Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, January 18, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Security situation in northeastern Syria
Security situation in northeastern Syria as the army takes control over several areas in the southern countryside of Raqqa from the terrorist organization YPG/SDF and makes advancements toward the city.
Bad weather conditions in Gaza amid Israeli ceasefire breaches
The effects of harsh weather depressions in the Gaza Strip, causing tens of thousands of displacement tents to be blown away, flooded, or damaged, and led to the collapse of dozens of buildings previously damaged by Israeli bombardment, burying residents beneath the rubble. The suffering is worsened amid Israel’s ongoing ceasefire violations, killing many.
US push to acquire Greenland
Despite European pushback, US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his bid to bring Greenland under Washington’s direct control from Denmark. Trump announced tariffs on eight NATO allies taking part in Danish military drills in the Arctic territory. European leaders have reiterated their full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.
Tensions over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota
Protests continue in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota, after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a local resident, Renee Nicole Good, on Jan. 7, sparking widespread unrest and clashes with federal agents. Demonstrations have persisted as tensions over the expanded federal immigration enforcement operation remain high.
Presidential election in Portugal
Portugal’s presidential vote as incumbent conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa nears the end of his second and final five-year term. Polls suggest a second round is likely, with far-right Chega party leader Andre Ventura leading at 24%, closely followed by opposition Socialist Party candidate Antonio Jose Seguro at 23%.
Latest US-Ukraine talks in Miami
The US and Ukraine hold a new round of discussions in Miami, Florida on agreements on security guarantees and a post-war recovery package for Kyiv. Ukraine's delegation arrived in the US on Saturday.
Italian premier's South Korea visit
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is on an official trip to South Korea for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung. It is the first such trip by a European leader since Lee took presidential office last June.
Indonesia continues search to locate missing plane
Indonesia continues its search for missing ATR 42-500 plane carrying 11 people, which was en route to the city of Makassar.
SPECIAL REPORT
AFCON: Morocco, Senegal aim for second title
Curtain raiser on the final of Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON.
The report provides an overview of the tournament leading to the final, competing teams, as well as details on the venue, top scorers and the winning prize.
