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đź“…January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global tensions rise with US threats to Iran and Cuba, massive anti-ICE protests in US, US capture of Maduro in Venezuela, high Gaza death toll admission, and EU-Mercosur trade deal.
1

US Captures Venezuelan President Maduro

United States forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, flying them out of the country; Vice President Delcy Rodríguez now acts as president. US Marines struck key military sites including Fort Tiuna with Hellfire missiles prior to the capture.Source 4 This marks a major escalation in US-Venezuela relations.Source 4

2

Israel Admits Over 70,000 Dead in Gaza

Israel’s military accepted Gaza health authorities' death toll of about 70,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, excluding missing persons. This is the first public Israeli estimate, previously only reporting militants killed; Gaza reports exceed 71,660 direct deaths plus 10,000 under rubble.Source 1 The admission follows years of disputing the data.Source 1

3

Massive Anti-ICE Protests Sweep US

Tens of thousands marched in cities from California to New York against ICE crackdowns and Trump’s immigration policies, with disruptions in Minneapolis. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested during a protest at a Minnesota church.Source 3Source 5 Nationwide demonstrations continue amid arrests and tensions.Source 3

4

Pentagon Plans Strike on Iran

The Pentagon and White House drafted plans for a possible military strike against Iran, as reported by US sources. This comes amid satellite images showing activity at Iranian nuclear sites bombed last year by Israel and US, possibly to obscure salvage efforts.Source 1Source 2 Tensions escalate with Iran's crackdown on protests.Source 1

5

Trump Targets Cuba with New Tariffs

President Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, calling it a national security threat. Cuba’s President Diaz-Canel denounced it as an attempt to suffocate the economy; Russia condemned the US restrictions.Source 1Source 2 This intensifies long-standing US pressure on Havana.Source 1

6

EU Signs Historic Mercosur Trade Deal

The European Union and Mercosur formally signed a free trade agreement after 25 years of negotiations, creating the world's largest free trade area. The deal boosts economic ties between Europe and South America.Source 4 It promises significant market access and growth opportunities.Source 4

7

Jeffrey Epstein Files Released by DOJ

The Department of Justice released 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and nearly 200,000 images from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files. The documents follow weeks of anticipation for public disclosure.Source 3 They provide new insights into the case after years of secrecy.Source 3

8

US Withdraws from Iraq's Al-Asad Airbase

US Armed Forces formally withdrew from Iraq's Al-Asad Airbase, handing full control to Iraqi forces for the first time since 2014. This ends a key chapter in US-Iraq military presence.Source 4 The move aligns with shifting regional dynamics.Source 4

9

Israel to Reopen Gaza-Egypt Border Crossing

Israel announced reopening the pedestrian border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in both directions starting Sunday, after nearly two years of closure. This could ease humanitarian access amid ongoing conflict.Source 5 The decision follows recent military actions in Gaza.Source 5

10

Actress Catherine O’Hara Dies at 71

Award-winning actress Catherine O’Hara, known for 'Schitt’s Creek' and 'Home Alone,' died at age 71 after a brief illness. Tributes poured in, including from Macaulay Culkin.Source 3Source 9 Her legacy in comedy and film is widely remembered.Source 3

11

Algeria Launches Earth Observation Satellite

Algeria successfully launched its Earth observation satellite from China’s Jiuquan center to aid land-use planning and disaster prevention. The mission enhances Algeria's monitoring capabilities.Source 2 It supports national development in remote sensing.Source 2

12

AU Condemns Deadly Attacks in Niger

The African Union strongly condemned attacks on Niamey’s airport and Bosiye village, calling them heinous acts against civilians and infrastructure. The strikes highlight ongoing security threats in the region.Source 2 Deep concern was expressed for civilian safety.Source 2