for the government-controlled Cathay Pacific airline, was reportedly approved with support from Congressman Greg Stanton and the Department of Homeland Security. Schweizer argues the initiative demonstrates Beijing’s ability to manipulate U.S. immigration and education systems while benefiting strategically from American resources and oversight gaps. 

Senate Democrats Block DHS Funding, Raising Shutdown Risks After Minneapolis Shooting 

Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have formally refused to advance a six-bill government funding package that includes Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, escalating the risk of a shutdown this Friday. Schumer stated that Democrats will not allow the current DHS funding bill to move forward and called on Republicans to work with Democrats on the other five appropriations bills while DHS funding is rewritten. The opposition intensified after federal agents killed a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis, prompting several senators who previously supported government funding to withdraw their backing unless DHS funds are removed. Senators Brian Schatz, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Jacky Rosen emphasized the need for stronger accountability measures for ICE and Border Patrol before approving any DHS spending, framing their opposition as a response to abuses of power. In the House, the DHS bill passed narrowly 220-207, with only seven Democrats supporting it, and was merged with funding for five other departments before moving to the Senate. More than half of the 47-member Democratic caucus has pledged opposition, a number growing after the Minneapolis incident. Polymarket reports now indicate a 76% likelihood of a government shutdown, underscoring heightened political tensions over immigration enforcement and agency oversight.

U.S. Explores Amnesty for Hamas in Exchange for Disarmament Amid Gaza Peace Plan 

The United States is reportedly considering granting amnesty to Hamas militants in return for disarmament as part of a Washington-brokered peace initiative, Reuters reported citing an American official. The announcement follows the Israel Defense Forces’ retrieval of the final hostage, Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, completing Phase One of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, which included returning all hostages alive or deceased. The official indicated that disarmament is a key condition of the proposed deal and that failure to comply would breach the agreement. Under the framework signed in late 2025, the plan’s second phase focuses on Gaza’s reconstruction and demilitarization, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing that disarming Hamas—not rebuilding the territory—remains the central goal. Hamas stated its militants helped locate Gvili’s body, framing the act as proof of adherence to the ceasefire. During the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, 251 hostages were taken and approximately 1,200 Israelis killed; Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 72,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 171,000, according to Gaza health authorities. West Jerusalem has not publicly commented on the potential amnesty proposal. The initiative marks a controversial step in efforts to end the prolonged conflict while ensuring Hamas relinquishes its military capabilities. 

FBI Searches Fulton County Election Office Amid 2020 Election Probe 

The FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in Fairburn, Georgia, on Wednesday as part of a federal investigation into alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election, Reuters and Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Agents reportedly sought custody of 2020 ballots, though officials declined to provide further details. The facility, opened in 2023 to modernize election operations, has come under scrutiny after Fulton County admitted last month that over 130 tabulator tapes for roughly 315,000 early in-person votes were unsigned, and 10 additional tapes were missing. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger emphasized that missing signatures do not invalidate votes, highlighting that voter ID laws were followed and audits completed. Fulton County has also been central to prior investigations into former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 results, including racketeering and federal election-related cases, though some were dismissed due to conflicts of interest or after Trump returned to office. The Justice Department recently sued the county clerk to obtain election documents, citing potential violations of federal election law and the Civil Rights Act. The raid underscores Georgia’s continued prominence in post-2020 election scrutiny, as investigators examine both procedural lapses and allegations that Trump and his associates knowingly promoted false claims of voter fraud to challenge the state’s certified results, particularly in Fulton County, which was key to Biden’s narrow victory. 

U.S. Military Posture Grows Amid Iran Crisis as Protests Subside 

The U.S. is reportedly moving at least one aircraft carrier strike group, possibly more, to the Middle East amid tensions over Iran, with open-source tracking indicating additional Air Force and allied European aircraft may also be entering the region. These movements follow President Donald Trump’s call-off of a potential strike after the Iranian regime temporarily halted the mass execution of protestors, though he has not ruled out future military action. Military planners emphasize that a sustained offensive against Iran would require far more forces, munitions, and logistical support than currently deployed, leaving any operation limited and heavily contingent on preparation. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, with its embarked air wing and missile-capable escort vessels, will enhance U.S. striking and defensive power, while unconfirmed reports suggest the George H.W. Bush Carrier Group may also be en route. Simultaneously, Tehran’s protests, which erupted over economic collapse, drought, and regime crackdowns, appear largely suppressed following harsh security measures, though exiled activist Reza Pahlavi called for renewed demonstrations. European nations, including France and Germany, are reportedly sending aerial assets to the region, and the EU has issued a warning to airlines to avoid Iranian airspace due to heightened risk from missile and air-defense systems. Overall, the situation reflects a complex mix of military posturing, diplomatic caution, and ongoing domestic unrest within Iran, with future escalation remaining uncertain. 

