A U.S. military strike in Syria killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda leader with ties to an ambush that killed three Americans. This strike is part of the U.S. efforts against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, where they have hit over 100 IS targets since December 2025.
Key Facts
The U.S. military conducted a strike in Syria that killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda leader.
He had connections to an IS gunman responsible for an attack that killed three Americans in Syria.
The strike took place in northwest Syria and was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (Centcom).
The U.S. has been targeting IS in Syria through Operation Hawkeye Strike after the deaths of the three Americans in December 2025.
Centcom reported hitting more than 100 IS targets using 200 precision explosives.
Between December 20 and December 29, 2025, Centcom undertook 11 missions, killing or capturing about 25 IS members.
Syria has been unstable after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024.
IS remains active in Syria, primarily in the northeast against Kurdish-led forces.
Two men, Wesley Beynon and Marc Willding, saved a nine-month-old baby from a burning car in Wales. The baby's mother, Alex McClean, had managed to safely exit the car herself but could not get her child out due to locked doors. The car quickly became engulfed in flames after the rescue.
Key Facts
A nine-month-old baby named Lilah was trapped in a locked, smoking car in Wales.
The mother, Alex McClean, exited the car but could not free her baby due to the doors locking.
Wesley Beynon and Marc Willding stopped to help after noticing the situation.
Wesley entered the car through the driver's side and unbuckled the baby.
Marc safely removed the baby from the car as flames spread.
Moments after the rescue, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
The mother described the rescuers as "lifesavers" and expressed deep gratitude.
The United States conducted an air strike in northwestern Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda-affiliated leader. This action was part of a response to a deadly ambush on U.S. forces in Syria by ISIL members in December, where several U.S. personnel were killed and injured.
Key Facts
The United States carried out an air strike in Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim.
Al-Jasim was linked to an ISIL member involved in a deadly attack on U.S. forces.
The attack on U.S. personnel occurred in December in the Syrian city of Palmyra.
CENTCOM reported that since December, the U.S. has hit over 100 ISIL sites.
U.S. and partner forces captured more than 300 ISIL members in the last year.
President Trump vowed to take significant action against those responsible for the attack.
CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated they will target anyone planning or conducting attacks on Americans.
The United States is asking Syrian troops to stop moving into Kurdish-controlled areas in north Syria, where there have been fights over key locations and oilfields. Syrian troops moved into these areas on Saturday after Kurdish-led forces agreed to pull back east of the Euphrates River. The situation remains tense as both sides accuse each other of breaking agreements.
Key Facts
Syrian troops advanced into Kurdish-held areas after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) decided to retreat east of the Euphrates River.
The U.S. military's Central Command asked Syrian forces to stop offensive actions in these areas.
The Syrian army claimed control of important towns and villages, including Tabqa, but the SDF disputed this.
The SDF had agreed to leave the towns of Deir Hafer and Maksana; however, accusations were made by both sides about violations of the withdrawal agreement.
The SDF and Syrian army accused each other of betrayal and breaking agreements.
There were reports of skirmishes and artillery fire in the Raqqa governorate.
There is ongoing conflict over control of oilfields that the SDF had managed.
The U.S. is adjusting its Syria policy to navigate its past support for the SDF and the current Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on goods from eight European countries after they opposed his plan to acquire Greenland. European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Sweden, criticized the move, calling it unacceptable. Thousands protested in Greenland and Denmark against the U.S. takeover proposal.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to impose tariffs on countries against his Greenland acquisition plan.
The announced tariffs will start at 10% and could increase to 25% by June.
Countries affected by the tariffs include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
European leaders condemned the tariffs, stating they are unfair and intimidating.
Protests occurred in Greenland and Denmark in response to the proposed U.S. acquisition.
Trump argues Greenland is important for U.S. security and hasn't ruled out using force.
European countries sent troops to Greenland for reconnaissance to support Denmark.
The announcement followed discussions between U.S. and Danish officials on Greenland's future.
President Trump's advisors are advancing the U.S. plan for Gaza, despite objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This plan involves a new committee for Gaza that includes officials from Turkey and Qatar, which Netanyahu did not approve. The U.S. aims to launch the Gaza Board of Peace soon, involving international figures and organizations.
Key Facts
President Trump's team is moving forward with a U.S. plan for Gaza, despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's objections.
The plan includes forming a committee with representatives from Turkey and Qatar, who have tense relations with Israel.
Netanyahu objected to the committee, stating it was not coordinated with Israel and opposed Israeli policy.
A senior U.S. official said the plan will not change based on Netanyahu's objections, and that the U.S. is in charge of the Gaza initiative.
The U.S. wants to launch the Gaza Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The Board of Peace will include international figures like former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair and other officials from the region.
A new Palestinian technocratic government, headed by Ali Shaath, has been announced to manage day-to-day governance in Gaza.
