US President Donald Trump’s motorcade took an unusual route to the airport when he was reaching the airport in Florida on Sunday (Jan 11) due to a “suspicious object”, the White House said. The object was discovered by the Secret Service during security checks ahead of Trump’s arrival at Palm Beach International Airport. The White House did not know what was found by officials. A further investigation has been launched, while the US President’s motorcade was rerouted.“During advance sweeps of PBI Airport, a suspicious object was discovered by USSS,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Sunday. “A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly.”Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked about the package. “I know nothing about it,” he responded.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-acting-president-of-venezuela-trump-s-bizarre-claim-weeks-after-capturing-maduro-1768188522099"> ‘Acting President of Venezuela’: Trump’s bizarre claim weeks after capturing Maduro</a>While the drive from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida’s Palm Beach to the airport is roughly about 10 minutes, Trump’s motorcade, which left around 6:20 pm, took a circular route around the city to reach there.A blockade was created by the police officers on motorcycles on the route. At one point during the drive, the vans that were part of the motorcade almost crashed into each other as they were instructed to “keep it tight”. The Air Force One aircraft was parked on the opposite side of the airport, where it is usually located, and the lights outside the plane were switched off.Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for the US Secret Service, said that the different route was taken just as a precautionary measure, adding that it was a “standard protocol”.

The White House did not know what was found by officials. A further investigation has been launched, while the US President’s motorcade was rerouted.

US President Donald Trump’s motorcade took an unusual route to the airport when he was reaching the airport in Florida on Sunday (Jan 11) due to a “suspicious object”, the White House said. The object was discovered by the Secret Service during security checks ahead of Trump’s arrival at Palm Beach International Airport. The White House did not know what was found by officials. A further investigation has been launched, while the US President’s motorcade was rerouted. “During advance sweeps of PBI Airport, a suspicious object was discovered by USSS,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Sunday. “A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly.” Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked about the package. “I know nothing about it,” he responded. Also read | ‘Acting President of Venezuela’: Trump’s bizarre claim weeks after capturing Maduro While the drive from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida’s Palm Beach to the airport is roughly about 10 minutes, Trump’s motorcade, which left around 6:20 pm, took a circular route around the city to reach there. A blockade was created by the police officers on motorcycles on the route. At one point during the drive, the vans that were part of the motorcade almost crashed into each other as they were instructed to “keep it tight”. The Air Force One aircraft was parked on the opposite side of the airport, where it is usually located, and the lights outside the plane were switched off. Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for the US Secret Service, said that the different route was taken just as a precautionary measure, adding that it was a “standard protocol”.

The White House did not know what was found by officials. A further investigation has been launched, while the US President’s motorcade was rerouted.

Security threat against Trump? ‘Suspicious object’ forces US President to reroute motorcade – Here’s what happened

Donald Trump said Iranian leaders reached out to negotiate after US military threats, but warned action could come first. As protests spread nationwide amid economic collapse, he backed protesters and warned Tehran

From 'we'll start shooting' to 'they want to negotiate': What Trump said on Iran protest and will he strike Tehran

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 11) posted a photo of an edited Wikipedia page of himself listed as the “Acting President of Venezuela” on his Truth Social platform. This comes amid the heightened tensions with the South American nation after a US military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and bombed Caracas. Trump had earlier announced that the US is “in charge” of Venezuela and that he will control the oil reserves in the country.

Earlier this month, on January 3, US forces seized the Venezuelan leader in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. In an operation titled Operation Absolute Resolve, the American forces entered Venezuela, bombed Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their presidential palace under the orders of Trump.Washington has accused Maduro of running a drug cartel and had placed a bounty of $50 million on him. Maduro was flown to USS Iwo Jima, then to Guantánamo Bay, and finally by government plane to Stewart Air National Guard Base in NY. He is held at Brooklyn’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center and is facing charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracies. He made his first appearance in Manhattan federal court on Jan 5, where he pleaded not guilty.Meanwhile, Trump suggested that he was open to a meeting with the country’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez. Despite being a close Maduro ally, Rodriguez has shown a willingness to work with the US, saying she is open to cooperating on Trump’s demands for access to Venezuelan oil.“Venezuela is really working out well. We’re working along really well with the leadership,” Trump told reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One.When asked if he planned to meet with Rodriguez, Trump said: “At some point I’ll be.”Trump also said that he expected to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Tuesday or Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes amid the heightened tensions with the South American nation after a US military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and bombed Caracas.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 11) posted a photo of an edited Wikipedia page of himself listed as the “Acting President of Venezuela” on his Truth Social platform. This comes amid the heightened tensions with the South American nation after a US military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and bombed Caracas. Trump had earlier announced that the US is “in charge” of Venezuela and that he will control the oil reserves in the country.

This comes amid the heightened tensions with the South American nation after a US military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and bombed Caracas.

‘Acting President of Venezuela’: Trump’s bizarre claim weeks after capturing Maduro

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 11) said that his administration was working well with Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez and he is open to meeting with her in the future. This comes weeks after Trump ordered US forces to bomb Caracas and capture President Nicholas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Trump had earlier announced that the US is “in charge” of Venezuela and he will control the oil reserves in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he departed from Florida, Trump said, "Venezuela is really working out well. We're working along really well with the leadership," Asked if he planned to meet with Rodriguez, who was vice president to ousted leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump said: “At some point I'll be.”<h2>What happened in Venezuela?</h2>As the year 2026 began, Trump ordered the US military to launch Operation Absolute Resolve. It was a direct US intervention in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City and charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. They pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. Trump declared that he will ‘run’ Venezuela. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president. While she denounced the capture of Maduro, her government has since begun releasing some political prisoners as a gesture toward “consolidating peace.” The new leadership also launched talks with the United States on restoring diplomatic ties. Officials said US diplomats were in Caracas to discuss reopening the US embassy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-exercise-extreme-caution-india-breaks-silence-after-us-captures-venezuela-president-nicolas-maduro-1767491349809">'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a>&nbsp;Trump also met the executives from some of the world's biggest oil companies at the White House and urged them to invest up to $100 billion to help revive Venezuela’s struggling oil industry. He claimed that this is a new country with total security. The White House meeting came less than a week after US forces seized Maduro, with Trump making no secret that control of Venezuela's oil was central to his actions.

Trump said the US is working closely with Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez and he may meet her soon. The remarks come after US forces captured Nicholas Maduro and his wife in Caracas. 

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 11) said that his administration was working well with Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez and he is open to meeting with her in the future. This comes weeks after Trump ordered US forces to bomb Caracas and capture President Nicholas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Trump had earlier announced that the US is “in charge” of Venezuela and he will control the oil reserves in the country. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he departed from Florida, Trump said, "Venezuela is really working out well. We're working along really well with the leadership," Asked if he planned to meet with Rodriguez, who was vice president to ousted leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump said: “At some point I'll be.” What happened in Venezuela? As the year 2026 began, Trump ordered the US military to launch Operation Absolute Resolve. It was a direct US intervention in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City and charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. They pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. Trump declared that he will ‘run’ Venezuela. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president. While she denounced the capture of Maduro, her government has since begun releasing some political prisoners as a gesture toward “consolidating peace.” The new leadership also launched talks with the United States on restoring diplomatic ties. Officials said US diplomats were in Caracas to discuss reopening the US embassy. Also Read: 'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro Trump also met the executives from some of the world's biggest oil companies at the White House and urged them to invest up to $100 billion to help revive Venezuela’s struggling oil industry. He claimed that this is a new country with total security. The White House meeting came less than a week after US forces seized Maduro, with Trump making no secret that control of Venezuela's oil was central to his actions.

Trump said the US is working closely with Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez and he may meet her soon. The remarks come after US forces captured Nicholas Maduro and his wife in Caracas.&nbsp;

'We're working along really well...': Did Trump praise Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez weeks after capturing Maduro?

As Iran faces its biggest protests since Mahsa Amini’s death, HRANA reports over 500 killed. Donald Trump said the US is weighing military options, backing protesters. Rising inflation, a collapsing rial, and tax hikes have fueled unrest, with demands now calling for an end to the regime.

'Looking at strong options': Trump's BIG statement on Iran protest as death toll reaches 544: Will US strike Tehran?

Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi announced new phase of Iran protest even as US-based rights group HRANA said that over 500 people have been killed in country's one of the most significant demonstration. Taking to X, Pahlavi said that the foundations of the illegitimate Islamic Republic is shaken and “freedom is near.” He was referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led Iranian regime. Earlier he urged protesters to not leave the streets, adding that US President Donald Trump is watching. He also appealed to the US president to extend help to people of Iran, while hinting at his homecoming. Hinting at US strike, he said that “International support will soon arrive.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-attempt-to-deflect-iran-accuses-washington-israel-of-igniting-protest-us-calls-claims-delusional-1768012850549">'Their direct involvement...': Iran accuses Washington, Israel of igniting protest, US calls claims 'delusional'</a>&nbsp;In the next phase, Pahlavi told protesters inside Iran to make all institutions and apparatuses responsible for the regime’s propaganda as “legitimate targets.” He said that employees of state institutions, and the armed and security forces members have to choose between two options – stand with the people and become allies of the nation, or choose complicity with the murderers of the people. He also urged those protesting outside Iran to unfurl the Shah era flag on Iranian embassies and consulates and remove the regime's "disgraceful banner.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-don-t-abandon-streets-trump-seeing-iran-s-exiled-crown-prince-pahlavi-s-new-appeal-to-protesters-1768105534485">'Don't abandon streets, Trump seeing...': Iran's exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi's new appeal to protesters</a><h2>Will Trump intervene?</h2>US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said Iran was "looking at freedom, perhaps like never before," and added that the “USA stands ready to help.” Trump warned Iran's regime and said that if they shoot protesters, then the US will be involved. A day after, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that America supports the “brave people of Iran."&nbsp;The protest was triggered after the Iranian rial hit a record low. Soon after, inflation hit all time high with food prices surging. It was also triggered by anger over the rising cost of living and a 2026 budget proposed 62 per cent tax increase. Shopkeepers and traders were the first group who took to streets

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has announced a new stage of Iran’s protests, claiming the Islamic Republic is losing control. As HRANA reports over 500 deaths, he urged people to remain on the streets, called on security forces to side with citizens, sought US support

Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi announced new phase of Iran protest even as US-based rights group HRANA said that over 500 people have been killed in country's one of the most significant demonstration. Taking to X, Pahlavi said that the foundations of the illegitimate Islamic Republic is shaken and “freedom is near.” He was referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led Iranian regime. Earlier he urged protesters to not leave the streets, adding that US President Donald Trump is watching. He also appealed to the US president to extend help to people of Iran, while hinting at his homecoming. Hinting at US strike, he said that “International support will soon arrive.” Also Read: 'Their direct involvement...': Iran accuses Washington, Israel of igniting protest, US calls claims 'delusional' In the next phase, Pahlavi told protesters inside Iran to make all institutions and apparatuses responsible for the regime’s propaganda as “legitimate targets.” He said that employees of state institutions, and the armed and security forces members have to choose between two options – stand with the people and become allies of the nation, or choose complicity with the murderers of the people. He also urged those protesting outside Iran to unfurl the Shah era flag on Iranian embassies and consulates and remove the regime's "disgraceful banner.” Also Read: 'Don't abandon streets, Trump seeing...': Iran's exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi's new appeal to protesters Will Trump intervene? US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said Iran was "looking at freedom, perhaps like never before," and added that the “USA stands ready to help.” Trump warned Iran's regime and said that if they shoot protesters, then the US will be involved. A day after, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that America supports the “brave people of Iran." The protest was triggered after the Iranian rial hit a record low. Soon after, inflation hit all time high with food prices surging. It was also triggered by anger over the rising cost of living and a 2026 budget proposed 62 per cent tax increase. Shopkeepers and traders were the first group who took to streets

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has announced a new stage of Iran’s protests, claiming the Islamic Republic is losing control. As HRANA reports over 500 deaths, he urged people to remain on the streets, called on security forces to side with citizens, sought US support

'International support will soon arrive': Did Iran's exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi hint at US strike as protest enters 3rd week?

