分类： world

The Syrian military declared a suspension of its offensive operations in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud district on Saturday, though Kurdish forces immediately contested the claim, reporting continued fierce combat. The violence erupted earlier this week following stalled negotiations to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national government framework.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) published an official statement indicating the cessation of all military activities would take effect at 3:00 PM local time. Concurrently, the military announced plans to transfer surrendering Kurdish fighters to the northeastern city of Tabaqa, under the supervision of the interior ministry. State television documented the transportation process, showing at least four buses accompanied by security forces departing the conflict zone.

However, the SDF vehemently denied both the ceasefire declaration and government assertions that they controlled most of Sheikh Maqsud. Kurdish officials characterized the army’s statements as a “blatant attempt to mislead public opinion” while reporting they were actively repelling attacks. The fighting has exacted a severe humanitarian toll, with at least 21 civilian fatalities confirmed and approximately 155,000 residents displaced from their homes, according to Aleppo’s governor.

The conflict stems from unresolved disagreements regarding the implementation of a March 2023 integration agreement. Kurdish demands for decentralized governance structures have particularly hampered progress. Elham Ahmad, a senior Kurdish administration official, accused Damascus of “choosing the path of war” and undermining previously established agreements.

International attention has intensified, with US envoy Tom Barrack confirming discussions with Jordan’s foreign minister regarding ceasefire consolidation, safe SDF withdrawal from Aleppo, and civilian protection. Both parties emphasized the urgent need to implement the integration agreement to achieve lasting stability.

A substantial seismic event measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Indonesia’s Talaud Islands on Saturday evening, according to multiple seismic monitoring agencies. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the earthquake struck at approximately 6:00 PM UAE time, with its epicenter located offshore in the seismically active region.

The temblor originated at a considerable depth of 77 kilometers (approximately 47.85 miles) beneath the earth’s surface, which typically reduces surface impact while still representing significant geological activity. Indonesia’s National Seismic Network, operated by the National Center of Meteorology, independently confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude and timing.

Indonesia, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates. The Talaud Islands region, located north of Sulawesi, has historically experienced moderate to strong earthquakes, though this particular event’s deep focus may have mitigated potential damage.

Seismologists continue to monitor the region for aftershocks, which commonly follow earthquakes of this magnitude. No immediate tsunami warnings were issued following the event, as subduction zone earthquakes at this depth typically don’t generate significant tsunami activity. Local authorities are assessing potential impacts on coastal communities while residents reported feeling moderate tremors across the archipelago.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has delivered a substantial evidentiary package exceeding 1,300 items to the defense team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a December 2025 document recently made public. This disclosure represents a critical development in the ongoing case concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

Court records indicate that between July 7 and December 18, 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) transferred a total of 1,303 evidentiary pieces to Duterte’s legal representatives. The evidence breakdown reveals 906 items categorized as incriminating (INCRIM), 389 classified under Rule 77 evidence accessible to defense review, and eight potentially exonerating (PEXO) materials.

While the OTP maintained confidentiality regarding specific details, official documentation confirms the incriminating evidence encompasses fatalities occurring during barangay clearance operations and the deaths of designated ‘high-value targets’ throughout Duterte’s presidential tenure from 2016 to 2022. The evidence disclosure process, initiated in March 2024, represents a pivotal phase in ICC proceedings that could substantially influence the case’s trajectory.

The recently shared evidence will not feature in upcoming confirmation of charges hearings, which remain unscheduled after being postponed from original September dates. ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang formally signed the disclosure document, underscoring the procedural gravity of this development.

Duterte currently remains detained at the Scheveningen prison facility in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity. The allegations stem from widespread killings associated with his administration’s aggressive narcotics suppression strategy that resulted in thousands of fatalities during its implementation.

The United Arab Emirates has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens residing in the United Kingdom as severe weather conditions continue to batter Northern Europe. Storm Goretti, which made landfall on Friday, January 9th, has brought unprecedented snowfall, powerful winds, and torrential rainfall across multiple regions, prompting the UAE Embassy in London to activate emergency protocols.

According to meteorological reports, the storm has created hazardous travel conditions and disrupted essential services throughout affected areas. The embassy specifically emphasized the importance of adhering to all safety directives issued by local authorities, including weather advisories and travel restrictions. Officials warned that the extreme conditions could persist throughout the weekend, potentially exacerbating existing challenges.

In response to the crisis, the UAE diplomatic mission has activated its emergency response system, urging citizens to register with the ‘Twajudi’ consular service platform for real-time assistance. The service provides critical support coordination and ensures timely intervention for Emirati nationals requiring aid during emergencies. For immediate assistance, citizens have been directed to contact UAE emergency numbers: +971 800 24 or +971 800 44444.