The U.S. sees this plan as a way to stabilize Gaza and potentially prevent further conflict.
Former Nickelodeon actress Kianna Underwood died in a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn. She was known for her roles in "All That" and "Little Bill." The New York Police Department is investigating the incident as the drivers have not been identified.
Key Facts
Kianna Underwood was 33 years old.
She was involved in a double hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn.
A black Ford Explorer SUV and a black and gray sedan hit Underwood.
The drivers involved in the accident left the scene and have not been found.
Underwood voiced a character on "Little Bill" from 1999 to 2004.
She appeared on "All That" in 2005.
Underwood also performed in the musical theater for the show "Hairspray."
The New York Police Department is continuing to investigate the case.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has won a seventh term in office, securing about 72% of the votes based on official results. His opponent, Bobi Wine, disputes the results and has urged for peaceful demonstrations.
Key Facts
President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected in Uganda.
This marks his seventh term in office.
Official results show Museveni winning nearly 72% of the vote.
Bobi Wine, the main opposition candidate, contests these results.
Bobi Wine has called the election results "fake."
Wine is encouraging peaceful street protests in response.
The European Union and South American Mercosur bloc have signed a free trade agreement after 25 years of discussions. This deal aims to reduce trade barriers and improve economic cooperation between the two regions. The agreement needs approval from EU and Mercosur countries' legislative bodies before it can be implemented.
Key Facts
The trade deal involves the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The agreement intends to lower tariffs on over 90% of trade between the two regions.
EU leaders must approve the deal, and Mercosur countries need to ratify it as well.
The deal will benefit EU exports of products like cars, wine, and cheese to South America.
South American exports to Europe will include beef, poultry, sugar, rice, and soybeans.
The combined economic output of the EU and Mercosur represents about 30% of the world's GDP.
Farmers and environmentalists in Europe, especially in Ireland, have protested against potential market disruptions and environmental impacts.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs against European countries, coinciding with the agreement's signing.
President Donald Trump is reportedly asking countries to contribute at least $1 billion to join a new international organization called the "Board of Peace," where he will serve as chairman. The board aims to promote stability in conflict areas and will have significant control over the governance of such areas, like Gaza. The board's plan requires approval from three countries to become official.
Key Facts
President Trump is planning to create an organization called the "Board of Peace."
Countries must pay at least $1 billion to gain a permanent membership on the board.
Trump will be the board's first chairman and decide on membership invitations.
Contributions of over $1 billion in the first year exempt countries from the standard term limits.
The board aims to promote peace and stability, especially in conflict zones like Gaza.
The initiative requires three countries to agree to the charter for it to become official.
The board will supervise Gaza's governance temporarily and includes notable figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Decisions on the board need a majority vote, but the chairman has significant approval power.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda won a seventh term in office with 72% of the vote. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, claimed the election was unfair and faced security force interference. Museveni plans to boost Uganda's economy with oil exports to achieve middle-income status by 2030.
Key Facts
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, secured 72% of the vote in Uganda's presidential election.
Museveni has been in power since 1986 after overthrowing the Milton Obote regime as a rebel leader.
His main rival, Bobi Wine, alleged election fraud and faced raids by security forces.
Museveni aims to make Uganda a middle-income country by 2030, focusing on oil exports.
Uganda plans to start exporting oil by October through a pipeline to Tanzania's port of Tanga.
There are concerns about Museveni's health due to abrupt campaign cancellations.
Bobi Wine's vote share decreased to 25%, and his political future remains uncertain.
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on European countries if they oppose the United States' plan to acquire Greenland. European leaders, including those from the European Union and the United Kingdom, have expressed concern over this move, emphasizing Greenland's right to self-govern. The situation has raised tensions within NATO, with European leaders calling for solidarity and dialogue to resolve the issue.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland and has threatened tariffs on countries opposing this.
European leaders argue Greenland should decide its future as a self-governing territory within Denmark.
European officials warn Trump's actions could cause division in NATO.
European troops have been sent to Greenland to support its autonomy.
President Trump claims the U.S. has subsidized European countries for years and now demands compensation.
EU leaders stress the importance of respecting international law and territorial integrity.
Some European leaders say tariffs could harm relations and the economy, benefiting countries like China and Russia.
The situation is causing increased discussions among European countries for a coordinated response.
The health board for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has admitted that issues with the water system at a major hospital likely caused infections that led to patient deaths, including children. The acknowledgment came during a Scottish Hospitals Inquiry into the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital's construction and related infections. The health board now recognizes a connection between some patient infections and the hospital's water system after reviewing expert evidence.
Key Facts
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde admitted that the hospital's water system likely caused infections in patients.
Initially, the health board denied that the water system was responsible for these infections.
A Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is looking into the construction and design of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Milly Main, a 10-year-old patient, died in 2017 after contracting a bacterial infection while being treated for leukemia.