US Deploys Abrams Tanks and Bradleys to Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions 

The U.S. Army has deployed M1 Abrams main battle tanks and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Reaper, into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, signaling a significant augmentation of heavy armored forces in the Middle East. Photographs show Abrams tanks offloaded from C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on December 22, 2025, followed by Bradleys transported via an airbridge operation coordinated with the 16th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The movement demonstrates rapid deployment capabilities, allowing U.S. forces to project combat power without the weeks-long delays of sealift. The Abrams and Bradley together provide combined-arms capability: the Abrams delivers heavy firepower and protection, while the Bradley transports infantry and engages armored and ground threats. The deployment enhances defensive postures, supports ongoing security missions, and deters attacks on U.S. installations, personnel, and supply routes amid regional instability. The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, a National Guard unit with overseas operational experience, highlights readiness for rapid global response and joint coordination with airlift assets. While exact numbers of vehicles have not been disclosed, the Army emphasized the deployment’s role in maintaining force protection and readiness against missiles, drones, and indirect fire threats across the Central Command area. 

U.S. Forces Kill ISIS-Linked Terror Leader in Syria Following December Ambush 

U.S. Central Command announced that American forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an experienced terrorist leader with ties to ISIS and al-Qaida, in a Jan. 16 strike in northwest Syria. Al-Jasim was linked to the Dec. 13 ambush in Palmyra that killed two Iowa National Guardsmen, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, along with U.S. civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper emphasized that the strike underscores U.S. resolve to pursue those who target American forces. The operation is part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in Syria, including a December campaign named Operation Hawkeye Strike, conducted with Jordanian forces, which struck over 70 targets with more than 100 precision-guided munitions, employing A-10s, F-15s, Apache helicopters, and M142 rocket systems. Following the ambush, a series of retaliatory operations over nine days resulted in the death or detention of at least 25 ISIS operatives, including seven fighters and the destruction of four weapons caches. CENTCOM reported that U.S. and partner operations over the past six months have led to over 300 insurgent detentions and more than 20 deaths, amid concerns that ISIS-inspired plots in 2025 targeted at least 11 sites in the United States. This strike marks a continuation of Trump-era counterterrorism operations following the overthrow of Syria’s Assad government in December 2024.

NORAD Says Greenland Aircraft Deployment Is Routine, Not Politically Driven 

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said the imminent arrival of its aircraft at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland is part of routine, long-planned defense operations and is unrelated to political rhetoric or any notion of territorial pressure. In a statement released via its official X account, NORAD explained that the aircraft will operate alongside forces based in the continental United States and Canada in support of pre-scheduled missions tied to longstanding defense requirements. The command emphasized that the activity reflects established trilateral defense cooperation among the United States, Canada, and the Kingdom of Denmark. According to NORAD, the deployment was fully coordinated with Danish authorities, conducted with the appropriate diplomatic clearances, and communicated in advance to the Government of Greenland. Pituffik Space Base, the only U.S. military installation on the island, plays a critical role in Arctic security, serving as an early-warning hub for missile threats and supporting air and space surveillance operations. Approximately 150 U.S. service members and allied personnel are stationed there. Originally established during World War II and known as Thule Air Base throughout the Cold War, the facility was transferred to U.S. Space Force control and renamed in 2023. The Pentagon has announced plans to invest up to $25 million in infrastructure upgrades, primarily focused on runway repairs, underscoring the base’s continued importance to NORAD’s mission of aerospace warning, control, and defense for North America. 

European NATO Allies Signal Support for Denmark in Greenland Amid Trump Tariff and Acquisition Pressure 

European NATO allies have concluded a coordinated military exercise in Greenland as U.S. President Donald Trump renewed demands to acquire the Arctic island and announced new tariffs on multiple allied states, sharply escalating transatlantic tensions. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom said the Danish-led Arctic Endurance exercise was pre-planned, defensive in nature, and intended to strengthen Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest, stressing it posed no threat and reaffirming full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. The deployments followed a Danish request for limited allied troop support to the self-governing territory, whose sovereignty European governments explicitly defended. Trump, however, linked new tariffs—set at 10 percent from February 1 and rising to 25 percent in 2026—to a demand for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland,” despite existing trade agreements with the U.K. and the European Union. He also claimed Russia and China sought control of the island and argued Denmark lacked the capability to defend it, assertions Danish military leaders rejected, stating no current threat exists. European leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, criticized the use of tariffs against allies and said Europe would reinforce its presence to demonstrate NATO’s commitment to Greenland’s defense. A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation separately visited Copenhagen to reaffirm support for Greenland’s current status.