The unrest in Iran has killed more than 500 people, a rights group said on Sunday, as Tehran threatened to target US military bases if President Donald Trump takes action on his threats to intervene on behalf of protesters. US-based rights group HRANA said that as per its latest figures, sourced from activists both inside and outside Iran, it has verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, while over 10,600 people have been arrested in two weeks of unrest, reported Reuters. Iran has not shared an official toll, though state TV aired footage of dozens of body bags on the ground at the Tehran coroner’s office on Sunday, saying the dead were victims of events caused by ‘armed terrorists’.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jem-chief-masood-azhar-claims-thousands-of-suicide-bombers-are-ready-to-strike-1768149775065">JeM chief Masood Azhar claims thousands of suicide bombers are ready to strike</a>&nbsp;<h2>Iranian state TV broadcasts funeral processions</h2>&nbsp;Iranian state TV also broadcast funeral processions in western cities such as Gachsaran and Yasuj for security personnel killed in protests. It said 30 members of the security forces would be buried in the central city of Isfahan and that six more were killed by ‘rioters’ in Kermanshah.&nbsp;Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to intervene if force is used on protesters, is scheduled to be briefed by his officials on Tuesday on options including military strikes, using secret cyber weapons, widening sanctions and providing online help to anti-government sources, the Wall Street Journal said on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-more-venezuelan-oil-or-money-trump-warns-cuba-to-make-a-deal-or-face-consequences-1768138028622">‘No more Venezuelan oil or money’: Trump warns Cuba to make a deal before it is ‘too late’</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against any “miscalculation”.“Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target,” said the former commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Internet shutdown enters fourth day</h2>&nbsp;Netblocks, the internet’s observatory, said on Sunday evening that the internet shutdown in Iran is entering its fourth day with connectivity to the outside world at just 1% of ordinary levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚠️ Update: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a>&#39;s internet shutdown is entering its fourth day with connectivity to the outside world remains at just 1% of ordinary levels; at 72 hours, diminished telecoms continue to impact the public&#39;s ability to access information and communicate with loved ones ⏱️ <a href="https://t.co/UOGSVMoZJj">pic.twitter.com/UOGSVMoZJj</a>&mdash; NetBlocks (@netblocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/2010389646828798094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bmc-poll-manifesto-bjp-led-mahayuti-promises-ai-to-track-bangladeshi-rohingya-migrants-1768130229940">In BMC poll manifesto, BJP-led Mahayuti promises AI to track Bangladeshi, Rohingya migrants</a>&nbsp;“Diminished telecoms continue to impact the public’s ability to access information and communicate with loved ones,” it said in an X post.Iran has deployed military jammers to shut down access to Starlink, which was being used for connectivity by protesters and anti-regime activists after domestic internet was shut down completely.Since Starlink receivers use GPS to locate and connect to satellites, Iran has been disrupting GPS signals, and as a result connectivity is available is few locations and there are near blackouts in high-profile areas.The flow of information from Iran has been hampered since Thursday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/forces-that-opposed-reconstruction-of-somnath-temple-still-active-need-to-defeat-them-pm-modi-1768126239851">Forces that opposed reconstruction of Somnath Temple still active, need to defeat them: PM Modi</a><h2>Machado extends support and solidarity to people of Iran</h2>&nbsp;Venezuelan leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado also extended support and solidarity to the people of Iran.She said in a post on X, “My deepest respect to the brave people of Iran who, at this hour, continue protesting in the streets of more than 100 cities in that country, despite the brutal repression they face.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mi profundo respeto al valiente pueblo de Irán que a esta hora permanece protestando en las calles de más de 100 ciudades de ese país, a pesar de la brutal represión que enfrentan. Los iraníes rechazan el hambre y la opresión a la que han estado sometidos durante años por parte…&mdash; María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaCorinaYA/status/2010355348410884533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Iranians reject the hunger and oppression to which they have been subjected for years by an authoritarian regime, a regime that infiltrated Latin America to associate with criminal systems like chavismo in Venezuela. All my strength and support in these hours, and my solidarity to the families of the fallen heroes,” she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/owaisi-shares-dream-of-hijab-clad-pm-bjp-says-don-t-try-to-become-local-mamdani-1768043421235">Owaisi shares dream of hijab-clad PM; BJP says, ‘Don’t try to become local Mamdani’</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. The protests for freedom have spread throughout the country. The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran&#39;s citizens. Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly… <a href="https://t.co/ya68R9Q1ds">pic.twitter.com/ya68R9Q1ds</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/2010404031575830669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a message, “The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran's citizens. Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the mass killings of innocent civilians. We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be liberated from the yoke of tyranny.”

Iranian state TV also broadcast funeral processions in western cities such as Gachsaran and Yasuj for security personnel killed in protests. It said 30 members of the security forces would be buried in the central city of Isfahan and that six more were killed by ‘rioters’ in Kermanshah.

The unrest in Iran has killed more than 500 people, a rights group said on Sunday, as Tehran threatened to target US military bases if President Donald Trump takes action on his threats to intervene on behalf of protesters. US-based rights group HRANA said that as per its latest figures, sourced from activists both inside and outside Iran, it has verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, while over 10,600 people have been arrested in two weeks of unrest, reported Reuters. Iran has not shared an official toll, though state TV aired footage of dozens of body bags on the ground at the Tehran coroner’s office on Sunday, saying the dead were victims of events caused by ‘armed terrorists’. Also Read: JeM chief Masood Azhar claims thousands of suicide bombers are ready to strike Iranian state TV broadcasts funeral processions Iranian state TV also broadcast funeral processions in western cities such as Gachsaran and Yasuj for security personnel killed in protests. It said 30 members of the security forces would be buried in the central city of Isfahan and that six more were killed by ‘rioters’ in Kermanshah. Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to intervene if force is used on protesters, is scheduled to be briefed by his officials on Tuesday on options including military strikes, using secret cyber weapons, widening sanctions and providing online help to anti-government sources, the Wall Street Journal said on Sunday. Also Read: ‘No more Venezuelan oil or money’: Trump warns Cuba to make a deal before it is ‘too late’ Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against any “miscalculation”. “Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target,” said the former commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards. Internet shutdown enters fourth day Netblocks, the internet’s observatory, said on Sunday evening that the internet shutdown in Iran is entering its fourth day with connectivity to the outside world at just 1% of ordinary levels.

Iranian state TV also broadcast funeral processions in western cities such as Gachsaran and Yasuj for security personnel killed in protests. It said 30 members of the security forces would be buried in the central city of Isfahan and that six more were killed by ‘rioters’ in Kermanshah.

Iran unrest death toll over 500, says rights group; internet blackout enters fourth day

EU countries should weigh whether to set up a combined military force that could eventually replace US troops in Europe, the bloc's defence chief said Sunday (Jan 11). EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius floated creating a "powerful, standing 'European military force' of 100,000 troops" as a possible option to better protect the continent."How will we replace the 100,000-strong American standing military force, which is the backbone military force in Europe?" he asked in a speech in Sweden.&nbsp;The suggestion comes as US President Donald Trump has heightened fears among NATO allies over Washington's reliability by insisting he wants to take over Greenland.&nbsp;Worries over Trump's commitment to Europe have already spurred countries to step up efforts to bolster their militaries in the face of the threat posed by Russia.&nbsp;Ideas about establishing a central European army have floated around for years but have largely failed to gain traction as nations are wary of relinquishing control over their militaries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-inciting-riots-iran-president-addresses-nation-amid-ongoing-protests-trump-israel-iranian-protests-aytollah-khamenai-1768135032737">‘US, Israel inciting riots’: Iranian President Pezeshkian addresses nation amid ongoing protests</a>&nbsp;The US has pushed its European allies to increasingly take over responsibility for their own security, and raised the prospect it could shift forces from Europe to focus on China."In such times, we should not run away from the most pressing questions on our institutional defence readiness," said Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister.&nbsp;In his speech, Kubilius also advocated for the creation of a "European Security Council" of key powers -- including potentially Britain -- that could help the continent take decisions over its own defence quicker.&nbsp;"The European Security Council could be composed of key permanent members, along with several rotational members," he said.&nbsp;"In total, around 10-12 members, with the task to discuss the most important issues in defence."&nbsp;He said the first focus of such a body should be trying to change the dynamics in the war in Ukraine to ensure that Kyiv does not end up losing.&nbsp;"We need to have a clear answer - how is the EU going to change that scenario?," he said."This is the reason why we need to have a European Security Council now!"&nbsp;(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

The suggestion comes as US President Donald Trump has heightened fears among NATO allies over Washington's reliability by insisting he wants to take over Greenland.