NHSGGC has now stated there is a probable connection between some infections and the water system environment.
The Scottish government has established an inquiry to learn lessons for future hospital projects and is supporting investigations.
There was a decrease in infection rates after changes were made to the water system.
Prosecutors are investigating a corporate homicide linked to deaths at the hospital.
Five skiers died in two separate avalanches in the Austrian Alps, near Salzburg, after heavy snowfall. The avalanches occurred in the Pongau area, and local rescue teams responded to the incidents on the same day.
Key Facts
Five skiers died in two avalanches in Austria's Pongau area, near Salzburg.
Four skiers died, and one was seriously hurt in an avalanche that hit a group of seven.
A separate earlier avalanche killed another skier, a female, in the same area.
Rescue services were alerted to the incidents around 14:00 local time.
Avalanches are common after heavy snow, leading to dangerous conditions.
Other recent avalanches in the Alps have also resulted in deaths this week.
Similar incidents happened recently in neighboring countries like Switzerland and France.
Canada and China are starting a new partnership after years of a tense relationship. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently visited China and discussed this new strategic alliance. This move is partly due to trade tariffs imposed by the U.S., led by President Trump.
Key Facts
Canada and China had a tense relationship in the past.
Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China and called the visit "historic."
A new strategic partnership between Canada and China was announced.
The partnership aims to position both countries better in the global landscape.
U.S. tariffs, imposed by President Trump, contributed to Canada and China working more closely together.
Key figures involved in discussing this topic include Einar Tangen, William Lee, and Jean Charest.
Syrian government troops have taken control of many towns and villages in eastern Aleppo. This happened after an agreement that led to the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces from the area.
Key Facts
Syrian troops moved into eastern Aleppo.
The Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew from the area.
This movement was part of an international-sponsored deal.
Syrian troops now control dozens of towns and villages.
The towns and villages are located in the Deir Hafer area and around Maskana.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for faster imports of electricity and equipment to help deal with power outages caused by Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. Large areas, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia, face severe energy shortages, with Ukraine declaring an energy emergency. Ukrainian officials are also in talks with the U.S. to seek support for ending the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine is facing a serious energy crisis due to Russian attacks on its infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for quick imports of electricity and equipment.
Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia are the areas most affected by power outages.
About 400,000 people in Kharkiv and 56,000 families in the Bucha area are without power.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector.
Ukrainian leaders are in the U.S. for discussions with President Trump’s administration.
These talks aim to seek support and work towards ending the conflict with Russia.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from eight NATO allies, which include Denmark, in an effort to negotiate the purchase of Greenland. These tariffs will start at 10% on February 1 and could rise to 25% by June. The move has caused tension with the European Union and the United Kingdom, and there have been protests in Greenland against the U.S. proposal.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 10% tariff on imports from eight NATO allies starting February 1, to increase to 25% by June.
The countries affected are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom.
These tariffs aim to pressure Denmark into negotiating the sale of Greenland to the U.S.
Greenland has been under Danish control for centuries, and Denmark is a member of NATO.
Trump argues that controlling Greenland is necessary for U.S. defense against threats from China and Russia.
Denmark and Greenland have condemned the tariff proposal, and protests occurred in Greenland.
The legal basis for imposing these tariffs is uncertain, as the International Economic Emergency Powers Act is being reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, claimed Denmark cannot defend Greenland due to its small economy and military.
The European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries signed a major free trade agreement in Paraguay, concluding over 25 years of negotiations. This deal removes more than 90% of tariffs and creates a large free trade zone, impacting around 700 million consumers. The agreement is seen as a response to global trade tensions and aims to strengthen commercial ties between Europe and South America.
Key Facts
The EU and Mercosur signed a free trade agreement after over 25 years of talks.
Mercosur includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay; Bolivia may join later.
Venezuela is not part of the agreement as it is suspended from Mercosur.
The deal removes more than 90% of tariffs between the regions.
The trade zone will benefit over 700 million consumers.
The EU agriculture sector had concerns about cheap imports from South America.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the agreement as a move towards fair trade amidst global trade tensions.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not attend the signing due to disagreements over agricultural concessions.
Ant and Dec, two TV hosts, apologized for a promotional video for their podcast that received criticism for including imagery considered insensitive to mental health issues. The video, which showed feet dangling above the ground, was described on social media as evoking "suicide imagery." The pair has since removed the video and expressed regret for any upset caused.
Key Facts
Ant and Dec apologized for a promotional video that upset some people.
The video was criticized for containing "suicide imagery."
Social media users said the imagery was "triggering" and "insensitive."
The video showed feet dangling, which some found disturbing.
The podcast is called "Hanging Out With Ant & Dec."
The video was part of promoting their new digital entertainment channel.
They have since deleted the video after receiving feedback.
Their digital brand, Belta Box, will include various digital platforms.
