Welcome to Monday, January 27, 2025! We’re here with your daily rundown of the key stories shaping defense and global affairs. Here’s what you need to know to start the week.
Drone Strike Levels Sudan Hospital, Killing 67 in Darfur
A devastating drone attack on El-Fasher’s Saudi Hospital in Sudan’s Darfur region Saturday has left 67 dead and dozens injured, adding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the area.
The attack, believed to have been launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), destroyed the hospital’s emergency building, leaving it as the latest target in the brutal conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s army.
The city of El-Fasher, under siege by RSF forces since May, remains a critical battlefield, with millions of civilians caught in the crossfire and facing famine.
The RSF has been accused of using Chinese-made drones supplied through external channels like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite denials from Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese army claims significant victories elsewhere, including breaking the RSF siege in Khartoum and regaining the Jaili oil refinery.
Both sides face accusations of war crimes, but the toll on civilians continues to escalate, with 80 percent of the nation’s healthcare facilities out of service and mass starvation looming.
M23 Rebels Seize Goma, Sparking Panic and Escalating Congo Crisis
The M23 rebels in eastern Congo claimed late Sunday that they captured Goma, a major city in the mineral-rich North Kivu region, sparking panic among its two million residents.
The Congolese government labeled the rebel advance a “declaration of war,” while UN officials warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Heavy gunfire and fleeing civilians were reported as the M23 demanded the surrender of Congolese troops.
The rebels have also been accused of using human shields, complicating military efforts to reclaim the city.
The situation escalates tensions between Congo and Rwanda, with Congo severing diplomatic ties after accusing Rwanda of backing the M23—claims Rwanda denies.
The UN Security Council condemned the offensive, calling for an immediate ceasefire, while US and French officials urged Rwanda to halt support for the rebels.
Goma’s fall marks a significant turning point in one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts, further displacing civilians and deepening regional instability.
US-Colombia Clash Over Migrants Ends with Petro Backing Down
The US and Colombia were locked in a tense standoff over deportation flights, but things shifted quickly when Colombia agreed to President Donald Trump’s terms under the threat of heavy tariffs and sanctions.
The disagreement began after Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected US military planes carrying deported Colombian migrants, demanding they be treated with dignity.
In response, Trump issued visa restrictions on Colombian officials and threatened steep tariffs on Colombian imports.
Petro countered with similar tariffs on US goods.
By Sunday night, Colombia had conceded, agreeing to accept all deported migrants unconditionally.
The White House declared it a victory, warning other nations against obstructing US immigration enforcement.
Despite this resolution, tensions linger, as both countries grapple with a strained partnership that’s far removed from their historically close alliance.
Zelenskyy Confirms US Military Aid Continues Despite Aid Grant Pause
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reassured that US military aid to Ukraine has not been halted, despite new Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a 90-day pause on foreign aid grants.
At a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of continued military support, which makes up 40 percent of Ukraine’s defense needs.
Meanwhile, discussions between Ukraine and Moldova addressed energy concerns in the Russian-occupied Transnistria region, following Ukraine’s halt on Russian gas transit.
As President Trump begins his second term, he has called for a swift resolution to the war, urging Zelenskyy to negotiate with Putin while threatening sanctions on Russia if talks fail.
On the battlefield, both sides are pushing for gains to strengthen their positions.
Russian forces continue to press in the Donetsk region, while Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 46 drones and two missiles in overnight attacks, though drone strikes caused damage and casualties in Kharkiv.
Israel Extends Troop Withdrawal Deadline from Lebanon to February 18
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon to February 18, following Israel’s request for more time to ensure Hezbollah doesn’t reestablish a presence in the region.
While Israel cited security concerns, the Lebanese army stated it cannot fully deploy until Israeli forces leave.
Talks are also set to begin on the return of Lebanese prisoners captured since October 2023.
The fragile situation in the border region remains tense, with clashes, protests, and displacement adding to the turmoil.
Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, reaffirmed the country’s sovereignty and called for restraint.
Meanwhile, the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL urged compliance with the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the risk of further violence and the slow progress toward stability.
On the ground, displaced families are returning to find devastation, while calls for international action to resolve the conflict grow louder.
Fiber Optic Cable Ruptured: Sweden Detains Vessel Suspected of Sabotage
Swedish prosecutors have launched an investigation into suspected sabotage after an underwater fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden’s Gotland was damaged.
Authorities announced Sunday night that they had detained a Malta-flagged vessel, Vezhen, near Karlskrona, which was in the area where the incident occurred.
The vessel had recently departed from Russia’s Ust-Luga port.
Latvia’s state-run communications agency reported disruptions in the cable but was able to reroute data.
Both Swedish and Latvian governments are collaborating with NATO to investigate and patrol the Baltic Sea.
This incident comes amid heightened concerns about Russian-linked sabotage in the region, following similar cases of damage to undersea infrastructure.
NATO’s recent “Baltic Sentry” mission, aimed at safeguarding cables and pipelines, underscores the strategic importance of these assets in the Baltic Sea.
Sources: News Agencies, The White House