EU countries should weigh whether to set up a combined military force that could eventually replace US troops in Europe, the bloc's defence chief said Sunday (Jan 11). EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius floated creating a "powerful, standing 'European military force' of 100,000 troops" as a possible option to better protect the continent. "How will we replace the 100,000-strong American standing military force, which is the backbone military force in Europe?" he asked in a speech in Sweden. The suggestion comes as US President Donald Trump has heightened fears among NATO allies over Washington's reliability by insisting he wants to take over Greenland. Worries over Trump's commitment to Europe have already spurred countries to step up efforts to bolster their militaries in the face of the threat posed by Russia. Ideas about establishing a central European army have floated around for years but have largely failed to gain traction as nations are wary of relinquishing control over their militaries. Also Read: ‘US, Israel inciting riots’: Iranian President Pezeshkian addresses nation amid ongoing protests The US has pushed its European allies to increasingly take over responsibility for their own security, and raised the prospect it could shift forces from Europe to focus on China. "In such times, we should not run away from the most pressing questions on our institutional defence readiness," said Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister. In his speech, Kubilius also advocated for the creation of a "European Security Council" of key powers -- including potentially Britain -- that could help the continent take decisions over its own defence quicker. "The European Security Council could be composed of key permanent members, along with several rotational members," he said. "In total, around 10-12 members, with the task to discuss the most important issues in defence." He said the first focus of such a body should be trying to change the dynamics in the war in Ukraine to ensure that Kyiv does not end up losing. "We need to have a clear answer - how is the EU going to change that scenario?," he said. "This is the reason why we need to have a European Security Council now!" (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

The suggestion comes as US President Donald Trump has heightened fears among NATO allies over Washington's reliability by insisting he wants to take over Greenland.

EU should consider forming combined military force to replace US troops: defence chief

An audio clip has appeared in which Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief and founder Masood Azhar is apparently trying to flex muscle by claiming that a big number of suicide bombers are ready to strike. The audio purportedly in the voice of Masood Azhar has surfaced on social media platforms, in which he claims that the outfit has “thousands” of suicide bombers ready to carry out attacks. However, neither the authenticity nor the time of the audio’s recording could be independently verified.&nbsp;Azhar makes sweeping claims in the audio about his cadre, saying they are not “one, two, or a hundred, not even a thousand”, and goes on to boast that revealing the actual number would cause an uproar in global media. He further claims that these recruits only seek “shahadat” (martyrdom) and do not want any material rewards or personal gains.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-more-venezuelan-oil-or-money-trump-warns-cuba-to-make-a-deal-or-face-consequences-1768138028622">‘No more Venezuelan oil or money’: Trump warns Cuba to make a deal before it is ‘too late’</a>&nbsp;The audio appears to be more of a rant than a credible threat since Indian forces had struck Jaish establishments inside Pakistan, including its headquarters in Bahawalpur, in which several of Azhar’s close relatives were also killed.&nbsp;Jaish had indirectly acknowledged these losses in September last year when a senior commander of the terror outfit admitted in a video that members of Azhar’s family were killed during India’s strike on Bahawalpur. The strike under Operation Sindoor was part of India’s response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 innocent civilians were brutally killed by terrorists.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bmc-poll-manifesto-bjp-led-mahayuti-promises-ai-to-track-bangladeshi-rohingya-migrants-1768130229940">In BMC poll manifesto, BJP-led Mahayuti promises AI to track Bangladeshi, Rohingya migrants</a>&nbsp;Indian strikes had reduced multiple terror sites to rubble. Around 10 of Azhar’s relatives, including his sister, her husband, a nephew, a niece, and children from his extended family, were among those killed in the strike on the Bahawalpur facility. Several of his aides also died in the pre-dawn attack.&nbsp;Masood Azhar has not been seen publicly since 2019, when his Bahawalpur hideout was hit by a powerful blast, but he survived.&nbsp;Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist, is the mastermind behind some of the deadliest attacks in India, including the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 44 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;Intelligence inputs in recent months have suggested that he may be operating far from Bahawalpur now.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/forces-that-opposed-reconstruction-of-somnath-temple-still-active-need-to-defeat-them-pm-modi-1768126239851">Forces that opposed reconstruction of Somnath Temple still active, need to defeat them: PM Modi</a>&nbsp;The audio has surfaced after Lashkar-e-Taiba’s deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri was captured on video claiming that the Pakistan army invited him to lead funeral prayers of its soldiers after Operation Sindoor last May. Both clips were posted on Telegram and X by pro-ISI accounts as propaganda after devastating losses during Operation Sindoor.

Indian strikes had reduced multiple terror sites to rubble. Around 10 of Azhar’s relatives, including his sister, her husband, a nephew, a niece, and children from his extended family, were killed in the strike on the Bahawalpur facility. His several aides also died in the pre-dawn attack.

An audio clip has appeared in which Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief and founder Masood Azhar is apparently trying to flex muscle by claiming that a big number of suicide bombers are ready to strike. The audio purportedly in the voice of Masood Azhar has surfaced on social media platforms, in which he claims that the outfit has “thousands” of suicide bombers ready to carry out attacks. However, neither the authenticity nor the time of the audio’s recording could be independently verified. Azhar makes sweeping claims in the audio about his cadre, saying they are not “one, two, or a hundred, not even a thousand”, and goes on to boast that revealing the actual number would cause an uproar in global media. He further claims that these recruits only seek “shahadat” (martyrdom) and do not want any material rewards or personal gains. Also Read: ‘No more Venezuelan oil or money’: Trump warns Cuba to make a deal before it is ‘too late’ The audio appears to be more of a rant than a credible threat since Indian forces had struck Jaish establishments inside Pakistan, including its headquarters in Bahawalpur, in which several of Azhar’s close relatives were also killed. Jaish had indirectly acknowledged these losses in September last year when a senior commander of the terror outfit admitted in a video that members of Azhar’s family were killed during India’s strike on Bahawalpur. The strike under Operation Sindoor was part of India’s response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 innocent civilians were brutally killed by terrorists. Also Read: In BMC poll manifesto, BJP-led Mahayuti promises AI to track Bangladeshi, Rohingya migrants Indian strikes had reduced multiple terror sites to rubble. Around 10 of Azhar’s relatives, including his sister, her husband, a nephew, a niece, and children from his extended family, were among those killed in the strike on the Bahawalpur facility. Several of his aides also died in the pre-dawn attack. Masood Azhar has not been seen publicly since 2019, when his Bahawalpur hideout was hit by a powerful blast, but he survived. Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist, is the mastermind behind some of the deadliest attacks in India, including the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 44 CRPF personnel. Intelligence inputs in recent months have suggested that he may be operating far from Bahawalpur now. Also Read: Forces that opposed reconstruction of Somnath Temple still active, need to defeat them: PM Modi The audio has surfaced after Lashkar-e-Taiba’s deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri was captured on video claiming that the Pakistan army invited him to lead funeral prayers of its soldiers after Operation Sindoor last May. Both clips were posted on Telegram and X by pro-ISI accounts as propaganda after devastating losses during Operation Sindoor.

Indian strikes had reduced multiple terror sites to rubble. Around 10 of Azhar’s relatives, including his sister, her husband, a nephew, a niece, and children from his extended family, were killed in the strike on the Bahawalpur facility. His several aides also died in the pre-dawn attack.

JeM chief Masood Azhar claims thousands of suicide bombers are ready to strike

Nepal’s oldest political party, the Nepali Congress, on Sunday began a two-day special general convention in Kathmandu, deepening an internal power struggle and a direct challenge to the party’s entrenched leadership. The special general convention was announced by general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma without endorsement from the party establishment, triggering sharp resistance from party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction.&nbsp;&nbsp;General secretaries pitch the gathering as an effort to reform and revitalise the party. However, the move has also intensified fears of a possible party split.&nbsp;The Congress has been mired in turbulence since the September Gen Z-led protests, which triggered renewed calls for leadership change and organisational overhaul. Since then, Thapa has repeatedly argued that contesting elections under the same leadership and organisational structure would amount to political self-sabotage.&nbsp;The party establishment led by President Deuba has strongly opposed the special convention, despite earlier commitments to hand over leadership after the party’s 15th General Convention.&nbsp;Deuba stayed away from the gathering, warning that it could fracture the party. Instead, he has pushed for the regular general convention scheduled for May. Leaders close to Deuba argue that the party’s immediate focus should be on the parliamentary elections due in March and that the special convention should be deferred.&nbsp;Thapa and Sharma, however, remain firm that leadership change is necessary before the upcoming elections. It remains unclear whether the special convention will be able to elect a new leadership.&nbsp;Organisers say the convention is primarily aimed at proposing policy and organisational reforms while preserving party unity even as uncertainty looms over its political outcome.&nbsp;Thapa and Sharma maintain that the convention was demanded by 2,488 elected representatives, around 54.5 percent of the total general convention delegates. Leaders backing the initiative claim that more than 60 per cent of the elected delegates are participating in the event.&nbsp;The Congress statute mandates that the party leadership must convene a special general convention if at least 40 per cent of elected general convention representatives demand it. In mid-October, a petition bearing the signatures of 54.5 per cent of delegates was submitted to the party headquarters seeking a special convention and the election of new leadership.&nbsp;The establishment faction, however rejected the move arguing that since preparations for the regular general convention are already underway, the rationale for a special convention does not hold.&nbsp;The four-year terms of all elected bodies of the Nepali Congress ended in mid-December.&nbsp;Following the Gen Z protests, Thapa has also been openly critical of the Congress’s electoral alliance with the CPN-UML for the National Assembly elections, alleging that the decision was driven by the personal interests of party leaders rather than broader political strategy.&nbsp;According to the party constitution, a special general convention must be convened within three months of the registration of such a petition, setting January 11 as the deadline.&nbsp;As divisions between the rival factions continue to widen, political analysts warn that party unity is increasingly under strain at a time when elections are fast approaching.

Nepali Congress has been mired in turbulence since the Gen Z-led protests, which triggered renewed calls for leadership change and organisational overhaul. Since then, Thapa has argued that contesting elections under the same leadership and structure would amount to political self-sabotage.

