The U.S. military is moving up to 7,000 Islamic State (IS) fighters from prisons in northeastern Syria to Iraq. This action is intended to stop potential threats to the U.S. and other countries in the region. The transfer follows conflict and prison escapes involving Kurdish-led forces and the Syrian government.
Key Facts
The U.S. is transferring up to 7,000 IS fighters from Syria to Iraq.
150 fighters have already been moved to a secure location in Iraq.
The transfer aims to prevent breakouts that could threaten regional security.
A ceasefire was announced between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces.
Syrian forces re-entered areas after 120 IS fighters escaped from a Kurdish-run prison.
81 of the escaped IS fighters have been re-arrested.
Kurdish forces and Syrian government blame each other for the prison break.
The U.S. used to be a key ally of Kurdish forces in Syria against IS activities.
President Donald Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His speech included topics like Europe's environmental policies and discussions about the ownership of Greenland. The BBC's Economics Editor reported on how people in the room received his speech.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech in Davos, Switzerland.
The event was the annual World Economic Forum.
Trump discussed Europe's green policies.
He talked about Greenland and said the U.S. should own it.
Trump stated that he would not use force to acquire Greenland.
The BBC's Economics Editor, Faisal Islam, reported on the audience's reaction to the speech.
A video from the World Economic Forum in Davos featuring Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sparked mixed reactions online. The video was shared by The Female Quotient, a group aiming to promote workplace equality for women. Some people praised the duo for discussing issues like women’s equality, while others criticized the focus on their relationship.
Key Facts
The Female Quotient is an organization focused on workplace equality for women.
The group shared a video of Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Davos.
The video showed Perry supporting Trudeau during an event about women’s leadership.
Reactions to the video were mixed, with some questioning its relevance to the group's mission.
Trudeau spoke at Davos about topics like Canada’s influence and supporting women’s equality.
Some commentators criticized Trudeau's past actions concerning women in his administration.
Supporters defended the video, highlighting Perry's long history of supporting women’s rights.
Police in Devon, England, found the body of a 47-year-old man after two swimmers went missing on Christmas Day. The man is believed to be one of the missing swimmers at Budleigh Salterton beach, although official identification is still pending.
Key Facts
Two men went missing on Christmas Day at Budleigh Salterton beach in Devon, England.
Police found the body of a 47-year-old man on Tuesday.
Authorities believe this man is one of the missing swimmers.
The other missing swimmer is a local antiques dealer named Matthew Upham, 64.
Police have informed and are supporting the families of both men.
Formal identification of the body has not yet been completed.
Devon and Cornwall Police are handling the investigation and providing updates.
An Israeli comedian and former soldier named Guy Hochman was held in Toronto, Canada. He was questioned because a group accused him of war crimes and incitement related to Gaza, based on what he posted on social media.
Key Facts
Guy Hochman is an Israeli comedian and former combat soldier.
He was detained in Toronto, Canada.
The detention happened because of complaints made by the Hind Rajab Foundation.
The complaints accused Hochman of war crimes and incitement in Gaza.
The accusations were based on Hochman's posts on social media.
Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of Syria's former president Bashar al-Assad, died in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 89. He was once the commander of Syria's Defence Companies and was involved in the 1982 Hama massacre. Rifaat spent many years in exile and faced legal challenges related to his finances and actions during his time in power.
Key Facts
Rifaat al-Assad died on January 21, 2026, in the UAE at the age of 89.
He was a key figure in Syria's political history, known for leading the Defence Companies.
In 1982, he played a major role in the Hama massacre, where many people died.
Rifaat had a dispute with his brother, Hafez al-Assad, and attempted a coup in the 1980s.
He spent 36 years in exile, mostly in Europe, facing legal issues for his wealth.
In 2020, a French court sentenced him for money laundering.
In 2023, Switzerland issued an arrest warrant for his involvement in 1982 war crimes.
Rifaat returned to Syria in 2021, later moving to Dubai after the Assad regime fell.
Palestinians in Gaza are surprised and skeptical about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being part of a "Board of Peace" supported by the United States, intended to help rebuild Gaza. Many Palestinians view Netanyahu as responsible for the conflict and question his role in peace efforts.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is joining a US-supported "Board of Peace."
The board aims to help rebuild the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians in Gaza are surprised by Netanyahu's involvement.
Many Gaza residents blame Netanyahu for the ongoing conflict.
There is skepticism about Netanyahu's ability to contribute to peace efforts.
