• According to the FBI's investigation, the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday was apparently not a terrorist attack, as initially suspected. Instead, it was a tragic suicide. The incident involves a highly decorated war veteran who suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for years. FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated: “Our investigation has determined that there is no terrorist connection. Rather, everything points to a tragic case of personal desperation.” The investigation continues to focus on establishing the exact circumstances. The incident has sparked public concern and has brought into focus the challenges that many veterans face after returning from war.
• 4. January: A widespread technical outage affected aviation ports across the country. The causes are currently unknown. A spokesperson for the federal police confirmed: “Our colleagues had to manually do what the system used to do.” However, it correlates with the political situation in the country. However, the chairman of the police union, Heiko Tegatz, is certain: the failure is precisely the fault of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and its refusal to provide funds for IT modernization. “We have repeatedly pointed this out, but Ms. Faeser has ignored us. This is a problem that was personally created by the interior minister, and absolute chaos!”
• Romania is introducing emergency austerity measures. The package of measures, which will come into force on January 1, 2025, includes a freeze on the salaries of public servants, pensions and social benefits at the November 2024 level, as well as the elimination of bonuses and incentives in the public sector. In addition, public sector employees will not be compensated for overtime or unused vacation days. In addition, the tax on dividends will be increased from 8% to 10%, and tax breaks for farmers and IT workers have been canceled. The stated goal is to save 1% of GDP in the face of the high budget deficit – expenditure of 69 billion lei exceeded the established ceiling in 2024, or 3.92% of GDP. On December 28, during a meeting with trade union representatives, the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, stated that he was not obliged to adjust salaries in line with inflation.
• In the UK, a truck with 20,000 liters of beer was stolen on New Year's Eve. The incident occurred at a logistics center in Northhamptonshire. The beverages were in 400 kegs of 50 liters each. The stolen truck has not yet been found. It has been reported that supermarkets and bars throughout the UK are facing a shortage of beer due to this theft. Some bars are now even selling beer by the token. The theft has been reported to the local police.
• Since yesterday, the media have been reporting on overburdened hospitals in China and a possible outbreak of human metapneumovirus (hMPV). What is known? Taiwanese media are talking about a high mortality rate of 43% and possible emergency measures. The Chinese authorities only confirm a seasonal increase in respiratory diseases, especially in the northern provinces. Background on hMPV: The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to complications such as pneumonia in children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Videos of overcrowded hospitals and worried patients are circulating on social media.
• According to the US intelligence, there is a secret alliance between China and the Houthis in Yemen, pointing to Beijing's role in supplying advanced weapons to the Iran-backed group. According to the report, the Houthis use Chinese weapons such as drones, anti-ship missiles and precision-guided munitions in their operations on the Red Sea. In return, the Houthis allow Chinese ships safe passage through this important sea lane.
• The foreign ministers of Germany and France arrived in Syria on an unannounced visit and demanded the withdrawal of Russian military bases from the country. Annalena Berbock and Jean-Noël Barrot got out of a military cargo plane wearing protective vests. They were met by the head of the terrorists who have taken power, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• According to Ynet, Israeli aircraft have bombed over 100 targets in Gaza since Friday.
• Europe and the US have spent 310 billion euros on Ukraine, money that could have worked “miracles” for the European economy - Orban
• Syrian Observatory: More than 100 dead in two days in clashes between the Kurdish SDF and the pro-Turkish SNA in northern Syria.
• On January 3, the Israeli Defense Forces resumed their operations in Bani Hayyan in southeastern Lebanon. Hezbollah-affiliated media reported that on January 3, Israeli forces advanced from Kfar Kila in the Marjaayoun district towards Burj al Muluk.
• Syria's new leader, Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, has called on the US to pressure Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone in Syria, including the Syrian part of Mount Hermon, the Israel Broadcasting Authority reports.
• Greenland's prime minister calls for independence from Denmark – Trump again shows interest in the island. In his New Year's address, the Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Egede, called for independence from Denmark and criticized the “shackles of colonialism”. Greenland, the largest island in the world with a population of around 60,000, was a Danish colony until 1979, when it was granted self-governing rights. Nevertheless, Copenhagen continues to control the territory's foreign and defense policy.
• US President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel.
• On January 2, the Israeli Air Force carried out a massive attack near Damascus. This comes against the backdrop of Israel's ongoing military expansion in Syria, which now extends to a major dam in the southern Syrian province of Quneitra. Details of the expansion: Israel took over strategic water sources such as the Al-Wahda Dam on the Yarmouk River Basin and others after the fall of the Assad government. Israel is now reported to control 30% of Syria's water resources, as well as 40% of Jordan's water sources. These developments, reported by both Syrian and Israeli sources, underscore Israel's growing control over strategic resources in the region.
• A significant Ukrainian offensive appears to be underway in the Sudzha sector of the Kursk front. Russian troops report intense fighting and the concentration of large Ukrainian troops and military equipment in the Sumy region, near the border with Russia's Kursk region. Both defense ministries have officially confirmed the escalation of the fighting. Ukrainian troops are advancing towards Kruglik and Berdin in the north. A wooded area east of Mikhailovka has been taken, and small units are advancing towards Pushkarnoje and Russkaja Konopelka. In total, Ukrainian forces have taken control of about 24 square kilometers of territory. The situation remains dynamic as both sides consolidate their positions.
• China has imposed export restrictions on 28 US defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The affected companies are no longer allowed to supply certain goods with civilian and military applications to China. President Xi Jinping recently reaffirmed his determination to achieve reunification with Taiwan, including the use of military force.
• Men aged 18-60 with limited fitness are obliged to undergo a medical examination again by February 4, 2025 - order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
• January 4: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer resigns.
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