Asia
Red Sea: USA’s fourth round of missile strikes against Houthis
On 17 January the US military launched a fourth round of missile strikes targeting Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, aiming to prevent imminent threats to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.…
Pakistan / Iran: retaliatory airstrikes
On 18 January Pakistan launched retaliatory airstrikes against alleged ‘terrorist hideouts’ in Iran, killing seven. This followed Iran's strikes on Pakistani soil on the 16th, resulting in the deaths of two children, which…
South Africa complains of Israeli ‘genocide’
South Africa has appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to force Israel to ‘immediately suspend’ its military operations in Gaza. While acknowledging the ‘particular weight of responsibility’ of accusing Israel of…
Yemen: another missile attack by Houthi rebels thwarted
On 9 January, the US and UK navies intercepted 21 drones and missiles fired in the southern Red Sea by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels - their 26th attack on global maritime trade routes…
Papua New Guinea: violence after police go on strike
Violence erupted in PNG's capital, Port Moresby, on 10 January, after police went on strike due to pay issues. The governor, as looting and fires engulfed the city, called the situation unprecedented in…
Japan: devastating earthquake
Scenes of devastation emerged along Japan’s western coast as rescuers raced to save residents trapped in the rubble of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake on 1 January which triggered multiple aftershocks and killed dozens…
Iran: over 80 killed by bombs on anniversary of general’s death
On 3 January two bomb explosions near the tomb of general Qasem Soleimani in the southern city of Kerman resulted in at least 84 deaths and many injuries. The blasts occurred during a…
Gaza: possible signs of a second pause in the conflict
There are signs which suggest a potential pause in the Israel-Hamas conflict, although a full ceasefire remains uncertain. Hamas, which has consistently said that it will only free more Israeli hostages in exchange…
Japan: notable increase in attacks by bears
In Japan, a huge surge in bear attacks has been linked to climate change. Already in 2023 there have been 212 attacks, compared to 158 in 2022; six people have died. Rising temperatures…
Gaza conflict: UN vote for an immediate ceasefire
On 12 December, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. With 153 votes in favour, 10 against (including the United States and Israel),…
