The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to a ceasefire. As part of the deal, SDF forces will leave areas west of the Euphrates River and become part of the Syrian military. This agreement follows recent intense fighting in the region.
Key Facts
The Syrian government and SDF agreed on a ceasefire.
SDF forces will withdraw from areas west of the Euphrates River.
SDF will join the Syrian military under this agreement.
The agreement follows recent fighting in northeastern Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the agreement.
Syrian state institutions will move into al-Hasakah, Deir Az Zor, and Raqqa.
The Syrian government will take control of border crossings and oil and gas fields.
A previous similar agreement in March was not implemented.
A dog walker in New York City went viral after sharing a video on Instagram about her daily routine with multiple dogs. The video highlights her nine-hour workday, showing her care for several dogs and sharing personal insights into the job. The dog walking industry in the U.S. is a billion-dollar sector, providing employment opportunities with varying wages.
Key Facts
A New York City dog walker shared a viral video about her typical nine-hour workday.
The video was posted on Instagram under the username @__sarahkerr and has over 2.4 million views.
The dog walker, named Sarah Kerr, starts her day at 6:30 a.m. and picks up dogs from different locations across the city.
Sarah Kerr began dog walking after college and enjoys working with animals.
The American dog walking industry is valued at around $1.3 billion.
Average hourly wages for dog walkers in the U.S. range from $13.79 to $33.99.
Dog walkers ensure the safety, exercise, and wellbeing of the dogs.
The job includes responsibilities like cleaning up after the dogs and managing logistics.
A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman in her 40s was found dead in a street in Thorpe St Andrew, near Norwich, England. Police believe the man and woman knew each other. The area around Yarmouth Road is closed while police investigate.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Thorpe St Andrew, near Norwich, England.
A woman in her 40s was found dead at the scene late Saturday night.
A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday morning.
Police suspect that the man and woman were acquainted.
Yarmouth Road is cordoned off for investigation purposes.
Armed police arrested the man without much struggle.
Forensic teams are examining a house inside the police cordon.
Norfolk Police is leading the investigation and seeking public assistance.
The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, stated that the war in Sudan has caused significant suffering for its people, with many facing food shortages and being forced to leave their homes. The conflict involves foreign countries supplying weapons to both sides of the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN has reported serious acts of violence, and there is a call for both sides to stop attacks on civilian areas.
Key Facts
The UN human rights chief visited Sudan to assess the situation caused by the ongoing war there.
Sudan's war began in April 2023 and has led to significant civilian suffering and displacement.
Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are getting weapons and support from foreign countries.
Allegations suggest the United Arab Emirates is supporting the RSF, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia back the SAF.
The conflict has included serious violence against civilians, and the UN calls these actions potential war crimes.
As of 2025, over 30 million Sudanese people need humanitarian help, with many facing food shortages.
Sudan struggles with one of the world's biggest displacement crises, affecting about 13.6 million people.
The UN urges an end to attacks on essential civilian areas, such as markets and health facilities.
A U.S.-based activist group reported at least 3,766 deaths in recent protests in Iran. The protests began over economic issues and faced a strong government response. Iranian officials and President Trump have exchanged accusations related to the unrest.
Key Facts
The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 3,766 protester deaths in Iran.
This number is the highest recorded for protests in Iran in recent decades.
Iranian officials have not released an official death count but mentioned "several thousand" deaths.
The protests began on December 28 due to Iran's economic problems.
Over 24,000 protesters have been reportedly arrested.
Iranian leaders have accused the U.S. of causing the unrest.
President Trump has threatened military action if Iran uses deadly force against protesters.
Internet access in Iran has been severely restricted since January 8.
President Trump considered launching military strikes against Iran due to its crackdown on protesters but decided against it. Various factors including limited military presence, warnings from allies, and backchannel diplomacy influenced his decision not to proceed with the attack.
Key Facts
President Trump thought about attacking Iran after its violent actions against protesters.
The U.S. military was ready to carry out the strikes, but the order was not given.
Allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia advised caution regarding military action.
The U.S. had secret discussions with Iran to reduce the risk of escalation.
Trump received a detailed briefing on military options but did not make a final decision immediately.
High-level meetings took place to discuss possible U.S. responses to the situation in Iran.
The decision to hold off was made despite preparations being underway for a strike.
The global humanitarian system is facing serious challenges due to reduced funding and increasing conflicts. Jagan Chapagain from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies highlights the difficulties in meeting urgent needs in places like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
Key Facts
Wars are getting more intense, making it harder to support people in need.
