© Photo by Kurdishstruggle via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Finland: Cargo Vessel Seized in “Aggravated” Undersea Cable Sabotage Probe
Venezuela: US Conducts Military Strikes and Captures President Nicolás Maduro
US: Announces Withdrawal from 66 International Organisations
Syria: Army Launches New Strikes in Aleppo as Clashes with Kurdish-led SDF Intensify
Europe: Experts Warn of Potential Greenland Annexation and NATO’s Collapse
Nigeria: Former Justice Minister Granted Bail in Graft Case
On 7 January 2026, a Nigerian High Court granted bail to former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, who has been detained on multiple charges of money laundering and abuse of office, totalling 16 counts. The court has postponed the trial until 17 February 2026, in a case that highlights broader issues of transnational corruption and accountability in public office. Malami’s prosecution follows investigations by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency into alleged schemes that may involve global financial networks and cross-border money movement, linking domestic judicial actions to broader international norms against corruption. The bail conditions reflect ongoing concerns regarding flight risk and the preservation of evidence in complex financial crimes. This decision illustrates Nigeria’s commitment to upholding accountability standards that align with global anti-corruption conventions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: New War Crimes Charge Against Bosnian-Serb Commander Currently Serving Genocide Sentence
On 7 January 2026, it was reported Radislav Krstic, a former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army’s Drina Corps, was indicted on a new charge of war crimes by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s state-level court. Krstic, who is currently serving a 35-year sentence for genocide, was indicted on 29 December 2025 and is accused of participating in a joint criminal enterprise that led to an attack on the village of Novoseoci in September 1992. This attack was part of a widespread coordinated attack by the Bosnian Serb Army on the Bosniak population in the Sokolac region, which included the destruction and looting of civilian property, including a local mosque. After the attack, women and children were separated from the men, who were transported to a rubbish dump and executed. At this location, 44 people between the ages of 14 and 77 were killed. It remains unclear how the court will proceed with Krstic’s new charge, considering he is already serving a prison sentence for his role in the Srebrenica genocide.
Somalia: Investigation Launched into Yemeni Separatist Leader’s Flight via Mogadishu Airport
On 8 January 2026, Somali authorities initiated a formal investigation regarding the use of Mogadishu airport as a transit point for the aircraft of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and a prominent Yemeni separatist figure, as he exited the country. Saudi Arabia has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of smuggling al-Zubaidi out of Yemen after he failed to attend talks in Riyadh on Wednesday, escalating diplomatic tensions between Saudia Arabia and the UAE. It is reported that al-Zubaidi left the city of Aden for Abu Dhabi with UAE assistance. Al-Zubaidi initially travelled by boat from Berbera in Somaliland before boarding a flight to Mogadishu, Somalia, which was later tracked to a military airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital. Somali prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into the matter, assessing whether there were violations of airspace, aviation protocols, or customs laws, and whether any state or private individuals may bear criminal liability for facilitating his departure without proper clearance.
ICJ: Myanmar Genocide Case Hearing to Begin on 12 January 2026
On 8 January 2026, it was reported that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has scheduled hearings on the merits of the genocide case brought by Gambia against Myanmar from 12 to 29 January 2026. The hearings will focus on alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention related to atrocities committed against the Rohingya ethnic minority. The Gambia’s application asserts that Myanmar’s security forces engaged in widespread killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of Rohingya villages, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands to Bangladesh. The court will hear witness testimonies and expert submissions from both parties, with some sessions being closed to the public due to the sensitive nature of the evidence presented.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/01/08/myanmar-critical-hearings-in-rohingya-genocide-case
Germany: Trial Begins for Syrian Accused of IS Crimes
On 8 January 2026, the trial of a 33-year-old Syrian man identified as Ahmad A. began in Duesseldorf, Germany, concerning his alleged participation in crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. Ahmad A. was arrested in January 2025 in Western Germany, where he had been residing. He faces charges of belonging to a foreign terrorist organisation and being an accomplice to murder. Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2017, he was a member of IS and directed patrols in the Syrian town of Kishkiya. In August 2014, he is accused of arresting several men from a local tribe, immediately beheading two of them, while subjecting others to torture and abuse. He is also suspected of facilitating killings of other detainees by providing security for an armed group. The trial is expected to last until March 2026.
