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Today, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te vowed to safeguard the island's sovereignty following two days of Chinese live-fire military drills involving rockets, aircraft, and warships. 

This comes as U.S. intelligence disputed Russian claims that Ukraine attacked Vladimir Putin’s residence, and as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un praised troops fighting alongside Russia in what he called an “invincible alliance.”

Read more below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇹🇼🇨🇳🇺🇸 Taiwan president vows to defend sovereignty after China drills: Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said he would safeguard the island's sovereignty and strengthen its defence following two days of Chinese live-fire drills involving rockets, aircraft, and warships. China condemned Lai's remarks and described Taiwan's annexation as inevitable, while the United States criticised the drills as escalating tensions and urged Beijing to pursue dialogue.

2️⃣ 🇾🇪🇸🇦🇦🇪 Yemen separatists seize provinces as Saudi accuses UAE: Yemen's internationally recognised leadership warned that the Southern Transitional Council's seizure of Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces could have serious consequences, after the group rejected calls to withdraw. Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of backing the separatists, the UAE denied the claim, and international actors urged de-escalation, while the STC said its forces would remain while coordinating with Saudi-backed government units.

3️⃣ 🇲🇱🇧🇫🇺🇸 Mali and Burkina Faso ban US citizens in retaliation: Mali and Burkina Faso said they will bar US citizens from entering in response to being placed under full entry restrictions by the Trump administration, citing reciprocity and a lack of consultation. The move follows the expansion of a US travel ban affecting several countries, with Washington saying the measures are for security reasons and will remain until specified conditions are met.

4️⃣ 🇸🇴🇮🇱 Somaliland denies Israeli military base claims: Somaliland denied claims it agreed to host Israeli military bases or resettle Palestinians from Gaza in exchange for recognition, saying its engagement with Israel was purely diplomatic and in line with international law. The statement followed accusations from Somalia's president, while Israel confirmed Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords and international and regional actors expressed concern over the recognition.

5️⃣ 🇰🇵🇷🇺🇺🇦 Kim Jong Un praises troops fighting in Russia: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops fighting in an "alien land" during his New Year message, lauding their role in strengthening what he described as an invincible alliance with Russia. State media said the troops were deployed under a 2024 mutual defence treaty, as Kim reiterated unconditional backing for Russia's war against Ukraine without explicitly naming the conflict.

Major Story

🇮🇷 Iran protests over cost of living turn deadly: 

At least six people were killed as demonstrations over soaring living costs spread across Iran, with deaths reported in Azna, Lordegan, and Kouhdasht. 

The protests began Sunday with shopkeepers demonstrating against a currency slide and rapidly rising prices, spreading after students from at least 10 universities joined on Tuesday.

The unrest comes as Iran faces 40 percent inflation and Western sanctions, following Israeli and U.S. strikes in June on the country's nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. 

President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged protesters' "legitimate demands" and called for government action, while authorities promised a "firm" stance and arrested seven people described as affiliated with U.S. and Europe-based groups hostile to Iran.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇺🇸 U.S. military strikes boats, kills eight in anti-smuggling operation: The U.S. military said it struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days, killing eight people, while others jumped overboard and may have survived. The strikes, whose locations were not disclosed, are part of a broader Trump administration campaign aimed at disrupting drug trafficking.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺 U.S. intelligence disputes Putin residence attack claims: U.S. intelligence officials concluded Ukraine did not attack President Vladimir Putin's Valdai residence, with the CIA assessing no strike occurred there and that Ukraine instead targeted a different military facility in the Novgorod region. Russia maintained its claim of a drone attack and released purported evidence, while U.S. officials declined to comment publicly on the assessment.

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