Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Security situation in Aleppo, Syria

Syrian Army raises its readiness levels after drones monitored the arrival of armed groups and weaponry belonging to the terrorist organization YPG/SDF at the Deir Hafer front, east of Aleppo.

Extreme weather conditions in Gaza

Terrible weather conditions continue in Gaza amid heavy rain, strong winds and plunging temperatures, causing cold-related deaths, especially among children. The plight is exacerbated by unabated Israeli violations, further increasing casualties.

Conflict in Sudan

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted medical facilities in Sudan's South Kordofan, killing four medics amid intensified fighting in recent weeks across Kordofan states between the Sudanese army and the RSF, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee.

Anti-government protests in Iran

Anti-government demonstrations in Iran continue into their third week, sparked by deep economic grievances and expanding into broad opposition to the government. Casualties, arrests, and government efforts to contain the crisis are being followed.

NATO chief visits Croatia

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Zagreb, Croatia to hold bilateral meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. A joint press conference with the premier will also take place.

Trump to hold meetings, sign legislation at White House​​​​​​​

US President Donald Trump will receive Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office for a meeting with an undisclosed agenda. He will later host Archbishop Paul Coakley, the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, before later signing legislation from Congress. He will have a meeting with Frank Siller, the CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a veterans and first responders support charity. All events are currently expected to be held behind closed doors.

US’ Rubio to host German counterpart, Honduran president-elect

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Department of State. He will later hold a separate meeting with Honduran President-elect Nasry Asfura.

US defense chief to visit SpaceX, Lockheed Martin in Texas

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will travel to Texas to visit the facilities of SpaceX and Lockheed Martin. He will also administer the oath of enlistment for new military recruits.

UN Security Council to hold urgent meeting at Ukraine's request

UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting after Russia’s reported use of hypersonic ballistic missile against Ukraine. The meeting will be held a Kyiv’s request.

Ukraine claims strike on Russian drilling platforms in Caspian Sea

Ukraine claimed on Sunday that it struck three drilling platforms belonging to Russian energy company Lukoil in the Caspian Sea. The Ukrainian General Staff said it targeted the V. Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Grayfer offshore platforms.

Post-election developments in Benin parliamentary, municipal polls

Parliamentary and municipal elections in Benin were held on Sunday, as the country voted in the wake of a recent failed coup attempt. Voters cast ballots to elect members of the 109-seat National Assembly through proportional representation in 24 constituencies, alongside local officials.

Japan's defense chief flies to US for talks amid tensions with China

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi flies to Washington for talks with US counterpart Pete Hegseth. During the four-day trip, he is expected to discuss the security environment amid tensions with China.

Indian premier to host German chancellor

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in western Indian state of Gujarat. Leaders to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, including in the defense sector.

Pyongyang accuses Seoul of sending across border

Pyongyang accused Seoul of sending drones into North Korea, one in January and one last September. South Korea has denied the claims and has launched probe.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Europe’s Greenland dilemma exposes limits of EU power

Report on how Europe is struggling to respond to growing US interest in Greenland, revealing gaps in EU unity as Arctic geopolitics intensify.

The story examines the various ways Europe could try to thwart US President Donald Trump’s plans to take over the island, including deeper EU-Greenland cooperation on critical minerals and measures to boost stronger European security footprint. It features analysis from experts on the EU’s challenges, such as a lack of coherent foreign policy due to internal divisions, and what could be its most realistic tools to deter escalation.

The report includes comments from Ionela Ciolan of the Wilfried Martens Center for European Studies; Denis Cenusa of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center; Giuseppe Spatafora of the European Union Institute for Security Studies; and Antonios Tzanakopoulos of the University of Oxford.

Colombia, Mexico and Cuba: How they match up to US military might

Report examining whether three Latin American countries – Colombia, Mexico and Cuba – could realistically resist the US as President Donald Trump escalates threats across the region.

The story assesses each country’s military capabilities, defense spending and strategic posture, explaining their various limitations and laying out how none could match the US in conventional warfare.

The report presents an overview of all three nations’ military spending, active personnel and weapons inventory, including airpower and defense systems, while also explaining the role of their paramilitary forces.