Funding from donors is decreasing, affecting important humanitarian efforts.
Jagan Chapagain is the secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
He mentions major needs in areas such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
Climate-related disasters are also increasing the demand for humanitarian aid.
There have been cuts in aid from the United States and Europe.
Humanitarian workers are facing attacks and threats.
International laws protecting neutrality and aid workers are being questioned.
Newly unsealed court documents show claims of abuse involving the stepfather of two missing children, Jack and Lilly Sullivan, from Nova Scotia. Their mother accused the stepfather, Daniel Martell, of physical abuse before their disappearance in May 2025. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continue to investigate, but the case is not yet classified as a crime.
Key Facts
Jack and Lilly Sullivan disappeared from Lansdowne, Nova Scotia, in May 2025.
Court documents reveal abuse allegations against their stepfather, Daniel Martell.
Their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, accused Martell of physically abusing her.
Martell denies these accusations and has not been charged.
Authorities have conducted extensive searches and interviewed many people without finding the children.
The case remains under the Missing Persons Act, not a criminal investigation.
The RCMP continues to investigate and has reviewed thousands of tips and video files.
The West Midlands Police Chief, Craig Guildford, resigned after controversy arose from the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from a match against Aston Villa last year. A government report found that the ban was based on incorrect information and bias.
Key Facts
The UK banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a football match against Aston Villa last year.
The ban caused significant public criticism.
A government report determined there were inaccuracies and bias in the decision-making process.
The ban was related to previous fan violence in Amsterdam.
As a result of the backlash, Police Chief Craig Guildford resigned from his position.
President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, creating tension with Denmark, which controls the territory. The situation raises concerns about Greenland's right to self-determination and has been compared to other international disputes. There are worries that such actions undermine international rules designed to maintain peace and stability.
Key Facts
President Trump has shown interest in acquiring Greenland, an island governed by Denmark.
Greenland is semi-autonomous, meaning it has some self-government but is still part of Denmark.
Danish politicians emphasize Greenland's right to decide its future.
Greenland has its own population of about 57,000 people.
Concerns are raised about external threats to Greenland's sovereignty.
Trump's actions are compared to U.S. actions in Venezuela.
There is worry that international rules are not being respected.
The U.S. government expressed a policy of asserting its power globally, as mentioned in Trump's statements.
A fire in Karachi, Pakistan, at a shopping mall called Gul Plaza has killed six people and injured over 20. Parts of the building have collapsed, making rescue efforts more difficult, and firefighters are still working to control the blaze.
Key Facts
A fire broke out at Gul Plaza, a shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan.
Six people, including a firefighter, have died in the fire.
Over 20 people have been injured, and some may still be trapped inside.
The shopping mall contains flammable items like plastic foam, cloth, and perfume, which helped the fire spread quickly.
The structure of the mall has partially collapsed, creating challenges for rescue teams.
Twenty fire engines are on-site trying to control the ongoing fire.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari called for a safety review of commercial and residential buildings in the area.
The incident triggered mass disaster protocols to manage the situation.
President Donald Trump plans to impose new tariffs on European countries, including the UK, because they oppose the US taking over Greenland. The tariffs will start at 10% on goods from multiple European countries and could increase to 25% until a deal is made.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to put tariffs on European countries due to their stance on Greenland.
The planned tariffs include the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.
The tariffs will initially be set at 10% and may rise to 25%.
The tariffs will start on February 1.
Tariffs will stay in place until an agreement is reached.
The situation could affect relations between the US and these European countries.
The issue might impact political relationships, such as between the UK leader Keir Starmer and President Trump.
President Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on eight European countries because they oppose U.S. control of Greenland. Former Vice President Mike Pence questioned if President Trump has the power to impose these tariffs. European leaders have criticized the tariffs and defended Greenland's right to decide its own future.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 10% import tax on goods from several European countries, which could increase to 25% if Greenland is not acquired by the U.S.
The targeted countries are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Former Vice President Mike Pence supports the idea of acquiring Greenland but questions the legal authority of the tariffs.
European leaders have deployed troops to Greenland to support its autonomy as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The White House's tariff announcement surprised European countries following earlier talks that had not resolved key disagreements.
The tariffs have been condemned by European leaders, with plans for a coordinated response.
President Trump has used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for similar actions previously.
U.S. Congress members have expressed concerns about tariffs being imposed without legislative approval.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy believes issues around the Hillsborough Law can be solved before it returns to Parliament. The law aims to ensure public authorities are truthful in inquiries. However, there is concern over allowing security services to keep some information confidential, which some believe could undermine the law's purpose.