The impact of Storm Goretti has been substantial across Northern Europe. French power provider Enedis reported approximately 380,000 households without electricity, primarily in Normandy and Brittany regions. Meanwhile, Britain’s National Grid confirmed power outages affecting 57,000 homes, compounding existing challenges from a week of freezing temperatures. Educational institutions across Scotland and central England have announced widespread closures, while rail operators have suspended services and advised against non-essential travel.

The UAE’s proactive warning system demonstrates the government’s commitment to citizen welfare abroad, particularly during extreme weather events that have become increasingly common in recent years. Meteorological experts note that Storm Goretti represents one of the most significant winter systems to affect the region this decade, with recovery operations expected to continue throughout the coming week.

A fragile ceasefire agreement in northern Syria has collapsed as Kurdish forces vehemently deny Syrian government claims of capturing Aleppo’s strategic Sheikh Maqsud district. The Syrian army announced Saturday it had successfully combed through and seized control of the area from Kurdish fighters, signaling a violent end to temporary truce arrangements that had been welcomed earlier by the United States and other world powers.

The confrontation in Syria’s second city has exposed one of the most significant faultlines in the country’s complex geopolitical landscape. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s vision of unifying Syria under centralized leadership following 14 years of devastating civil war continues to face determined resistance from Kurdish forces, who remain deeply wary of the Islamist-led government in Damascus.

Despite international backing for the ceasefire initiative, Kurdish military units refused to abandon their last stronghold in Sheikh Maqsud under the proposed terms. This refusal prompted Syria’s army to declare late Friday that it would initiate ground operations to forcibly expel Kurdish fighters from the district.

Early Saturday, Syrian military officials stated they had completed comprehensive clearing operations throughout Sheikh Maqsud, though they acknowledged some Kurdish fighters remained in hiding. Kurdish forces immediately issued a written rebuttal, denying government forces had achieved full control and asserting their continued resistance. Reuters correspondents in Aleppo noted an absence of audible combat sounds during this period.

The potential fall of Sheikh Maqsud would mark a significant strategic shift, ending Kurdish administrative control over sections of Aleppo that they have maintained since the conflict’s inception in 2011. Kurdish authorities continue to govern extensive territories across northeastern Syria, where they have established a semi-autonomous administrative zone.

These developments occur against the backdrop of stalled integration negotiations between Kurdish leadership and Syria’s new government, which consists primarily of former rebel fighters who overthrew long-term leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The recent escalation of violence, which began Tuesday, has resulted in at least nine civilian fatalities and triggered the displacement of over 140,000 residents from the affected areas.

US envoy Tom Barrack confirmed Saturday via a statement on social media platform X that he had met with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi in Amman to reinforce ceasefire efforts and ensure what he described as the “peaceful withdrawal of Kurdish forces from Aleppo.”

A tense ceasefire has been implemented in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, following several days of intense combat between government-aligned forces and US-backed Kurdish fighters. The Syrian Ministry of Defense formally announced the truce, which took effect at 3:00 AM local time on Friday, specifically covering the Sheikh Maqsud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zeid districts.

The hostilities, which erupted earlier this week, represent a significant setback for stabilization efforts in the war-torn nation. The clashes pitted Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), resulting in at least 21 fatalities and triggering a massive civilian exodus. State media estimates indicate approximately 16,000 residents were forced to flee their homes amid the violence that persisted through Thursday night.

This recent military confrontation stems from stalled negotiations regarding a March 2025 integration agreement that aimed to incorporate the SDF—which controls substantial territory in Syria’s oil-rich northeast—into national institutions and the state army. Disagreements over Kurdish demands for decentralized governance have hampered implementation of the accord.

Under the ceasefire terms, Kurdish fighters were given until 9:00 AM Friday to withdraw from the specified neighborhoods with their light weapons, relocating to eastern Kurdish-dominated areas. Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib personally inspected security arrangements in Ashrafiyeh following the announcement.

The United States, through envoy Tom Barrack, expressed approval of the ceasefire via social media, stating Washington hopes for “a more enduring calm and deeper dialogue” while working intensively to extend the temporary peace. Notably, Kurdish forces had not issued an immediate response to the government’s statements at the time of reporting.

Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, previously warned that attacks on Kurdish areas “undermine the chances of reaching understandings,” having recently visited Damascus for discussions about the integration deal. The Syrian army emphasized that the ceasefire’s primary objective is enabling displaced civilians “to return and resume their normal lives in an atmosphere of security and stability.”