Mandy Wixon was found guilty of keeping a woman with learning difficulties captive for 25 years in England. The victim, known as K, was forced to perform labor and live in poor conditions until police rescued her in 2021. Wixon's sentencing is scheduled for March 12.
Key Facts
Mandy Wixon was found guilty of keeping a woman as a slave for 25 years in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
The victim, called K, has learning difficulties and was forced to clean Wixon's home and live off scraps.
K suffered abuse, including having washing-up liquid squirted down her throat and bleach splashed on her face.
Police arrested Wixon after one of her sons raised concerns about the victim's welfare.
K was not allowed to leave the house and had to wash secretly at night.
Police described K's living conditions as similar to a "prison cell."
Since being rescued, K is living with a foster family, attending college, and traveling abroad.
President Donald Trump stated at the World Economic Forum that Hamas has agreed to give up their weapons. He mentioned that the world will find out in the next three weeks if Hamas follows through. Trump warned that if they do not comply, they will be dealt with swiftly.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum.
Hamas has agreed to surrender their weapons.
The situation will become clear within the next three weeks.
Trump warned that if Hamas does not comply, they will face serious consequences.
The focus is on whether Hamas will follow through with their agreement.
Prince Harry testified in a London court, claiming that the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday made his and his wife Meghan's lives very difficult. He and six others accuse the publisher of serious privacy violations over many years. The publisher denies these accusations.
Key Facts
Prince Harry testified against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) in a trial in London.
He accuses ANL of making his wife Meghan's life "an absolute misery" and seeks an apology and accountability.
Harry's complaint includes 14 articles, mainly related to his past relationship with Chelsy Davy.
He claims these articles made him feel paranoid and under constant surveillance.
Harry is one of seven high-profile individuals accusing ANL of unlawful information gathering over two decades.
ANL denies the allegations and claims celebrities' social circles sometimes acted as sources for journalists.
Other claimants include actors, musicians, and a political figure, all alleging privacy breaches by ANL.
Researchers discovered the oldest known cave painting on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The painting shows a red outlined hand altered to look like a claw and is at least 67,800 years old. This finding suggests early human creativity existed outside Europe and that Homo sapiens reached the wider Australia–New Guinea area earlier than previously thought.
Key Facts
The cave painting is on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
It is a red hand stencil altered to resemble a claw.
This painting dates back at least 67,800 years.
It predates the previous oldest hand stencil in Spain by 1,100 years.
The discovery suggests Homo sapiens reached the Australia–New Guinea landmass earlier than some experts believed.
Recent findings in Sulawesi challenge the idea that art and abstract thinking began in Europe.
Cave art is crucial to understanding when humans started thinking symbolically.
Researchers highlighted the difference between Homo sapiens art and Neanderthal art.
EU lawmakers voted to pause the approval of a trade deal between the EU and the Mercosur group of South American countries due to legal concerns. The agreement will be reviewed by Europe's top court to ensure it aligns with EU treaties. Until the court rules, the agreement cannot be ratified, although it can be applied temporarily.
Key Facts
EU lawmakers voted 334 in favor, 324 against, with 11 abstentions to delay the trade deal.
The deal aims to create a large free trade zone by eliminating over 90% of tariffs between the regions.
The agreement was a priority for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
France expressed concerns about protecting its farmers and supported the delay.
The European Court of Justice will determine if the deal aligns with EU treaties.
The EU's executive branch can use the deal temporarily while legal issues are reviewed.
Mercosur includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Bolivia possibly joining in the future.
EU leaders will discuss the next steps in an emergency summit.
A woman named Haley Pierson adopted a discounted English cream retriever puppy after the original family backed out due to the puppy's health issues. The puppy, named Liam, has a condition affecting his balance and coordination called vestibular disease. Despite the challenges, Pierson and her family are happy to have Liam in their lives.
Key Facts
Haley Pierson's family recently lost their previous dog to cancer.
They found an English cream retriever puppy available at half price.
The original family withdrew due to the puppy having a "vestibular incident."
The vestibular system helps with balance, and vestibular disease affects coordination.
Liam, the puppy, shows symptoms like a head tilt and jerky eye movements.
He needs extra care and treatments like acupuncture and laser therapy.
The family's Instagram video about Liam reached over 151,000 views.
Many viewers expressed gratitude that Pierson provided Liam with a loving home.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was stopped from entering the USA House venue at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The decision followed pressure from the White House and State Department. Newsom has been vocal about his criticisms of President Trump’s policies during his time in Davos.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom was not allowed entry to USA House in Davos after an invitation to speak.