Nepal’s oldest political party, the Nepali Congress, on Sunday began a two-day special general convention in Kathmandu, deepening an internal power struggle and a direct challenge to the party’s entrenched leadership. The special general convention was announced by general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma without endorsement from the party establishment, triggering sharp resistance from party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction. General secretaries pitch the gathering as an effort to reform and revitalise the party. However, the move has also intensified fears of a possible party split. The Congress has been mired in turbulence since the September Gen Z-led protests, which triggered renewed calls for leadership change and organisational overhaul. Since then, Thapa has repeatedly argued that contesting elections under the same leadership and organisational structure would amount to political self-sabotage. The party establishment led by President Deuba has strongly opposed the special convention, despite earlier commitments to hand over leadership after the party’s 15th General Convention. Deuba stayed away from the gathering, warning that it could fracture the party. Instead, he has pushed for the regular general convention scheduled for May. Leaders close to Deuba argue that the party’s immediate focus should be on the parliamentary elections due in March and that the special convention should be deferred. Thapa and Sharma, however, remain firm that leadership change is necessary before the upcoming elections. It remains unclear whether the special convention will be able to elect a new leadership. Organisers say the convention is primarily aimed at proposing policy and organisational reforms while preserving party unity even as uncertainty looms over its political outcome. Thapa and Sharma maintain that the convention was demanded by 2,488 elected representatives, around 54.5 percent of the total general convention delegates. Leaders backing the initiative claim that more than 60 per cent of the elected delegates are participating in the event. The Congress statute mandates that the party leadership must convene a special general convention if at least 40 per cent of elected general convention representatives demand it. In mid-October, a petition bearing the signatures of 54.5 per cent of delegates was submitted to the party headquarters seeking a special convention and the election of new leadership. The establishment faction, however rejected the move arguing that since preparations for the regular general convention are already underway, the rationale for a special convention does not hold. The four-year terms of all elected bodies of the Nepali Congress ended in mid-December. Following the Gen Z protests, Thapa has also been openly critical of the Congress’s electoral alliance with the CPN-UML for the National Assembly elections, alleging that the decision was driven by the personal interests of party leaders rather than broader political strategy. According to the party constitution, a special general convention must be convened within three months of the registration of such a petition, setting January 11 as the deadline. As divisions between the rival factions continue to widen, political analysts warn that party unity is increasingly under strain at a time when elections are fast approaching.

Nepali Congress has been mired in turbulence since the Gen Z-led protests, which triggered renewed calls for leadership change and organisational overhaul. Since then, Thapa has argued that contesting elections under the same leadership and structure would amount to political self-sabotage.

Nepali Congress special convention tests party leadership, unity

On Sunday (Jan 11), a gas cylinder explosion in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, claimed at least eight lives, which included the bride and groom. The police informed that the blast occurred as the relatives who were celebrating the matrimonial union were sleeping in the house. Due to the fire, a portion of the house collapsed, leaving seven people injured, according to the Islamabad police.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">اسلام آباد سیکٹر G-7/2 میں گیس سلنڈر دھماکہ۔ ڈی آئی جی اسلام آباد محمد جواد طارق خود موقع پر موجود، جری ریسکیو آپریشن کی براہِ راست نگرانی کر رہے ہیں۔ اسلام آباد پولیس کے سینئر افسران بھی ڈی آئی جی اسلام آباد کے ہمراہ موقع پر موجود ہیں، پولیس اور ریسکیو ٹیمیں مکمل ہم آہنگی کے… <a href="https://t.co/yrN4s1FsZ5">pic.twitter.com/yrN4s1FsZ5</a>&mdash; Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICT_Police/status/2010220252664406495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-blocks-pakistani-outlet-asia-one-channel-known-for-spreading-propaganda-1768037887207">India blocks Pakistani outlet Asia One channel, known for spreading propaganda</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“DIG Islamabad Mohammad Javed Tariq is personally present at the scene, supervising the rescue operation. Senior officers of Islamabad Police are also present at the scene along with DIG Islamabad, and police and rescue teams are carrying out relief operations in complete coordination,” a statement by Islamabad Police stated.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-wants-us-to-kidnap-netanyahu-after-maduro-capture-watch-1767982088543">Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif wants US to ‘kidnap’ Netanyahu after Maduro capture | Watch</a>&nbsp;“The area has been completely cordoned off. The injured are being provided immediate medical assistance, and further investigations into the incident are ongoing,” it added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/-pak-army-invites-me-terror-group-lashkar-e-taiba-s-deputy-chief-s-video-exposes-pakistan-s-terror-connections-1768101103831">'Pak Army invites me...': Terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's deputy chief's video exposes Pakistan's terror connections</a>&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences to the victims and their families. In a statement issued by his office, he expressed sorrow over the horrific incident that claimed lives on a joyous occasion like a wedding. Sharif also instructed officials to ensure that the injured receive appropriate medical treatment. He asked for a thorough investigation into the incident. There have been quite a few deadly cylinder incidents in Pakistan due to gas leaks.&nbsp;

Due to the fire, a portion of the house collapsed, leaving seven people injured, according to the Islamabad police.

On Sunday (Jan 11), a gas cylinder explosion in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, claimed at least eight lives, which included the bride and groom. The police informed that the blast occurred as the relatives who were celebrating the matrimonial union were sleeping in the house. Due to the fire, a portion of the house collapsed, leaving seven people injured, according to the Islamabad police.

Due to the fire, a portion of the house collapsed, leaving seven people injured, according to the Islamabad police.

Newlyweds among 8 killed in gas explosion during wedding celebrations in Pakistan

Social media platform X will make its new algorithm accessible to the public, including all code for organic and advertising post recommendations, in seven days. Elon Musk on Saturday said everyone will be able to see the code used that govern what posts are recommended to the users.&nbsp;"We will make the new X algorithm, including all code used to determine what organic and advertising posts are recommended to users, open source in 7 days," Musk, who owns X, said in a post, adding that "This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed."&nbsp;The announcement comes after European regulators have intensified the scrutiny of the company regarding concerns over misinformation, inadequate content moderation and lack of transparency.&nbsp;X, formerly known as Twitter, has been at odds with regulators in several countries since its takeover by Elon Musk, who acquired the social media platform in a $44 billion deal in October 2022.&nbsp;Last Month, the European Union imposed a $140 million fine on X for breaching the bloc's transparency rules under the Digital Service Act. The regulators said the penalty was levied in connection with X's deceptive blue tick checkmark, Flawed ad repository and researcher data barriers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grok-controversy-indonesia-suspends-musk-s-ai-chatbot-uk-considers-action-against-x-over-sexualised-ai-images-ai-images-sexual-images-1768049551341">Grok controversy: Indonesia suspends Musk’s AI chatbot; UK considers banning X over sexualised AI images</a>&nbsp; In July, the French authorities asked the company to provide its algorithm as part of an investigation into suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction.&nbsp;In recent days, the Grok AI chatbot embedded in X has faced mounting scrutiny from governments worldwide. On Saturday, the Indonesian government suspended Grok over concerns related to AI-generated pornographic content.&nbsp;Developed by Musk-owned xAI, Grok has drawn backlash in several countries, including India and the United Kingdom, over its image-generation feature, which allowed users to sexualise and share images of women and children using simple text prompts. Indonesia has become the first country to block the tool entirely.

The platform will update its algorithm every four weeks, publishing detailed developer notes alongside each change.

Social media platform X will make its new algorithm accessible to the public, including all code for organic and advertising post recommendations, in seven days. Elon Musk on Saturday said everyone will be able to see the code used that govern what posts are recommended to the users. "We will make the new X algorithm, including all code used to determine what organic and advertising posts are recommended to users, open source in 7 days," Musk, who owns X, said in a post, adding that "This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed." The announcement comes after European regulators have intensified the scrutiny of the company regarding concerns over misinformation, inadequate content moderation and lack of transparency. X, formerly known as Twitter, has been at odds with regulators in several countries since its takeover by Elon Musk, who acquired the social media platform in a $44 billion deal in October 2022. Last Month, the European Union imposed a $140 million fine on X for breaching the bloc's transparency rules under the Digital Service Act. The regulators said the penalty was levied in connection with X's deceptive blue tick checkmark, Flawed ad repository and researcher data barriers. Also Read: Grok controversy: Indonesia suspends Musk’s AI chatbot; UK considers banning X over sexualised AI images In July, the French authorities asked the company to provide its algorithm as part of an investigation into suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction. In recent days, the Grok AI chatbot embedded in X has faced mounting scrutiny from governments worldwide. On Saturday, the Indonesian government suspended Grok over concerns related to AI-generated pornographic content. Developed by Musk-owned xAI, Grok has drawn backlash in several countries, including India and the United Kingdom, over its image-generation feature, which allowed users to sexualise and share images of women and children using simple text prompts. Indonesia has become the first country to block the tool entirely.

The platform will update its algorithm every four weeks, publishing detailed developer notes alongside each change.

Why your X timeline looks the way it does: Musk to make algorithm public in seven days

The US has announced to acquire Greenland by force, which has sparked concern for European nations, along with Denmark. Meanwhile, NATO's silence in response to threats to seize has also raised alarm.

If Greenland is attacked, would NATO defend? Here's how International law could stop the US

US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Cuba to quickly “make a deal” or face unspecified consequences, while stressing that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to Havana would stop now after the capture of Nicolas Maduro. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba – Zero! I strongly suggest they make a deal, before it is too late.” Trump said that Cuba had lived on oil and money from Venezuela for years and had in return provided security services for the last two Venezuelan dictators. “BUT NOT ANYMORE! Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn’t need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will,” Trump added in his post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's post on Truth Social

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bmc-poll-manifesto-bjp-led-mahayuti-promises-ai-to-track-bangladeshi-rohingya-migrants-1768130229940">In BMC poll manifesto, BJP-led Mahayuti promises AI to track Bangladeshi, Rohingya migrants</a>&nbsp;Earlier, after the US military captured Maduro from Caracas, Trump said he believed the government in Cuba, too, was ‘likely to fall’ soon.Talking to reporters on board Air Force One, Trump had said that a lot of Cubans were killed in the US raid on Caracas, adding that an American military intervention in Cuba was unnecessary because the island appears ready to fall on its own.“Cuba is ready to fall,” he said. “Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it. Cuba literally is ready to fall.”&nbsp;The US and Cuba have had strained relations since Fidel Castro overthrew a Washington-backed government in Havana in 1959 and established a socialist state allied with the former Soviet Union.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/forces-that-opposed-reconstruction-of-somnath-temple-still-active-need-to-defeat-them-pm-modi-1768126239851">Forces that opposed reconstruction of Somnath Temple still active, need to defeat them: PM Modi</a><h2>Marco Rubio as Cuba’s president?</h2>&nbsp;Trump also ignited curiosity by sharing a post claiming that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would become “president of Cuba.” Trump captioned the post on Truth Social: “Sounds good to me!”The claim appears to be a social media exaggeration tied to Trump’s hardline commentary on Latin America of late.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/owaisi-shares-dream-of-hijab-clad-pm-bjp-says-don-t-try-to-become-local-mamdani-1768043421235">Owaisi shares dream of hijab-clad PM; BJP says, ‘Don’t try to become local Mamdani’</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, US intelligence agencies have also drawn a bleak picture of Cuba’s economic and political health, but their evaluations stop short of backing Trump’s claim that recent US military action in Venezuela has left the Cuban government on the brink of collapse.&nbsp;The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has assessed that crucial pillars of Cuba’s economy, including farming and tourism, are under intense pressure, reported Reuters. Chronic power outages, long-standing trade restrictions and structural weaknesses have all taken a toll. The likely reduction in oil supplies and other forms of assistance from Venezuela, Cuba’s closest regional ally for decades, could complicate things for the leadership that has remained in power since 1959.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Cuba’s foreign minister responds to Trump’s post &nbsp;</h2>Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla responded to Trump’s charges and said in a tweet that his country has never received any monetary or material compensation for the security services it has provided to any country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla’s post on X

In a post on X in Spanish, Bruno Rodriguez added that Cuba has the absolute right to import fuel from those markets willing to export it. He said that the US behaves like a criminal and out-of-control hegemon that threatens peace and security, not only in Cuba and this hemisphere, but in the entire world.

