Good morning! It’s Sunday, January 26, 2025, and we’re wrapping up the weekend with your daily briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what’s making headlines today.
Kim Oversees Missile Test, Hits Targets with “War Deterrence” Message
North Korea test-fired strategic guided cruise missiles over the weekend, reportedly hitting their targets with precision after traveling 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) in elliptical and figure-eight orbits.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test, describing it as a step toward strengthening the country’s “war deterrence.”
The launch is the first since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, and it comes amid heightened tensions with the US and South Korea over recent joint military drills.
North Korea’s foreign ministry criticized these drills as provocations and vowed “toughest counteractions” against Washington.
The missile tests are part of Pyongyang’s pattern of escalating military activities, including October’s launch of a powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Meanwhile, US and South Korean intelligence suspect North Korea has sent troops to support Russia in Ukraine, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Positive Turn? Houthis Free Prisoners as Yemen’s Crisis Continues
The Houthis in Yemen have released 153 prisoners of war to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking a positive step in trust-building amidst the country’s ongoing civil war.
The released individuals, described as “humanitarian cases,” included the sick, wounded, and elderly.
While the prisoners’ identities remain undisclosed, the ICRC emphasized the emotional relief this move brings to their families and expressed hope for further releases.
Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Murtada framed the release as part of efforts to foster trust and reestablish negotiations under a prior agreement.
The war in Yemen, which has claimed over 150,000 lives, continues to fuel one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions requiring aid.
Despite this goodwill gesture, tensions persist. The Houthis recently detained several UN staff, prompting the UN to suspend travel to Houthi-controlled areas.
The ICRC has played a consistent role in facilitating prisoner exchanges, including large-scale swaps in 2020, 2023, and May 2024.
Blast Kills Eight in Indian Munitions Factory, Rescue Efforts Ongoing
A tragic explosion at a munitions factory in Bhandara, western India, has claimed the lives of at least eight workers and injured seven others.
The blast, which occurred Friday morning, caused the factory’s roof to collapse, trapping several workers inside.
Emergency teams are still conducting rescue operations, with up to 14 workers reportedly caught in the debris.
Government officials, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have expressed condolences to the victims’ families, with calls for prayers for the injured.
Unfortunately, such industrial accidents are not uncommon in India, where safety enforcement is often criticized.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in 2023 when nine workers were killed in a factory blast in the same state.
Kristi Noem Takes Homeland Security Helm, Promises Tougher Border Security
The US Senate confirmed Saturday Kristi Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, placing the South Dakota governor in a pivotal role in President Trump’s immigration-focused agenda.
Noem, the first female governor of South Dakota and a four-term congresswoman, will oversee border security, immigration enforcement, and emergency management as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
During her confirmation, Noem emphasized securing borders, combating cyberattacks, addressing homegrown terrorism, and removing criminal aliens to improve public safety.
A strong Trump ally, she has been vocal in supporting his immigration policies, including the national emergency at the southern border and bolstering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Her appointment comes amid sweeping immigration measures from the administration, as well as questions about how her role will align with the “border czar” Tom Homan.
Noem’s leadership will also be closely watched for its approach to disaster relief and homeland security challenges.
Trump Proposes Relocating Gaza Refugees, Lifts Bomb Ban for Israel
President Donald Trump suggested Saturday that relocating Palestinian refugees from Gaza to neighboring Arab countries like Egypt and Jordan is a way to “clean out” the conflict-ridden area and create a fresh start.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump also announced he’d lifted a ban on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, signaling his strong pro-Israel stance.
He described Gaza as a “demolition site” and emphasized the need for Arab nations to step in, either temporarily or long term, to help displaced Palestinians.
Trump’s idea of resettling Palestinians drew attention for contradicting their deep-rooted ties to Gaza.
He praised Jordan’s acceptance of refugees and proposed rebuilding Gaza differently, emphasizing its potential for development.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continues tenuously, with threats of resumed fighting if hostages are not fully released.
Israel Delays Lebanon Withdrawal, Sets Up Roadblocks Amid Ceasefire Tensions
Israel’s military has set up roadblocks in southern Lebanon, delaying its withdrawal from the area as required by a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
The deal, brokered in late November, called for both sides to withdraw their forces within 60 days, allowing the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to take control.
However, Israel claims Hezbollah and the Lebanese army haven’t met their commitments, while Lebanon accuses Israel of stalling the process.
In border towns like Mays al-Jabal, once home to thousands, buildings have been reduced to rubble by intense Israeli bombardments, leaving the area uninhabitable.
Displaced Lebanese civilians remain unable to return, with over 112,000 still displaced.
Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers patrolling the area reported finding weapons caches and munitions linked to Hezbollah.
Israel says it is dismantling Hezbollah’s remaining infrastructure, but Lebanese officials argue it’s destroying civilian homes and infrastructure, further complicating resettlement efforts.
Both Washington and France appear to back extending the withdrawal timeline, but tensions on the ground remain high.
US Secretary Rubio Warns Taliban: “Big Bounties” Coming for Leaders
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a hardline approach toward Afghanistan’s Taliban, threatening to place significant bounties on their leaders if it’s confirmed they’re holding more American hostages than previously reported.
Rubio’s fiery comments on social media echo President Trump’s bold rhetoric, signaling a shift in tone in US-Taliban relations.
This comes shortly after a prisoner swap between the Taliban and the Biden administration, where two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in exchange for Khan Mohammed, a convicted drug trafficker serving a life sentence in the US.
Rubio hinted that some cases of missing Americans may not have been officially acknowledged as wrongful detentions.
The new administration’s stance appears tougher, with Rubio freezing much of US aid and warning of significant consequences for Taliban leaders.
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s government continues to face international criticism, including calls for arrest warrants over their treatment of women and girls.
Sources: News Agencies