The White House and State Department reportedly pressured for this decision.
Newsom has been critical of President Trump’s policies during the World Economic Forum.
Newsom commented negatively about European leaders' responses to U.S. policies.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Newsom and President Trump.
Newsom was in Davos during the first year of President Trump's second term.
He attended Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's talk, reacting to topics like fuel prices.
President Donald Trump plans to launch a "board of peace" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction. Although the board is linked to a peace plan for Gaza, its official charter does not mention Gaza directly and outlines a broad international mandate. Questions have arisen about the board's goals and structure, leading to mixed reactions from invited countries.
Key Facts
President Trump is launching the "board of peace" during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The board is part of a broader peace plan and is supposed to help rebuild Gaza.
The board's charter does not explicitly mention Gaza, but instead proposes a new international organization with a wide-reaching agenda.
The board has a complex governance structure with multiple layers, including a chairman, executive board, and founding council.
President Trump is the chairman and has the final say on important decisions.
The board includes members like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Invitations to join the board have been sent to various countries, but not all have agreed to participate.
Some countries are hesitant, fearing the board might bypass or replace existing international organizations like the UN.
A significant winter storm is expected to hit parts of the United States from New Mexico to New England later this week. The storm could bring snow, freezing rain, and sleet, affecting travel and causing power outages across southern states.
Key Facts
A winter storm is forecasted to affect a large area from New Mexico to New England.
The storm might bring snow, freezing rain, and sleet.
Travel disruptions, including dangerous driving and flight issues, are expected.
The storm's cold temperatures could cause snow and ice to stay on the ground for days.
Meteorologists describe the storm as a high-impact, long-duration event.
Nearly 30 million Americans are currently under a winter storm watch.
Areas not accustomed to heavy snowfall, like Alabama and Georgia, may see significant snow.
Ice in the South could lead to power outages and fallen trees.
An Israeli air strike in Gaza killed three Palestinian journalists who were working for an Egyptian aid group. The strike targeted their car while they were documenting a new camp.
Key Facts
Three Palestinian journalists were killed in Gaza by an Israeli air strike.
The journalists' names are Abdul Ra’ouf, Anas Ghunaim, and Shaath Mohammad Qeshta.
They were killed while working for an Egyptian aid group.
Their car was targeted while they were documenting a new camp.
Gaza's Health Ministry reported the incident.
On the same day, 11 Palestinians in total were killed in Israeli attacks.
Dame Prue Leith is leaving her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off after being with the show for nearly a decade. Channel 4, the broadcaster of the show, has not yet announced who will replace her. Prue Leith mentioned she wants to pursue other interests and spend more time in her garden.
Key Facts
Prue Leith joined The Great British Bake Off in 2017 as a judge.
She replaced Dame Mary Berry when the show moved from BBC to Channel 4.
Prue Leith is 86 years old and decided to step back from the show.
Channel 4 hasn't announced her replacement yet.
Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are the current presenters of the show.
Dame Prue recently left the celebrity version of Bake Off, replaced by Lady Caroline Waldegrave.
She expressed that she loved being part of the show and will miss her colleagues.
President Donald Trump stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he would not use excessive force to acquire Greenland. He also mentioned considering a 10% tariff on goods from European countries that resist his plan. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed that he would not give in to pressure from the U.S. over Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He said he would not use "excessive force" to get Greenland.
Trump mentioned that force could make the U.S. "unstoppable," but he won't use it.
He considered a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries.
These European countries oppose his idea to take over Greenland.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he would not yield to U.S. pressure.
Israel has delayed the demolition of a football pitch used by Palestinian children in Bethlehem, West Bank. The pitch was set to be removed because it was built without permits, and authorities cited security concerns. An international campaign, including a petition, has influenced the decision to postpone the demolition for now.
Key Facts
The football pitch belongs to the Aida Youth Centre in Bethlehem, West Bank.
Israeli authorities planned to demolish it due to lack of construction permits.
Security concerns were also cited because the pitch is close to the barrier separating the West Bank from Israel.
An international campaign, including a large petition, opposed the demolition.
The community has used the pitch since 2020 for over 200 young players.
A demolition order was announced in December of the previous year.
Some football officials and organizations have supported the campaign against demolition.
Israel built the barrier in the early 2000s to prevent attacks, but Palestinians see it as a form of collective punishment.