Talking to reporters on board Air Force One, Donald Trump had said that a lot of Cubans were killed in the US raid on Caracas and added that an American military intervention in Cuba was unnecessary because the island appears ready to fall on its own. Cuba now has no income, he added.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Cuba to quickly “make a deal” or face unspecified consequences, while stressing that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to Havana would stop now after the capture of Nicolas Maduro. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba – Zero! I strongly suggest they make a deal, before it is too late.” Trump said that Cuba had lived on oil and money from Venezuela for years and had in return provided security services for the last two Venezuelan dictators. “BUT NOT ANYMORE! Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn’t need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will,” Trump added in his post.

Talking to reporters on board Air Force One, Donald Trump had said that a lot of Cubans were killed in the US raid on Caracas and added that an American military intervention in Cuba was unnecessary because the island appears ready to fall on its own. Cuba now has no income, he added.

‘No more Venezuelan oil or money’: Trump warns Cuba to make a deal before it is ‘too late’

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the United States and Israel want to create chaos and disorder in Iran by ordering riots, urging Iranians to distance themselves from "rioters and terrorists." Addressing the nation on Sunday (Jan 11), Pezeshkain assured Iranians that the government will heed their demands and concerns and warned that rioters should not be allowed to disrupt society.&nbsp;"The people should not allow rioters to disrupt society. The people should believe that we want to establish justice," he told state broadcaster IRIB.&nbsp;Pezeskian accused the United States and Israel of instructing the "rioters" from abroad, adding that the same ones who attacked the country directly are now ordering these protesters to riot and sow discord in society. &nbsp;"America and Israel are sitting there, teaching them: 'Go ahead, we are here too,' he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-us-military-commercial-bases-would-be-legitimate-targets-if-washington-intervenes-1768128951072">Iran warns US military, commercial bases would be 'legitimate targets' if Washington intervenes</a>&nbsp;He further alleged that terrorists brought into the country from abroad are setting fire to mosques and beheading some people, and added that these acts of vandalism and killing innocent people can't be accepted.&nbsp;The Iranian president appealed to youth not to be deceived by these "rioters and terrorists" and emphasised that the government will hear their genuine concerns and provide solutions.&nbsp;“People have concerns; we should sit with them, and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” Pezeshkian said. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society," Pezeshkian said in an interview with Iranian state television.&nbsp;Speaking for the first time since the beginning of the protests after the Iranian regime's crackdown reportedly killed over 100 people, Pezeshkian also presented an economic plan to provide some respite to Iranians as the sanctions hit country continues to reel under financial distress.&nbsp;The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, now entered their fourteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown and complete internet blackout.&nbsp;Protesters have demanded the end of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime. Anti-regime chants filled the streets of Tehran, while Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah, has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations.

Pezeshkian blamed the US and Israel for the ongoing unrest in the country, while urging Iranians to distance themselves from “rioters and terrorists.”

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the United States and Israel want to create chaos and disorder in Iran by ordering riots, urging Iranians to distance themselves from "rioters and terrorists." Addressing the nation on Sunday (Jan 11), Pezeshkain assured Iranians that the government will heed their demands and concerns and warned that rioters should not be allowed to disrupt society. "The people should not allow rioters to disrupt society. The people should believe that we want to establish justice," he told state broadcaster IRIB. Pezeskian accused the United States and Israel of instructing the "rioters" from abroad, adding that the same ones who attacked the country directly are now ordering these protesters to riot and sow discord in society. "America and Israel are sitting there, teaching them: 'Go ahead, we are here too,' he said. Also Read: Iran warns US military, commercial bases would be 'legitimate targets' if Washington intervenes He further alleged that terrorists brought into the country from abroad are setting fire to mosques and beheading some people, and added that these acts of vandalism and killing innocent people can't be accepted. The Iranian president appealed to youth not to be deceived by these "rioters and terrorists" and emphasised that the government will hear their genuine concerns and provide solutions. “People have concerns; we should sit with them, and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” Pezeshkian said. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society," Pezeshkian said in an interview with Iranian state television. Speaking for the first time since the beginning of the protests after the Iranian regime's crackdown reportedly killed over 100 people, Pezeshkian also presented an economic plan to provide some respite to Iranians as the sanctions hit country continues to reel under financial distress. The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, now entered their fourteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown and complete internet blackout. Protesters have demanded the end of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime. Anti-regime chants filled the streets of Tehran, while Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah, has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations.

Pezeshkian blamed the US and Israel for the ongoing unrest in the country, while urging Iranians to distance themselves from “rioters and terrorists.”

‘US, Israel inciting riots’: Iranian President Pezeshkian addresses nation amid ongoing protests

US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, and now, president Donald Trump says he tracked the operation closely. In a recent interview, he mentioned how he tracked even the training. He noted how a life-size replica of the compound where the operation was to be executed was created at a military facility in Kentucky.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-russia-or-china-will-occupy-greenland-trump-warns-if-the-us-does-nothing-1768103776450">'Russia or China will occupy Greenland': Trump warns if the US does nothing</a>&nbsp;In the interview with The New York Times journalists at the White House, he didn’t hesitate to say that he was worried about the operation and feared that it could end up like a “Jimmy Carter disaster that destroyed his entire administration.” Being cautious about this one, he referenced what happened with the then president in April of 1980.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-serious-on-invading-greenland-trump-asks-army-chiefs-to-draw-up-plan-to-attack-1768108347147">US 'serious' on invading Greenland, Trump asks army chiefs to 'draw up plan' to attack</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;After Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, a confident Trump said, “We will rebuild it in a very profitable way.” South American country and its oil reserves are what the US is eyeing, and the world is keenly watching the developments as they unfold.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-wears-happy-trump-lapel-pin-but-says-he-s-never-happy-watch-1768116304076">US President wears 'happy Trump’ lapel pin but says he's 'never happy' - WATCH</a> “We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil. We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need,” Trump spelt out his plans to the journalists and assured them Venezuela will be getting the money it needs; he mentioned it is a dire situation for the country.&nbsp;

Trump noted how a life-size replica of the compound where the operation was to be executed was created at a military facility in Kentucky.

US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, and now, president Donald Trump says he tracked the operation closely. In a recent interview, he mentioned how he tracked even the training. He noted how a life-size replica of the compound where the operation was to be executed was created at a military facility in Kentucky. Also read: 'Russia or China will occupy Greenland': Trump warns if the US does nothing In the interview with The New York Times journalists at the White House, he didn’t hesitate to say that he was worried about the operation and feared that it could end up like a “Jimmy Carter disaster that destroyed his entire administration.” Being cautious about this one, he referenced what happened with the then president in April of 1980. Also read: US 'serious' on invading Greenland, Trump asks army chiefs to 'draw up plan' to attack After Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, a confident Trump said, “We will rebuild it in a very profitable way.” South American country and its oil reserves are what the US is eyeing, and the world is keenly watching the developments as they unfold. Also read: US President wears 'happy Trump’ lapel pin but says he's 'never happy' - WATCH “We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil. We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need,” Trump spelt out his plans to the journalists and assured them Venezuela will be getting the money it needs; he mentioned it is a dire situation for the country.

Trump noted how a life-size replica of the compound where the operation was to be executed was created at a military facility in Kentucky.

US forces trained with 'life-size replica' before capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has revealed that China is allegedly using Chinese IT and marketing companies to run large-scale disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing Taiwanese public opinion and weakening social cohesion, according to a report cited by the Central News Agency (CNA). In its analysis of the People's Republic of China's "cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan in 2025," the NSB said Taiwan's intelligence system identified over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.314 million pieces of disinformation circulating online. According to the NSB, these efforts are part of a coordinated operation overseen by China's Central Publicity Department and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Chinese IT companies have reportedly built databases and developed automated systems to manage fake or bot-operated accounts, CNA reported. The report further noted that marketing firms such as Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya have been used to create fake news websites that promote Beijing-friendly narratives. Meanwhile, Beijing-backed Wubianjie Group has allegedly operated content farms through Facebook fan pages that initially post sensational entertainment-style content to attract followers before gradually shifting to political messaging intended to shape public perception. According to the NSB, China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda, CNA said. To counter such influence operations, the NSB stated it is strengthening cooperation with domestic government bodies, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms to enhance transparency and remove false information. It also highlighted Taiwan's growing collaboration with the international community, noting that over the past year, it conducted more than 80 security dialogues and intelligence-sharing meetings with global democratic partners to jointly tackle China's cognitive warfare strategies, as cited by the CNA report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda.

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has revealed that China is allegedly using Chinese IT and marketing companies to run large-scale disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing Taiwanese public opinion and weakening social cohesion, according to a report cited by the Central News Agency (CNA). In its analysis of the People's Republic of China's "cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan in 2025," the NSB said Taiwan's intelligence system identified over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.314 million pieces of disinformation circulating online. According to the NSB, these efforts are part of a coordinated operation overseen by China's Central Publicity Department and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Chinese IT companies have reportedly built databases and developed automated systems to manage fake or bot-operated accounts, CNA reported. The report further noted that marketing firms such as Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya have been used to create fake news websites that promote Beijing-friendly narratives. Meanwhile, Beijing-backed Wubianjie Group has allegedly operated content farms through Facebook fan pages that initially post sensational entertainment-style content to attract followers before gradually shifting to political messaging intended to shape public perception. According to the NSB, China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda, CNA said. To counter such influence operations, the NSB stated it is strengthening cooperation with domestic government bodies, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms to enhance transparency and remove false information. It also highlighted Taiwan's growing collaboration with the international community, noting that over the past year, it conducted more than 80 security dialogues and intelligence-sharing meetings with global democratic partners to jointly tackle China's cognitive warfare strategies, as cited by the CNA report. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda.

