In a recent operation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully encircled Tel al-Sultan in Rafah, Gaza, with the objective of dismantling terror infrastructure sites and eliminating terrorists in the area. The mission aimed to reinforce control and expand the security zone in southern Gaza. During the nighttime operation, IDF troops encircled the area, neutralized several terrorists, and conducted a targeted raid on a terror infrastructure site. This site had been used as a command and control center for Hamas terrorists over the past few months. To ensure civilian safety, IDF troops facilitated the evacuation of civilians from the combat zone via organized routes. The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect Israeli civil ians.
Here's a rundown of today's international news:
- *Syrian Civil War*: Clashes between Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army have escalated near the Tishrin Dam in Aleppo Governorate, Syria.
- *2025 New Orleans Truck Attack*: A man killed 14 people and injured 35 others in a vehicle-ramming and shooting attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
Politics and Elections
- *US House of Representatives*: Mike Johnson has been re-elected as House Speaker, defeating incumbent House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
- *Ukraine Presidential Election*: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the country will hold its next presidential election soon, although no date has been set.
Business and Economy
- *German Economic Crisis*: The German economy is facing its greatest crisis in post-war history, with projections indicating a 0.1% contraction in 2025.
- *Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Syria*: Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of flights to Damascus International Airport in Syria, becoming the first major international airline to do so since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
Environment and Disasters
- *January 2025 North American Winter Storm*: A severe winter storm is impacting the northwestern continental United States, with heavy snowfall and freezing rain expected.
- *2024-25 Ethiopian Earthquakes*: Evacuations have been ordered in central Ethiopia due to increasing volcanic tremor and unrest at the Mount Fentale stratovolcano.