Key Facts
The Hillsborough Law seeks to make public authorities legally required to cooperate and be honest in inquiries.
Some campaigners and Labour MPs are worried security service heads might exempt MI5 and MI6 officers from sharing information.
Lisa Nandy stated that security services won't be exempt from the law but recognizes the challenge of balancing confidentiality.
There is a proposal for security service disclosures to need approval from their department heads, raising concerns about transparency.
Families affected by the Hillsborough disaster and Manchester Arena attack want full inclusion of security services under the law.
A public inquiry found that MI5 did not fully disclose intelligence on the Manchester Arena bomber.
Labour mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham argue the current proposal offers too broad an opt-out for security services.
The government faces potential disagreement from some MPs in the upcoming vote on this legislation.
President Donald Trump has set up a 'Board of Peace' to handle Gaza's transition after the conflict. The board includes Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, and Israel has expressed concerns about this group.
Key Facts
President Trump created a group called the 'Board of Peace.'
The board's job is to manage Gaza's situation after the conflict.
Members of the board include Tony Blair, a former UK Prime Minister, and Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law.
Israel has concerns about the board's composition.
Some critics believe the board does not include enough Palestinian perspectives.
The Syrian army has taken control of the country's largest oil field, the Omar facility, from Kurdish forces. This shift happened after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) decided to redeploy to the eastern side of the Euphrates River. The Syrian army's actions follow recent clashes and ongoing negotiations between the SDF and the government.
Key Facts
Syrian troops have taken control of the Omar oil field from the Kurdish-led SDF.
The SDF decided to move east of the Euphrates River following clashes.
Syrian forces also captured the strategic Tabqa dam.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa intends to integrate Kurdish groups into Syrian national institutions.
A new decree recognizes Kurdish national rights, including making the Kurdish new year an official holiday.
Syrian authorities accuse the SDF of destroying bridges over the Euphrates River.
The US supports both the SDF and the Syrian government and has tried to negotiate peace.
The conflict's backdrop includes the fall of Bashar al-Assad and ongoing integration efforts.
The Syrian army is making progress towards capturing Raqqa, a key area held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Syrian army took control of significant resources and places, including the Tabqa Dam and several oil fields. Clashes between the army and SDF are ongoing in northern Syria.
Key Facts
The Syrian army captured Tabqa city and its military airport.
The Euphrates Dam, also known as the Tabqa Dam, is now under government control.
Government forces have taken over several oil and gas fields in northeastern Syria.
Fighting between Syrian government forces and the SDF occurred in Aleppo after talks between them failed.
The SDF has accused the Syrian government of breaking a withdrawal deal by launching attacks.
The SDF withdrew from areas in Aleppo, and the Syrian army then entered those areas.
Video footage showed celebrations in some areas after the SDF withdrew.
The security situation remains tense due to ongoing clashes, impacting local residents and services.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree that gives Syrian Kurds official recognition of their citizenship and establishes Kurdish as a national language.
Key Facts
President Ahmed al-Sharaa is the leader of Syria.
Syrian Kurds will now have their citizenship officially restored.
Kurdish language is officially recognized as a national language in Syria.
The new decree grants both citizenship and language rights to Syrian Kurds.
The decree aims to address longstanding issues faced by the Kurdish population in Syria.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized President Donald Trump's plan to put tariffs on European countries because they oppose a U.S. takeover of Greenland. She called the plan a mistake and said it was based on a misunderstanding.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is the leader of Italy.
President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on European countries.
The tariffs are in response to opposition over a U.S. plan to take over Greenland.
Meloni referred to Trump’s tariff plan as a mistake.
She believes there is a misunderstanding fueling this issue.
Thousands of bags of chips washed ashore on a beach in Sussex, UK, after several shipping containers fell into the sea. Volunteers are helping clean up the chips, which could be harmful to local wildlife, including seals. The incident follows similar events where other containers also ended up ashore near the Isle of Wight.
Key Facts
Thousands of chip bags were found on Sussex beach near Eastbourne.
The chips came from shipping containers that fell into the sea earlier.
Eastbourne resident Joel Bonnici discovered the chips while walking.
Volunteers are urged to help clean up the chip bags to protect local wildlife.
There is a concern about local seals playing with or eating the bags.
The spills happened after containers fell off ships during Storm Goretti.
The local council warns visitors to be careful of harmful food items on the beach.
The Coastguard used an aircraft to check for more containers but found none.