China uses fake news sites, bot networks for 'Cognitive Warfare': NSB

Amid heightened tension with the United States over ongoing protests, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that Tehran would consider American military and commercial bases as "legitimate targets" for retaliation if Washington intervenes militarily amid ongoing unrest in the country. &nbsp;"If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, the US military and shipping centres will be considered legitimate targets," Qalibaf said. "We do not limit ourselves to only reacting after an action has been taken," he added.&nbsp;Qalibaf's remarks come amid the Trump Administration's mounting rhetoric as protests in the Islamic Republic entered their 14th consecutive day. &nbsp;The US president on Friday cautioned Iranian authorities against using brutal force to quell the protests and warned that the US will get involved if protesters are killed and would hit the country where it hurts.&nbsp;"Iran's in big trouble," Trump said, adding that "if they start killing people as they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts, and that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very hard where it hurts, so we don't want that to happen."&nbsp;Trump hinted at troubles for the Khamenei regime and reaffirmed US support for Iranian protesters on social media, saying "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before," Trump posted on Saturday. "The USA stands ready to help!"&nbsp;On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed the protests in Iran alongside the recent developments in Syria and Gaza. Rubio later affirmed American support to demonstrators posting "United States "supports the brave people of Iran".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seize-city-centres-choke-finances-exiled-crown-prince-s-call-to-iranians-1768053253921">Cut financial lifelines to bring Khamenei regime to its knees: Exiled Crown Prince’s fresh call to Iranian protesters</a>&nbsp;The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, now entered their fourteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown and complete internet blackout.&nbsp;&nbsp;Protesters have demanded the end of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime. Anti-regime chants filled the streets of Tehran, while Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah, has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Iranian Army issued a strong warning that it will defend the country's "national interests" and that it is monitoring enemy movements in the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Amid mounting rhetoric and repeated threats of military intervention from US President Donald Trump, Iran’s parliament speaker warned that Tehran would consider US bases ‘legitimate targets’ in the event of American military action in Iran.


Amid heightened tension with the United States over ongoing protests, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that Tehran would consider American military and commercial bases as "legitimate targets" for retaliation if Washington intervenes militarily amid ongoing unrest in the country. "If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, the US military and shipping centres will be considered legitimate targets," Qalibaf said. "We do not limit ourselves to only reacting after an action has been taken," he added. Qalibaf's remarks come amid the Trump Administration's mounting rhetoric as protests in the Islamic Republic entered their 14th consecutive day. The US president on Friday cautioned Iranian authorities against using brutal force to quell the protests and warned that the US will get involved if protesters are killed and would hit the country where it hurts. "Iran's in big trouble," Trump said, adding that "if they start killing people as they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts, and that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very hard where it hurts, so we don't want that to happen." Trump hinted at troubles for the Khamenei regime and reaffirmed US support for Iranian protesters on social media, saying "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before," Trump posted on Saturday. "The USA stands ready to help!" On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed the protests in Iran alongside the recent developments in Syria and Gaza. Rubio later affirmed American support to demonstrators posting "United States "supports the brave people of Iran". Also Read: Cut financial lifelines to bring Khamenei regime to its knees: Exiled Crown Prince’s fresh call to Iranian protesters The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, now entered their fourteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown and complete internet blackout. Protesters have demanded the end of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime. Anti-regime chants filled the streets of Tehran, while Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah, has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Iranian Army issued a strong warning that it will defend the country's "national interests" and that it is monitoring enemy movements in the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Amid mounting rhetoric and repeated threats of military intervention from US President Donald Trump, Iran’s parliament speaker warned that Tehran would consider US bases ‘legitimate targets’ in the event of American military action in Iran.

Iran warns US military, commercial bases would be 'legitimate targets' if Washington intervenes

Syria's Kurdish fighters said Sunday that they agreed under a ceasefire to withdraw from Aleppo after days of fighting government forces in the city. Hours earlier, Syria's military said it had finished operations in the Kurdish-held Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood with state television reporting that Kurdish fighters who surrendered were being bused to the north. The military had already announced its seizure of Aleppo's other Kurdish-held neighbourhood, Ashrafiyeh. Kurdish forces had controlled pockets of Syria's second city Aleppo and operate a de facto autonomous administration across swathes of the north and northeast, much of it captured during the 14-year civil war.&nbsp;The latest clashes erupted after negotiations to integrate the Kurds into the country's new government stalled."We reached an understanding that led to a ceasefire and secured the evacuation of the martyrs, the wounded, the trapped civilians and the fighters from Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhoods to northern and eastern Syria," the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) wrote in a statement.&nbsp;Syria's official SANA news agency reported that "buses carrying the last batch of members of the SDF organisation have left the Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood in Aleppo, heading towards northeastern Syria". The SDF initially denied its fighters were leaving, describing the bus transfers as forced displacement of civilians. An AFP correspondent saw at least five buses on Saturday carrying men out of Sheikh Maqsud, but could not independently verify their identities.&nbsp;According to the SDF statement, the ceasefire was reached "through the mediation of international parties to stop the attacks and violations against our people in Aleppo". The United States and European Union both called for the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities to return to political dialogue. The fighting, some of the most intense since the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has killed at least 21 civilians, according to figures from both sides, while Aleppo's governor said 155,000 people fled their homes.Both sides blamed the other for starting the clashes on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the outskirts of Sheikh Maqsud, families who had been trapped by the fighting were leaving, accompanied by Syrian security forces. An AFP correspondent saw men carrying children on their backs board buses headed to shelters.Dozens of young men in civilian clothing were separated from the crowd, with security forces making them sit on the ground before transporting them to an unknown destination, according to the correspondent. A Syrian security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the young men were "fighters" being "transferred to Syrian detention centres". At the entrance to the district, 60-year-old Imad al-Ahmad was heading in the opposite direction, trying to seek permission to return home.&nbsp;"I left four days ago...I took refuge at my sister's house," he told AFP.&nbsp;"I don't know if we'll be able to return today."Nahed Mohammad Qassab, a 40-year-old widow also waiting to return, said she left before the fighting to attend a funeral."My three children are still inside, at my neighbour's house. I want to get them out," she said.A flight suspension at Aleppo airport was extended until further notice.&nbsp;&nbsp;US envoy Tom Barrack met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday, and afterwards called for a "return to dialogue" with the Kurds in accordance with the integration framework agreed in March. The deal was meant to be implemented last year, but differences, including Kurdish demands for decentralised rule, stymied progress as Damascus repeatedly rejected the idea.The fighting in Aleppo raised fears of a regional escalation, with neighbouring Turkey, a close ally of Syria's new Islamist authorities, saying it was ready to intervene. Israel has sided with the Kurdish forces.&nbsp;The clashes have also tested the Syrian authorities' ability to reunify the country after the brutal civil war and commitment to protecting minorities, after sectarian bloodshed rocked the country's Alawite and Druze communities last year.

The latest clashes erupted after negotiations to integrate the Kurds into the country's new government stalled.

Syria's Kurdish fighters said Sunday that they agreed under a ceasefire to withdraw from Aleppo after days of fighting government forces in the city. Hours earlier, Syria's military said it had finished operations in the Kurdish-held Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood with state television reporting that Kurdish fighters who surrendered were being bused to the north. The military had already announced its seizure of Aleppo's other Kurdish-held neighbourhood, Ashrafiyeh. Kurdish forces had controlled pockets of Syria's second city Aleppo and operate a de facto autonomous administration across swathes of the north and northeast, much of it captured during the 14-year civil war. The latest clashes erupted after negotiations to integrate the Kurds into the country's new government stalled. "We reached an understanding that led to a ceasefire and secured the evacuation of the martyrs, the wounded, the trapped civilians and the fighters from Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhoods to northern and eastern Syria," the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) wrote in a statement. Syria's official SANA news agency reported that "buses carrying the last batch of members of the SDF organisation have left the Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood in Aleppo, heading towards northeastern Syria". The SDF initially denied its fighters were leaving, describing the bus transfers as forced displacement of civilians. An AFP correspondent saw at least five buses on Saturday carrying men out of Sheikh Maqsud, but could not independently verify their identities. According to the SDF statement, the ceasefire was reached "through the mediation of international parties to stop the attacks and violations against our people in Aleppo". The United States and European Union both called for the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities to return to political dialogue. The fighting, some of the most intense since the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has killed at least 21 civilians, according to figures from both sides, while Aleppo's governor said 155,000 people fled their homes. Both sides blamed the other for starting the clashes on Tuesday. On the outskirts of Sheikh Maqsud, families who had been trapped by the fighting were leaving, accompanied by Syrian security forces. An AFP correspondent saw men carrying children on their backs board buses headed to shelters. Dozens of young men in civilian clothing were separated from the crowd, with security forces making them sit on the ground before transporting them to an unknown destination, according to the correspondent. A Syrian security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the young men were "fighters" being "transferred to Syrian detention centres". At the entrance to the district, 60-year-old Imad al-Ahmad was heading in the opposite direction, trying to seek permission to return home. "I left four days ago...I took refuge at my sister's house," he told AFP. "I don't know if we'll be able to return today." Nahed Mohammad Qassab, a 40-year-old widow also waiting to return, said she left before the fighting to attend a funeral. "My three children are still inside, at my neighbour's house. I want to get them out," she said. A flight suspension at Aleppo airport was extended until further notice. US envoy Tom Barrack met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday, and afterwards called for a "return to dialogue" with the Kurds in accordance with the integration framework agreed in March. The deal was meant to be implemented last year, but differences, including Kurdish demands for decentralised rule, stymied progress as Damascus repeatedly rejected the idea. The fighting in Aleppo raised fears of a regional escalation, with neighbouring Turkey, a close ally of Syria's new Islamist authorities, saying it was ready to intervene. Israel has sided with the Kurdish forces. The clashes have also tested the Syrian authorities' ability to reunify the country after the brutal civil war and commitment to protecting minorities, after sectarian bloodshed rocked the country's Alawite and Druze communities last year.

The latest clashes erupted after negotiations to integrate the Kurds into the country's new government stalled.

Last Kurdish fighters leave Aleppo after deadly clashes

Contemplating a possible intervention by the United States in Iran, given the anti-government protests there, one of the biggest in years, Israel has put itself on high alert, reported Reuters, citing sources. Amid the ongoing protests Trump has voiced his support and warned Iran’s rulers against using force against demonstrators.&nbsp;However, it wasn't clear as to what did the high alert in practice meant. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June, in which the U.S. joined Israel in launching airstrikes.&nbsp;According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran over a the phone on Saturday.&nbsp;Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, and US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will intervene on the matter. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is son of Shah of Iran - Mohammad Reza Shah - has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. The world is reacting to the developments in Iran. Several reports said that death toll in the protest has reached 116.<h2>Israel supports Iran protest</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel identifies with the struggle of the Iranian people for "freedom, liberty, and justice." On Jan 4, he described the unrest as a potential turning point where Iranians are “taking their fate into their own hands.” On Sunday, Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving situation and is reportedly on high alert.