NATO Withholding Intelligence from U.S. Amid Greenland Dispute 

NATO officials from European member states have reportedly begun restricting intelligence sharing with the United States because of deepening mistrust over President Donald Trump’s aggressive pursuit of control over Greenland, sources told The i Paper. European intelligence personnel are said to be “not talking openly” with U.S. counterparts out of concern that sensitive information could be relayed to the White House and potentially be used to support Trump’s territorial ambitions, including the possibility of using it in planning actions against the autonomous Danish territory. The move reflects growing tensions within the alliance as Trump doubles down on his bid to acquire Greenland—despite firm opposition from Denmark and other European allies—leading some NATO officials to feel that Washington has “stabbed us in the back” and that longstanding trust has eroded. The dispute has strained historic ties between the U.S. and key allies, including the UK, with some describing the deterioration in intelligence cooperation as unprecedented and at its lowest point since the mid-20th century. Analysts warn that these fractures could impact collective defense cooperation and long-standing partnerships built over decades, especially if political priorities continue to diverge sharply between Washington and other NATO capitals. 

Trump Reiterates Push for Greenland Talks at Davos, Rules Out Use of Force 

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump renewed his controversial call for negotiations over Greenland, stressing that while the United States views the semi-autonomous Danish territory as strategically vital, it would not use military force to acquire it. Trump framed Greenland’s location as essential to U.S., NATO, and Western Hemisphere security, arguing that no other nation or group of nations is capable of adequately securing the island. He characterized U.S. interest as a reasonable request in light of what he described as America’s disproportionate contributions to NATO and collective defense, calling negotiations “immediate” and the issue a “very small ask.” His remarks again drew pushback from European and NATO partners, as Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any change in sovereignty while remaining open to an expanded U.S. military presence. The comments came amid broader strains in transatlantic relations and were delivered as part of a wider address covering economic policy, alliance obligations, and global security priorities. Trump also invoked historical precedent, claiming the United States “saved Greenland” during World War II before returning it to Denmark, which he accused of ingratitude. Separately, he issued a blunt warning toward Hamas, saying that if the group does not disarm, it would face destruction. 

U.S. and Denmark Set to Renegotiate Greenland Defense Pact Amid Arctic Security Concerns 

The United States and Denmark are preparing to renegotiate their longstanding 1951 defense agreement governing U.S. military presence in Greenland, according to a source familiar with discussions between President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The source said the talks include a broader push by European allies to strengthen Arctic security but stressed that proposals to place U.S. bases in Greenland under American sovereignty were not discussed. The existing agreement, last updated in 2004, already allows Washington wide latitude to expand troop deployments on the island, provided Danish and Greenlandic authorities are informed in advance. The U.S. currently operates a single installation in Greenland, the Pituffik Space Base in the island’s northwest, which plays a key role in U.S. missile defense architecture. Trump announced a loosely defined framework following talks with Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos, though specifics remain unclear. Rutte later said one outcome of the meeting was a shared commitment to prevent China and Russia from gaining economic or military access to Greenland. Trump’s repeated threats regarding Greenland have unsettled the transatlantic alliance and triggered what some describe as NATO’s most serious internal crisis in decades. In response, several European nations have advocated for a formal NATO mission in the Arctic to reinforce regional security and counter growing geopolitical pressure. 

Canada Develops Theoretical Response Model to Hypothetical U.S. Invasion Amid Trump Annexation Comments 

Canada’s military has reportedly developed a conceptual response model for a potential U.S. invasion, emphasizing insurgency-style tactics, according to The Globe and Mail. The framework, described by unnamed officials as theoretical rather than operational, draws on lessons from Afghanistan, focusing on ambushes and hit-and-run actions to slow U.S. forces that could otherwise overrun Canadian positions on land and at sea within days. The planning comes amid renewed attention to President Donald Trump’s past remarks about merging Canada with the U.S. and recent social media posts implying U.S. control over Canada and Venezuela. Officials noted that clear warning signs of an invasion would likely include a cessation of NORAD cooperation, and Canada could seek assistance from allies such as Britain and France. The military stressed the model is not a step-by-step operational plan but a conceptual framework for national defense under extreme circumstances. The discussion coincides with the World Economic Forum in Davos, where both Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are attending. Trump’s Greenland-related territorial demands have already strained NATO, and Canada is reportedly considering sending a small contingent of troops to Greenland alongside other allies to signal support, highlighting growing concerns about U.S. assertions in the Arctic.

