The Weekly Report: January 18-25 2026
United States
For the first time, since the capture of President Maduro of Venezuela, the U.S. has launched a strike on a boat suspected of carrying illegal drugs. This latest strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals onboard. U.S. Southern Command said that it had asked the Coast Guard to search for one survivor.
Asia
The top military general in China, Zhang Youxia has been placed under investigation and accused of violations of the law. General Youxia is second in command of the military after President Xi Jinping. President Xi Jinping of China and General Youxia have know each other for decades and is widely considered to be a close ally of the president which makes the move all the more surprising. This move is part of the president's wider campaign to get rid of military officials he believes he can’t trust.
Europe
The first set of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States were reportedly “constructive” according to President Zelensky of Ukraine. He also said that the next round of talks between the three nations could begin as soon as next week. The goal of the meeting was to work through disagreements on the peace proposal.
Americas
Venezuelas interim government is beginning to allow more deportations flights from the United States. Specifically going forward three deportation flights a week will arrive in Venezuela. If this rate stays constant 30,000 people would be deported from the United States. The U.S. has roughly 650,000 Venezuelans that are undocumented.
Africa
Police in northern Nigeria said that at least 163 people were kidnapped during church services at three separate churches last Sunday. The kidnappers released older women and young children. Additionally 11 people were able to escape. Numerous attacks similar to this latest one have taken place in over the past year.
Middle East
The U.S. military has begun transferring Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq. This move comes as the U.S. has become concerned that the Islamic State fighters could escape custody in northern Syria as the Syrian government begins to regain control of the region. As many as 7000 Islamic State detainees could ultimately be moved out of Syria and into Iraq.