According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention.

Contemplating a possible intervention by the United States in Iran, given the anti-government protests there, one of the biggest in years, Israel has put itself on high alert, reported Reuters, citing sources. Amid the ongoing protests Trump has voiced his support and warned Iran’s rulers against using force against demonstrators. However, it wasn't clear as to what did the high alert in practice meant. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June, in which the U.S. joined Israel in launching airstrikes. According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran over a the phone on Saturday. Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, and US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will intervene on the matter. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is son of Shah of Iran - Mohammad Reza Shah - has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. The world is reacting to the developments in Iran. Several reports said that death toll in the protest has reached 116. Israel supports Iran protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel identifies with the struggle of the Iranian people for "freedom, liberty, and justice." On Jan 4, he described the unrest as a potential turning point where Iranians are “taking their fate into their own hands.” On Sunday, Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving situation and is reportedly on high alert.

According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention.

Israel on high alert as it contemplates US intervention in Iran, says report

Iran is facing widespread anti-government protest for half a month now against economic collapse and inflation. Protesters have demanded to end of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime. Anti-regime chants filled the streets of Iran's capital Tehran even amid regime's deadly crackdown under cover of an internet blackout. Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, and US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will intervene on the matter. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is son of Shah of Iran - Mohammad Reza Shah - has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. The world is reacting to the developments in Iran. Several reports said that death toll in the protest has reached 116.<h2>Canada, Australia and EU slams Iranian govt</h2>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly condemned the killing of protesters in Iran, denouncing the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people. “We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, whose voice must be heard, as they demand freedom and dignity,” it said in a statement. In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union lauded the bravery displayed by the citizens of Iran and urged the regime to stop using lethal force and respect the right to peaceful protest.<h2>Germany, France and UK expresses concern</h2>On Jan 9, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" over reports of violence by Iranian security forces. The leaders "strongly condemn the killing of protesters" and urged Tehran to uphold fundamental rights.&nbsp;<h2>Israel supports Iran protest</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel identifies with the struggle of the Iranian people for "freedom, liberty, and justice." On Jan 4, he described the unrest as a potential turning point where Iranians are “taking their fate into their own hands.” On Sunday, Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving situation and is reportedly on high alert.<h2>India's reaction</h2>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on Saturday stated that India is closely following the developments in Iran. Amid growing protest, the Indian government on Jan 5, issued a formal advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran due to the “recent developments.”&nbsp;

Iran has seen over two weeks of intense anti-government protests against inflation and economic collapse, despite a deadly crackdown. As Reza Pahlavi urges demonstrations to continue, Canada, EU, Israel and others condemn Tehran’s actions, while India issues a travel advisory.

Iran is facing widespread anti-government protest for half a month now against economic collapse and inflation. Protesters have demanded to end of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime. Anti-regime chants filled the streets of Iran's capital Tehran even amid regime's deadly crackdown under cover of an internet blackout. Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, and US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will intervene on the matter. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is son of Shah of Iran - Mohammad Reza Shah - has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. The world is reacting to the developments in Iran. Several reports said that death toll in the protest has reached 116. Canada, Australia and EU slams Iranian govt Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly condemned the killing of protesters in Iran, denouncing the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people. “We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, whose voice must be heard, as they demand freedom and dignity,” it said in a statement. In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union lauded the bravery displayed by the citizens of Iran and urged the regime to stop using lethal force and respect the right to peaceful protest. Germany, France and UK expresses concern On Jan 9, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" over reports of violence by Iranian security forces. The leaders "strongly condemn the killing of protesters" and urged Tehran to uphold fundamental rights. Israel supports Iran protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel identifies with the struggle of the Iranian people for "freedom, liberty, and justice." On Jan 4, he described the unrest as a potential turning point where Iranians are “taking their fate into their own hands.” On Sunday, Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving situation and is reportedly on high alert. India's reaction The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on Saturday stated that India is closely following the developments in Iran. Amid growing protest, the Indian government on Jan 5, issued a formal advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran due to the “recent developments.”

Iran has seen over two weeks of intense anti-government protests against inflation and economic collapse, despite a deadly crackdown. As Reza Pahlavi urges demonstrations to continue, Canada, EU, Israel and others condemn Tehran’s actions, while India issues a travel advisory.

116 killed, death penalty threat and Trump's warning: How world is reacting to growing Iran protest

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 9), while addressing the media, wore a tiny lapel pin of himself dubbed as "Happy Trump" but insisted he’s "never happy." The US president said that he was gifted this pin, though he did not reveal who gave him the pin. Trump was addressing the media after his meeting with the oil executives discussing future US control of Venezuela's energy industry. Trump also claimed that Venezuelans have named a street after him. Claiming that this sort of thing has not happened before, Trump hinted that the people of Venezuela are rejoicing after the ouster of Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;“Somebody gave me this. Do you know what that is? That's called a Happy Trump,” the president said when a reporter asked about the accessory during an event in the White House East Room. “The people of Venezuela are going wild over this. They named a street after President Trump. What do you do, you attack a country and they name a street after you? That has never happened before," he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“That’s what a HAPPY TRUMP looks like” 🤣 President Trump gets a question about his special pin. Honestly, how does anyone hate this guy? The man is comedy gold 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/n6SarMF3OD">pic.twitter.com/n6SarMF3OD</a>&mdash; Digital Gal (@DigitalGalX) <a href="https://twitter.com/DigitalGalX/status/2009737311706075553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-venezuela-s-machado-and-nobel-peace-prize-why-wikileaks-founder-filed-criminal-complaint-1766030037012">Julian Assange, Venezuela's Machado and Nobel peace prize: Why WikiLeaks founder filed criminal complaint?</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Venezuela's new leadership said that it launched talks with the United States on restoring diplomatic ties. Officials said US diplomats were in Caracas to discuss reopening the US embassy. "The government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez has decided to initiate an exploratory diplomatic process with the government of the United States of America, aimed at re-establishing diplomatic missions in both countries," Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement. This comes after Trump claimed that he is “in charge” of the country and that he had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela due to the prisoner releases. The US president had suggested he might use force again to get his way in Venezuela.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-exercise-extreme-caution-india-breaks-silence-after-us-captures-venezuela-president-nicolas-maduro-1767491349809">'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a>

US President Donald Trump flaunted a “Happy Trump” lapel pin while claiming he’s “never happy,” saying Venezuelans even named a street after him after Nicolas Maduro’s ouster. As Trump hinted at force, Venezuela’s new leadership began talks to restore US ties.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 9), while addressing the media, wore a tiny lapel pin of himself dubbed as "Happy Trump" but insisted he’s "never happy." The US president said that he was gifted this pin, though he did not reveal who gave him the pin. Trump was addressing the media after his meeting with the oil executives discussing future US control of Venezuela's energy industry. Trump also claimed that Venezuelans have named a street after him. Claiming that this sort of thing has not happened before, Trump hinted that the people of Venezuela are rejoicing after the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. “Somebody gave me this. Do you know what that is? That's called a Happy Trump,” the president said when a reporter asked about the accessory during an event in the White House East Room. “The people of Venezuela are going wild over this. They named a street after President Trump. What do you do, you attack a country and they name a street after you? That has never happened before," he said.

US President Donald Trump flaunted a “Happy Trump” lapel pin while claiming he’s “never happy.” He said Venezuelans even named a street after him after Nicolas Maduro’s ouster. As Trump hinted at force, Venezuela’s new leadership began talks to restore US ties.

US President wears 'happy Trump’ lapel pin but says he's 'never happy' - WATCH

To ease economic restrictions on China, India is being examined at the highest levels, with any relaxation tied to reciprocal and calibrated steps from Beijing. The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global trade environment and the risk of more severe US tariffs.&nbsp;Officials indicated that the approach being considered would be incremental rather than broad-based. India has already simplified the process of granting business visas to Chinese workers and is now reviewing whether some investment-related restrictions could also be eased.&nbsp;“It (easing of norms for China) is being worked upon. It will take time, though. There has to be reciprocity. Earlier, flights were restored, visas were given, and entry norms were eased as we had to allow technicians for stalled projects, etc. So it will happen gradually,” an official said, the Indian Express reported.&nbsp;Considerable groundwork has already been done. A high-level panel led by NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba had earlier proposed lifting restrictions on Chinese investments. In addition, the Economic Survey 2023-24 argued for attracting Chinese capital to boost India’s export competitiveness.<h3>Stricter rules on Chinese investments</h3>India imposed stricter rules on Chinese investments in April 2020 through Press Note 3, requiring government approval for investments from countries sharing land borders with India. The measure was introduced to prevent opportunistic takeovers during the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained in place amid heightened security concerns following the Galwan clash later that year.&nbsp;To stabilise the broader relationship, a similar diplomatic approach was also adopted. This includes resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra; restoration of direct flights; issuance of visas for journalists and think-tank researchers, and the sharing of trans-border river data. Following the development, India responded that both sides had “reviewed the state of India-China bilateral relations comprehensively” and decided on “people-centric steps” aimed at stabilising and rebuilding ties.

India has already simplified the process of granting business visas to Chinese workers and is now reviewing whether some investment-related restrictions could also be eased.

To ease economic restrictions on China, India is being examined at the highest levels, with any relaxation tied to reciprocal and calibrated steps from Beijing. The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global trade environment and the risk of more severe US tariffs. Officials indicated that the approach being considered would be incremental rather than broad-based. India has already simplified the process of granting business visas to Chinese workers and is now reviewing whether some investment-related restrictions could also be eased. “It (easing of norms for China) is being worked upon. It will take time, though. There has to be reciprocity. Earlier, flights were restored, visas were given, and entry norms were eased as we had to allow technicians for stalled projects, etc. So it will happen gradually,” an official said, the Indian Express reported. Considerable groundwork has already been done. A high-level panel led by NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba had earlier proposed lifting restrictions on Chinese investments. In addition, the Economic Survey 2023-24 argued for attracting Chinese capital to boost India’s export competitiveness. Stricter rules on Chinese investments India imposed stricter rules on Chinese investments in April 2020 through Press Note 3, requiring government approval for investments from countries sharing land borders with India. The measure was introduced to prevent opportunistic takeovers during the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained in place amid heightened security concerns following the Galwan clash later that year. To stabilise the broader relationship, a similar diplomatic approach was also adopted. This includes resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra; restoration of direct flights; issuance of visas for journalists and think-tank researchers, and the sharing of trans-border river data. Following the development, India responded that both sides had “reviewed the state of India-China bilateral relations comprehensively” and decided on “people-centric steps” aimed at stabilising and rebuilding ties.