Iran Blames U.S. as Trump Pushes for Regime Change Amid Protests 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of causing Iran’s internal crises through “inhumane” sanctions and warned that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would constitute “all-out war” against the nation. His remarks come amid nearly three weeks of widespread unrest, during which over 16,000 protesters have reportedly been killed in violent crackdowns, mass arrests, and nationwide internet blackouts. Pezeshkian’s statement reflects Tehran’s efforts to consolidate domestic support around Khamenei while deflecting blame onto Washington, despite long-standing accusations of Iranian plots against U.S. leaders. Supreme Leader Khamenei also condemned President Trump for inciting protests, declaring him “guilty” of mass casualties. In response, Trump has called for “new leadership” in Iran, highlighting the regime’s decades-long economic mismanagement, political repression, and currency collapse. The U.S. has reinforced its posture both militarily and economically: the Pentagon redeployed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East to ensure rapid response capability amid growing instability, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced broad sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials and financial networks. Analysts note that while Tehran attributes the unrest to foreign interference, the protests are widely linked to domestic grievances and regime failures, further intensifying U.S.-Iran tensions.

Iraq Says U.S.-Led Coalition Has Completed Base Withdrawal from Federal Territory 

Iraq announced that U.S.-led coalition forces have completed their withdrawal from all military bases and command headquarters within the country’s federal territory, marking a major milestone in the phased end of the coalition’s mission. A military committee overseeing the drawdown said the evacuated sites have been transferred to full Iraqi security control, with Baghdad now moving toward a framework of bilateral security relations with the United States. The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Iraq and Washington that set the coalition’s exit from federal Iraq by the end of 2025, with remaining forces in the autonomous Kurdistan region to depart by September 2026. Coalition troops have been stationed in Iraq since 2014 to combat the Islamic State group, which was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 but continues to operate sleeper cells, particularly in remote mountainous areas. Iraqi authorities said only advisers had remained in recent phases and asserted that national forces are now fully capable of preventing an IS resurgence or cross-border infiltration. Coordination with the coalition will continue regarding efforts to eliminate IS elements in Syria, including logistical support via an airbase in Erbil and operational coordination through Ain al-Assad base in western Anbar province. While attacks in Iraq have sharply declined, international assessments warn IS is attempting to rebuild networks along the Syrian border, underscoring the continued security challenge despite the coalition’s drawdown.

Syrian Government Attacks SDF Positions Despite US-Backed Ceasefire, Raising ISIS Prison Security Concerns 

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported renewed attacks by Damascus on its positions across northern Syria, including areas surrounding SDF-run prisons holding tens of thousands of ISIS detainees, just a day after a US-brokered ceasefire. The SDF said its fighters repelled multiple assaults, suffering dozens of casualties, and warned that Syrian efforts to free prisoners pose an “extremely dangerous” security threat. Government forces seized Aleppo’s Tishreen Dam, Raqqa, Tabqa, and the country’s largest oil fields, while the northeastern city of Hasakah remains under Kurdish control. The escalation follows disputes over the March 2025 integration deal, under which Damascus demands SDF personnel enter Syrian security and military structures individually rather than as Kurdish-commanded units, while the SDF seeks to preserve a degree of autonomy and operate as a bloc. SDF and YPG leaders appealed to the United States and coalition partners for stronger intervention, emphasizing Washington’s reduced military footprint, which has seen five of eight major bases vacated. The ceasefire agreement calls for handovers of key governorates, border crossings, and energy assets to Damascus, but clashes continue amid lingering tensions, the partial US withdrawal, and reports of ISIS members escaping detention and approaching the Iraqi border, raising the risk of renewed insurgent activity in the region.