https://www.newarab.com/news/syrian-goes-trial-germany-over-atrocities
ICC: Pre-Trial Judges Reject Duterte’s Request for New Expert Report
On 8 January 2026, it was reported that former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for an additional expert report was rejected by the Pre-Trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC prosecution charged Duterte with Crimes Against Humanity, referencing 76 killings allegedly linked to the Davao Death Squad and anti-crime and anti-drug operations during his time as Mayor and President. On 19 December 2025, Duterte’s defence sought a broader expert report to evaluate the former president’s cognitive condition, with the aim of securing interim release in the future. Pre-Trial Chamber I stated the medical examination of the three court-appointed experts offers a substantial and independent assessment of Duterte’s condition to determine his capabilities to participate in the trial, adding that further reports would exceed its mandate. The independent report has been provided to the defence, and the defence can refer to it in its submissions regarding Duterte’s nine-month detention. As of yet, no hearing for the periodic review has been scheduled.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180d74af1.pdf
UK: Trial Begins for Six Alleged Members of Prohibited PKK
On 9 January 2026, the trial of six Kurdish individuals who were charged with membership of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) began in the UK. The PKK are a banned militant group in the UK, EU, the US, and Türkiye, where the group originated. The PKK has been labelled a terrorist organisation in the UK since 2001. The defendants, who are aged between 24 and 63, were charged in December 2024 after police raided a Kurdish community centre in London. The defendants who have all pleaded not guilty, were accused of organising and participating in meetings to support the PKK. The trial is expected to continue for three months.
Finland: Cargo Vessel Seized in “Aggravated” Undersea Cable Sabotage Probe
On 1 January 2026, it was reported that Finnish authorities seized the cargo vessel Fitburg in the Gulf of Finland following the discovery of significant damage to a critical undersea telecommunications cable connecting Helsinki and Tallinn. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines-flagged ship, en route from St. Petersburg to Israel, was intercepted by the Finnish Border Guard after being found dragging its anchor across the seabed, a tactic previously linked to hybrid warfare. While telecommunications provider Elisa rerouted data to prevent widespread outages, officials confirmed that the damage occurred within Estonia’s exclusive economic zone, triggering a joint investigation into suspected “aggravated sabotage” and “interference with telecommunications.” The seizure has deep geopolitical implications, as the Fitburg was reportedly carrying sanctioned Russian steel, suggesting a dual role in sanctions evasion and infrastructure disruption. Finnish police have detained two crew members and placed others under travel bans, while NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” task force monitors the situation for signs of state-sponsored aggression. This incident follows a similar cable-cutting event by a Russian-linked tanker in 2024, heightening regional anxiety over the vulnerability of the Baltic’s digital arteries. As the investigation continues, European leaders are calling for enhanced surveillance to protect vital maritime links from escalating hybrid threats.
Ukraine: 400,000 Russians Killed and Wounded in 2025 Highlighting High Human Cost for Marginal Territorial Gains
On 2 January 2026, it was reported that more than 400,000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in 2025 while capturing just 0.8% of Ukrainian territory, according to estimates from Ukraine’s General Staff. Western intelligence estimates suggest Russia suffered roughly 1,100 casualties per day over the year, with losses driven by relentless assaults relying on massed infantry, artillery, and drone warfare. Despite these sacrifices, Russia’s battlefield gains remained limited and incremental, reflecting a strategy that prioritises attrition over manoeuvre. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera warn that Moscow appears willing to absorb extraordinary losses to maintain pressure on Ukrainian defences, even with equipment shortages and declining troop quality. Ukraine, for its part, has also endured heavy casualties but continues to hold most of the front line, relying on defensive fortifications, Western-supplied weapons and drones to blunt Russian advances. Overall, the figures reinforce assessments that the war has entered a prolonged, brutal phase in which territory changes hands slowly while civilian suffering, economic strain, and military losses continue to escalate, with no clear path to a negotiated settlement in sight despite the massive human cost.