India has already simplified the process of granting business visas to Chinese workers and is now reviewing whether some investment-related restrictions could also be eased.

Economic reset? India examines step-by-step relaxation in trade with China

Amid threat by Trump to overtake Greenland - a self-governed island that is territorially part of Denmark - by force, the United Kingdom &nbsp;is in talks with European allies to station army in Greenland in order to guard the Arctic for Donald Trump. This, as experts believe may be able to persuade Trump to abandon his ambition to annex the strategic island as it will be safe from Chinese or Russian threat as claimed by the US President.&nbsp;British officials recently met heads of countries including Germany and France to start the preparations. British soldiers, warships and planes are expected to be deployed in Greenland to protect it from any misadventure by Russia or China.&nbsp;“We share President Trump’s view – Russia’s growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened,” a source told The Telegraph.&nbsp;“Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue, and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence.&nbsp;“The UK will continue to work with allies – as we always have – on operations in our national interest, protecting people back at home," added the source.<h2>Trumps floats idea of buying territory</h2>The United States is considering paying $10,000-$100,000 to each Greenland resident, as a bid to encourage the annexation of the self-governing island nation from the Kingdom of Denmark. According to reports the audacious project is likely to cost around $6 billion to a population of roughly 57,000.&nbsp;"We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. I would like to make a deal, you know, the easy way. But if we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way…We're not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That's what they're going to do if we don't. So we're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way.," Trump said when asked of Greenland.&nbsp;

The move to deploy troops, as experts believe may be able to persuade Trump to abandon his ambition to annex the strategic island of Greenland.

Amid threat by Trump to overtake Greenland - a self-governed island that is territorially part of Denmark - by force, the United Kingdom is in talks with European allies to station army in Greenland in order to guard the Arctic for Donald Trump. This, as experts believe may be able to persuade Trump to abandon his ambition to annex the strategic island as it will be safe from Chinese or Russian threat as claimed by the US President. British officials recently met heads of countries including Germany and France to start the preparations. British soldiers, warships and planes are expected to be deployed in Greenland to protect it from any misadventure by Russia or China. “We share President Trump’s view – Russia’s growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened,” a source told The Telegraph. “Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue, and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence. “The UK will continue to work with allies – as we always have – on operations in our national interest, protecting people back at home," added the source. Trumps floats idea of buying territory The United States is considering paying $10,000-$100,000 to each Greenland resident, as a bid to encourage the annexation of the self-governing island nation from the Kingdom of Denmark. According to reports the audacious project is likely to cost around $6 billion to a population of roughly 57,000. "We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. I would like to make a deal, you know, the easy way. But if we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way…We're not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That's what they're going to do if we don't. So we're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way.," Trump said when asked of Greenland.

The move to deploy troops, as experts believe may be able to persuade Trump to abandon his ambition to annex the strategic island of Greenland.

European allies likely to deploy army in Greenland to ease Trump's China, Russia fear: Report

Social media platform X has blocked more than 3,500 content items and removed over 600 accounts, while assuring authorities that its operation complies with the online content laws in India, according to the HT. The action follows the government's recent directive giving X Corp, owned by Elon Musk, the task of filing an action taken report on obscene and sexually explicit content generated by its AI chatbot, Grok.&nbsp;Sources said X “admitted its mistake” and committed to stopping the creation of obscene images on the platform. On January 2, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote to X, citing serious shortcomings in curbing sexually explicit content. “The law of the land must prevail,” an official said, HT reported.&nbsp;Officials warned that X could lose legal protection under Indian law, and warned that other platforms would also face similar actions if their AI chatbots fail to comply. “In Grok’s case, the impact is accelerated because it operates on a platform like X," the official had said.&nbsp;Officials confirmed that the ministry has decided that Grok cannot be treated as a neutral platform tool. “The mindset has now changed. Earlier, they were operating from a higher position, but we have brought the issue down to the level of the law. Grok cannot be treated as a platform. It is a content creator, an artificial content creator. Just as I am a human content creator, Grok is an artificial one,” the official said.<h3>Other countries also objected to explicit content generation</h3>Five days later, X reportedly responded to the letter of the ministry, but the government stated that it was not satisfied with its answer. An official described the response as X “essentially reproducing its own user policy across five pages and sending it to the ministry.” The government clarified that the main concerns raised in its letter were not addressed in the response.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India is not the only country to object to the generation of explicit content using Grok AI. Recently, Indonesia suspended the chatbot over concerns about AI-generated pornographic content. In addition, the UK, France and Malaysia have also objected to the explicit content generation in the past.&nbsp;

On January 2, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote to X, citing serious shortcomings in curbing sexually explicit content. “The law of the land must prevail."

Social media platform X has blocked more than 3,500 content items and removed over 600 accounts, while assuring authorities that its operation complies with the online content laws in India, according to the HT. The action follows the government's recent directive giving X Corp, owned by Elon Musk, the task of filing an action taken report on obscene and sexually explicit content generated by its AI chatbot, Grok. Sources said X “admitted its mistake” and committed to stopping the creation of obscene images on the platform. On January 2, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote to X, citing serious shortcomings in curbing sexually explicit content. “The law of the land must prevail,” an official said, HT reported. Officials warned that X could lose legal protection under Indian law, and warned that other platforms would also face similar actions if their AI chatbots fail to comply. “In Grok’s case, the impact is accelerated because it operates on a platform like X," the official had said. Officials confirmed that the ministry has decided that Grok cannot be treated as a neutral platform tool. “The mindset has now changed. Earlier, they were operating from a higher position, but we have brought the issue down to the level of the law. Grok cannot be treated as a platform. It is a content creator, an artificial content creator. Just as I am a human content creator, Grok is an artificial one,” the official said. Other countries also objected to explicit content generation Five days later, X reportedly responded to the letter of the ministry, but the government stated that it was not satisfied with its answer. An official described the response as X “essentially reproducing its own user policy across five pages and sending it to the ministry.” The government clarified that the main concerns raised in its letter were not addressed in the response. Meanwhile, India is not the only country to object to the generation of explicit content using Grok AI. Recently, Indonesia suspended the chatbot over concerns about AI-generated pornographic content. In addition, the UK, France and Malaysia have also objected to the explicit content generation in the past.

On January 2, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote to X, citing serious shortcomings in curbing sexually explicit content. “The law of the land must prevail."

X takes action after India's complaint, blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts over Grok AI controversy: Report

Bolstered by the attack on Venezuela and the capture of ex-president Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered his special forces commanders to draw up a plan for the invasion of Greenland. However, the senior military figures do not seem very convinced with the idea due to its legality and political feasibility.&nbsp;According to a report in The Mail, that cites sources, US President, led by political adviser Stephen Miller want to move quickly to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move. Also the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) has been asked by Trump to prepare an invasion plan, according to the source.&nbsp;After the capture of Maduro, Trump has frequently been speaking of taking over Greenland.<h2>Trump's threat to Greenland</h2>At a recently held meet with oil company executives at the White House Trump said, "We are going to do something ​on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because ‍if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not ​going to have Russia or China as a neighbour."&nbsp;Trump also addressed the fears raised by Denmark, saying, "I'm a fan of Denmark, too, I have to tell you. And you know, they've been very nice to me…But you know, the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn't mean that they own the land."&nbsp;Notably, Trump talks about seizing Greenland - autonomous territory of ‍the Kingdom of Denmark with a population of 57,000 - despite already having military presence on the island under a 1951 agreement.&nbsp;

After the capture of Maduro, Trump has frequently been speaking of taking over Greenland and now he has ordered his army chiefs to draw up a plan in this regard.

Bolstered by the attack on Venezuela and the capture of ex-president Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered his special forces commanders to draw up a plan for the invasion of Greenland. However, the senior military figures do not seem very convinced with the idea due to its legality and political feasibility. According to a report in The Mail, that cites sources, US President, led by political adviser Stephen Miller want to move quickly to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move. Also the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) has been asked by Trump to prepare an invasion plan, according to the source. After the capture of Maduro, Trump has frequently been speaking of taking over Greenland. Trump's threat to Greenland At a recently held meet with oil company executives at the White House Trump said, "We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because ‍if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour." Trump also addressed the fears raised by Denmark, saying, "I'm a fan of Denmark, too, I have to tell you. And you know, they've been very nice to me…But you know, the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn't mean that they own the land." Notably, Trump talks about seizing Greenland - autonomous territory of ‍the Kingdom of Denmark with a population of 57,000 - despite already having military presence on the island under a 1951 agreement.

After the capture of Maduro, Trump has frequently been speaking of taking over Greenland and now he has ordered his army chiefs to draw up a plan in this regard.

US 'serious' on invading Greenland, Trump asks army chiefs to 'draw up plan' to attack

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

Security threat against Trump? ‘Suspicious object’ forces US President to reroute motorcade – Here’s what happened

'They want to negotiate': Trump's U-turn after hinting US strike on Iran

‘Acting President of Venezuela’: Trump’s bizarre claim after capturing Maduro

Did Trump praise Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez weeks after capturing Maduro?

'Looking at strong options': Trump's statement on Iran protest

Iran's exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi hints at US strike as protest enters 3rd week

Iran death toll over 500, says rights group; internet blackout enters fourth day

EU should consider forming combined military to replace US troops: defence chief

JeM chief Masood Azhar claims thousands of suicide bombers are ready to strike

Nepali Congress special convention tests party leadership, unity

Newlyweds among 8 killed in explosion during wedding celebrations in Pakistan

Why your X feed looks the way it does: Musk promises algorithm reveal

If Greenland is attacked, would NATO defend? Here's how law could stop the US

‘No more Venezuelan oil or money’: Trump warns Cuba to make a deal before it is ‘too late’

US, Israel inciting riots: Iran President addresses nation amid ongoing protests

US forces trained with 'life-size replica' before capturing Nicolas Maduro

China uses fake news sites, bot networks for 'Cognitive Warfare': NSB

Iran warns US bases would be 'legitimate targets' if Washington intervenes

Last Kurdish fighters leave Aleppo after deadly clashes

Israel on high alert as it contemplates US intervention in Iran, says report

'Struggle for freedom': How world is reacting to growing Iran protest

US President wears 'happy Trump’ lapel pin but says he's 'never happy'

Economic reset? India examines step-by-step relaxation in trade with China

European allies to deploy army in Greenland to check threat from China, Russia

X takes action after India's complaint, deletes 600+ accounts over Grok AI row

US 'serious' on invading Greenland, Trump asks army chiefs to 'draw up plan'