Syrian Government Expands Control as Kurdish Forces Withdraw from Key Oil Fields 

Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from Syria’s largest oil field, Al-Omar, and other areas in eastern Deir Ezzor on Sunday, as government troops expanded control across northern and eastern regions. The pullback follows clashes in Aleppo, where government forces captured neighborhoods and an area east of the city, as well as Tabqa in Raqqa province. The retreat included the Safyan and Al-Tharwa oil fields previously under Kurdish control, marking the government’s consolidation in predominantly Arab areas once held by the SDF during the anti-ISIS campaign. Tensions escalated after a withdrawal deal east of the Euphrates collapsed, with both sides claiming the other violated the agreement and reporting casualties. The Kurdish administration imposed a curfew in Raqqa province after the government declared a southwest Euphrates stretch a “closed military zone.” Despite President Ahmed al-Sharaa granting the Kurds formal recognition in a symbolic gesture, SDF officials said it fell short, with implementation of Kurdish integration into state structures stalled for months. The developments reflect Damascus’ ongoing efforts to assert authority over resource-rich and strategically significant regions while the Kurds continue to navigate autonomy, governance, and integration amid ongoing friction with government forces. 

Russian Strikes Leave Kyiv Without Heat and Water as Winter Bombardment Intensifies 

A large-scale overnight Russian bombardment crippled Kyiv’s energy and utility systems, leaving thousands of residential buildings without heating and water as temperatures plunged to around minus 14 degrees Celsius, compounding damage from earlier attacks. Ukrainian officials said hundreds of drones and missiles targeted energy infrastructure across at least seven regions, killing at least one civilian near the capital and forcing residents to shelter in metro stations as air defenses engaged incoming threats. Kyiv authorities reported that more than 5,600 residential buildings—roughly half of the city’s apartment blocks—lost heating, with widespread water outages and blackouts affecting nearly half the capital. Many of the affected buildings had already been damaged in a major January 9 strike, the most severe attack on Kyiv’s energy grid in years. Schools remain closed until February and street lighting has been reduced to conserve power. Additional strikes damaged critical infrastructure in western Rivne, left 10,000 households without electricity, hit energy facilities and a residential building in Odesa, and sparked a fire at an industrial site in Poltava. Ukrainian leaders accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to break morale, urging allies to urgently strengthen air defenses. Russia denied targeting civilians, saying strikes supported military objectives. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for senior Russian officials over energy-grid attacks, which it says amount to war crimes designed to harm civilians. 

Russia Expands Recruitment Tactics to Replenish Forces in Ukraine 

Russia is increasingly relying on creative and coercive methods to maintain troop levels in its nearly four-year war with Ukraine, offering substantial incentives to attract volunteers while targeting both domestic and foreign populations. President Vladimir Putin reports roughly 700,000 Russian soldiers are deployed in Ukraine, though independent casualty estimates suggest over one million may have been killed or wounded since 2022. To avoid a broad mobilization, Moscow has leaned on so-called voluntary enlistment, with last year’s contracts reportedly topping 400,000, though rights groups say conscripts are often pressured into signing open-ended service agreements. The government sweetens contracts with high salaries, bonuses, tax breaks, and debt relief; in Khanty-Mansi, enlistees can earn up to $50,000—more than twice the regional annual wage. Recruitment extends to prisoners, suspects in pretrial detention, and foreign nationals, including men from South Asia, the Middle East, and Cuba, who are lured with promises of jobs or citizenship and sometimes forced into combat. Activists highlight the particular vulnerability of foreign recruits due to language barriers and lack of experience. Ukrainian authorities report over 18,000 foreigners fighting for Russia, with 3,400 killed and hundreds held as POWs. Observers note that Russia’s expansive recruitment efforts are increasingly costly amid a slowing economy, reflecting the Kremlin’s challenges in sustaining its war of attrition. 

Power Outage Strikes Russia’s Northern Fleet Base Amid Winter Storms 

Severomorsk, the home of Russia’s Northern Fleet and the country’s key naval command for ballistic missile submarines and nuclear arsenals, was forced to rely on emergency generators after aging power lines collapsed during severe winter weather. The outage, which affected both Severomorsk and nearby Murmansk, left some residents without electricity and heating as of Sunday. Local authorities reported that five pylons failed about 7 km from Murmansk on January 23, including two nearly 60 years old and others dating from 1966 to 1988. To manage the crisis, the Northern Fleet ships docked in Severomorsk switched to autonomous power, according to city officials, freeing electricity for essential needs. Severomorsk, a “closed town” with strict entry controls due to its military and nuclear significance, faced additional logistical challenges in restoring power. Governor Andrei Chibis confirmed the outages and the continued strain on infrastructure, highlighting the vulnerability of critical Russian defense facilities to aging equipment and extreme weather conditions. The incident underscores potential risks to operational readiness at one of Russia’s most strategically important naval hubs. 

