Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Escalation in Syria’s Aleppo amid clashes between army and SDF

The Syrian army launched targeted operations in Aleppo against the PKK/YPG terrorist organization operating under the name of SDF. The army attacks came after the SDF forces renewed their shelling of residential neighborhoods in the city for the third consecutive day, killing nine and injuring dozens. A temporary ceasefire was announced in certain neighborhoods early Friday.

Government forces in Yemen enter Aden

Government-aligned forces entered the southern city of Aden followed by recent recapture of the eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra from the Southern Transitional Council, significantly narrowing the group’s territorial control.

Iranian foreign minister's visit to Lebanon

The second and final day of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Lebanon, which started Thursday accompanied by an economic delegation. He is expected to meet senior Lebanese officials to discuss latest developments in the region.

EU Council, Commission chiefs' landmark visit to Syria

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen start a first-of-its-kind official visit to the Syrian capital Damascus since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. The two European leaders will meet President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other officials.

Türkiye-Indonesia meeting of foreign and defense ministers

A Türkiye-Indonesia joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers will be held in Ankara. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Defense Minister Yasar Guler will host counterparts Sugiono and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Trump to discuss investment in Venezuela with oil, gas executives

US President Donald Trump will receive the executives of major oil and gas companies at the White House to discuss investments in Venezuelan hydrocarbon production. He will also hold a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office, followed by lunch with Vice President JD Vance. All three events are listed as closed to the press. He will spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Deadly Minneapolis shooting by immigration enforcement agent

Escalating tensions in the US state of Minnesota after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident during an enforcement operation. The incident sparked significant protests, which are expected to continue on Friday.

South Africa to host China-led BRICS Plus naval exercise

South Africa will host a China-led multinational naval exercise in its waters on Jan. 9-16, bringing together navies from BRICS Plus countries for joint maritime safety, interoperability and shipping protection operations.

South Korean prosecutors seek sentence against ousted president

South Korean prosecutors seek court sentence against ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol over insurrection charges, which carry death penalty as well as life sentence. Yoon was ousted over his failed December 2024 martial law bid.

Japan-China tensions

Japan and China see renewed tensions after China banned dual-use items to Japanese military users, triggering criticism by Tokyo.

Tensions between China and Japan have persisted since November over Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks.

THE ECONOMY

Turkish industrial production

TurkStat to release monthly industrial production data for November. In October, the production rose 0.3% month-on-month.

German foreign trade

Destatis to share monthly foreign trade and industrial production data for November.

US employment

US to announce monthly non-farm employment change data for December. In November, the US economy added 64,000 jobs.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Post-Maduro Venezuela: Mapping possible power scenarios

Report on Venezuela’s political trajectory after the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro, exploring the possible scenarios for who might rule the country as the US pursues regime change.

The story explores views that the US is likely to engage with influential figures within the ruling camp, particularly interim President Delcy Rodriguez, while maintaining leverage through oil policy, sanctions, and legal proceedings.

It includes comments from Consuelo Thiers of the University of Edinburgh, Jack Clayton of SOAS, and Victor Aguilar of the International Crisis Group on negotiations, military loyalty, the sidelining of the opposition, and the risk of further US intervention if talks fail.

INTERVIEW - UK sees Türkiye in 'shortlist of countries' for free trade agreement: Minister

Interview with UK Minister of State for Trade Chris Bryant on how Britain and Türkiye are recalibrating their relationship as economic, security and geopolitical pressures converge.

He speaks about the evolving UK-Türkiye partnership against a backdrop of expanding trade ties, negotiations to modernize the bilateral free trade agreement, and unresolved commercial frictions.

Bryant also reflects on defense cooperation within NATO, stressing Türkiye’s continued strategic importance to Euro-Atlantic security, while also addressing how shifting global dynamics are shaping British foreign and trade policy.

FACTBOX - Key elections to watch across Europe in 2026

Report on Europe’s packed 2026 election calendar, as presidential, parliamentary and local votes across the continent are set to influence political dynamics amid economic pressures and security concerns.

The factbox lists major elections including Portugal’s presidential vote in January, parliamentary polls in Sweden, Denmark, Slovenia, Hungary and Latvia, as well as municipal and regional elections in Spain and France that could shape political momentum ahead of 2027 national contests.

It provides an overview of key political players and recent polling trends, highlighting voter concerns over the economy, security, governance and foreign policy, including support for Ukraine.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with UK Minister of State for Trade Chris Bryant on evolving British-Türkiye relations, including comments on expanding trade ties and negotiations to modernize the bilateral free trade agreement.