Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. envoy for Afghan peace, has arrived in Kabul on a new visit and met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister.
Rashad al‑Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, declared a 90‑day state of emergency, canceled the joint agreement with the UAE, and ordered Emirati forces to leave all Yemeni territory within 24 hours.
Saudi Arabian fighter jets carried out airstrikes early this morning on targets in the port city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadhramaut province.
Fighting persists in the Khurd Valley area of southern Hadhramaut, where tribal coalition fighters aligned with Saudi Arabia are surrounded by southern forces loyal to the UAE.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Sheikh Mohammad Ali Halhal, head of Syria’s Supreme Islamic Alawite Council in Tartus province, has been abducted by al‑Joulani’s forces.
Lebanon’s al‑Akhbar newspaper claims that Saudi Arabia and Qatar believe the UAE is backing separatist groups, including forces in Syria’s coastal region, Sweida province, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Continuing consultations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Abu Muhammad al‑Joulani’s administration, a meeting will take place under direct U.S. supervision in Palmyra, Homs province.
According to reports, 2025 has been the deadliest year for Pakistan’s security forces in over a decade.
Sayyid Abdul‑Malik Badr al‑Din al‑Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement, issued a statement on recent developments in Somalia and Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as an attempt to divide Somalia and destabilize African states and the Red Sea region.
At least 3 people were killed and 59 injured after al‑Joulani‑affiliated forces attacked Alawite demonstrators in Latakia on December 28, according to media reports.
The Chinese military has released footage showing the launch of a YJ‑20 hypersonic anti‑ship ballistic missile from a Type‑055 destroyer.
Final preparations for the launch of a Soyuz‑2.1b rocket carrying three Iranian satellites at Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome have entered their final stage. After safety reviews, Russia’s State Space Commission has authorized fueling of the launch vehicle, and operational teams are conducting final checks.