Ukraine Says Long-Range Drone Strikes Crippled Russian Airfields, Causing Over $1 Billion in Losses 

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) says its Alpha special operations unit carried out a yearlong campaign of long-range drone strikes in 2025 that hit five Russian military airfields deep inside Russia, destroying or disabling 15 aircraft and inflicting estimated losses exceeding $1 billion. In a recent statement, the SBU said the airfields were selected because they hosted aircraft used in missile and guided-bomb attacks on Ukrainian cities, and it released video footage it says shows aircraft damaged on the ground. According to Ukrainian claims, the strikes knocked out 11 fixed-wing combat aircraft, including Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-27, Su-24, and MiG-31 jets, as well as three helicopters — Mi-28, Mi-26, and Mi-8 models — and one An-26 transport aircraft, all described as destroyed or rendered permanently inoperable. The SBU said the operations also hit ammunition storage sites and fuel depots at the targeted bases, amplifying the damage and reducing Russia’s ability to sustain air operations from those locations. Ukrainian officials linked the airfield attacks to a broader 2025 drone campaign that also targeted Russian air defense systems, radar infrastructure, and energy facilities, including a January strike on the Tamannaftegaz oil terminal in Krasnodar Territory. Russia has not publicly confirmed the reported aircraft losses, and independent verification remains limited due to wartime reporting restrictions.

Trump Proposes $1 Billion “Board of Peace” to Oversee Gaza Reconstruction 

President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for an international Board of Peace, a new intergovernmental body aimed at managing the next phase of Gaza’s rebuilding, requiring $1 billion in contributions from individual nations to secure permanent membership. According to reports, the fee guarantees a permanent seat, in contrast to three-year appointments that carry no financial obligation. The Board is intended to fund reconstruction efforts while positioning Trump at the center of global diplomacy and potentially challenging the U.N. Security Council’s authority. Invitations have reportedly gone to numerous countries, including Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accepting the offer. The proposed executive board features prominent figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel. While details of the charter remain undisclosed, Trump frames the initiative as a “bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” with funding focused on Gaza reconstruction and broader geopolitical influence, highlighting his ambitions to create a high-profile international forum outside traditional U.N. mechanisms. 

Trump Launches “Board of Peace” Aimed at Gaza and Global Crises at Davos Signing Ceremony 

President Donald Trump formally announced the creation of his “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a new international body with a $1 billion price tag for permanent membership, initially framed to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction but potentially extending to other global crises. Trump will serve as chair alongside a founding executive council including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Robert Gabriel, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Apollo CEO Marc Rowan. Invitations have gone to 50–60 countries, with around 25 agreeing to join, including Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco, Argentina, Hungary, Bahrain, and Belarus. Several nations, including the UK, France, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia, have declined, citing concerns over the board’s composition, particularly the inclusion of leaders like Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. The board’s charter omits Gaza entirely, and there is no Palestinian representation, raising skepticism among Gazans who feel the initiative treats them as a problem rather than stakeholders. Trump and Rubio touted the board as a “board of action” capable of achieving what the UN cannot, while Russian media reported Putin may contribute $1 billion, including possibly via frozen assets. Critics warn the initiative risks undermining the UN and positioning Trump in an unprecedented global leadership role.

Putin Floats $1 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Pledge from Frozen U.S. Assets, Stops Short of Joining Trump Peace Council

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is prepared to allocate $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the United States to support a proposed international mechanism for post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza, while emphasizing that Russia has not yet decided whether it will formally join the U.S.-backed initiative. Speaking on January 21 during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin confirmed receiving a personal invitation from President Donald Trump to participate in a newly proposed “Peace Council,” but said Russia would respond only after reviewing documents and consulting strategic partners. Despite that uncertainty, Putin said funding could be committed immediately, citing Russia’s historic ties with the Palestinian people and framing the initiative as humanitarian in nature. He stressed that any mechanism must pursue a long-term settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on existing United Nations decisions, with Gaza’s humanitarian crisis at its core. His remarks contrasted with Trump’s earlier statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Putin had already accepted the invitation. The White House said at least 35 countries have agreed to join the body, which has expanded from a Gaza-focused effort into a broader platform addressing multiple global conflicts. Putin also suggested remaining frozen Russian assets could eventually be used for reconstruction in Ukraine following a peace agreement, adding that discussions on both Gaza and Ukraine would continue with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and visiting U.S. envoys.