Venezuela: US Conducts Military Strikes and Captures President Nicolás Maduro
On 3 January 2026, the US launched a massive military operation against Venezuela, conducting heavy airstrikes across the capital, Caracas, and capturing President Nicolás Maduro alongside First Lady Cilia Flores. Codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” the lightning strike targeted key military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota airbase, resulting in widespread power outages and multiple casualties. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the abduction via social media, posting a photograph of a blindfolded Maduro in US custody and declaring that Washington would run the country until a transition is established. The unilateral intervention, framed by the White House as a “law enforcement action” against narcoterrorism, has been met with fierce international condemnation. While opposition leaders expressed support, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the move as “imperialist aggression” and demanded proof of life for the captured leader. Regional powers, including Brazil and Colombia, labelled the strikes an unacceptable breach of sovereignty, while the UN warned of a “dangerous precedent.” Maduro and his wife have been indicted in New York and face criminal charges.
US: Announces Withdrawal from 66 International Organisations
On 7 January 2026, the US announced it would withdraw from 66 international organisations, marking a further retreat from global cooperation under the Trump administration. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending US support for a wide range of agencies, commissions and advisory bodies following a comprehensive review of American participation in international institutions, including those linked to the UN. Among the affected entities are the UN Population Fund and the UN treaty framework governing international climate negotiations, as well as several organisations focused on climate, labour, migration, and democracy. The administration said many of these bodies were deemed redundant, mismanaged or misaligned with US interests, accusing them of promoting “woke” initiatives and threatening national sovereignty. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the targeted institutions were wasteful and captured by actors advancing agendas contrary to US priorities. The move has sparked criticism from international partners and experts, who warn it could weaken global cooperation on key issues such as climate change, humanitarian assistance and democratic governance.
Lebanon: Army Completes First Phase of Militant Disarmament Plan
On 8 January 2026, Lebanon’s military announced it had completed the first phase of a plan to deploy across southern Lebanon and disarm non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, under a ceasefire that ended the 2024 war with Israel. The army said it had cleared tunnels, rocket-launching sites, and unexploded ordnance south of the Litani River, describing the disarmament process as having reached an “advanced stage.” The ceasefire agreement is vague on how Hezbollah’s weapons north of the river should be treated, with Lebanese authorities saying they will eventually dismantle non-state arms across the country. Hezbollah maintains that disarmament applies only south of the Litani, while Israel insists it covers the entire country. Israeli officials warned it was “far from sufficient,” accusing Hezbollah of attempting to rearm. Lebanese leaders reiterated calls for Israel to halt airstrikes, withdraw from occupied positions, and respect the ceasefire, while Hezbollah has insisted it will not fully disarm beyond the south unless Israel meets those conditions. With Israel continuing near-daily strikes and tensions remaining high, fears are growing that the ceasefire could give way to renewed escalation.
https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-hezbollah-israel-disarmament-a5a91244462acc70bea984f841750c40
Syria: Army Launches New Strikes in Aleppo as Clashes with Kurdish-led SDF Intensify
On 8 January 2026, the Syrian army launched new strikes in parts of Aleppo as fighting with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) entered a third day. The army ordered residents of several neighbourhoods, including Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, to evacuate, accusing the SDF of using Kurdish-majority areas to launch attacks. Syrian authorities released maps of areas designated for strikes and imposed curfews, citing security concerns. The violence has displaced thousands of civilians, with local civil defence officials saying around 13,500 people had fled their homes, most of them women, children and people with special needs. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s prime minister, Masrour Barzani, expressed concern over attacks on Kurdish neighbourhoods, warning that targeting civilians and attempts to alter the area’s demography could amount to ethnic cleansing. Both the Syrian army and the US-backed SDF, which controls much of north-eastern Syria, accused each other of targeting civilian areas, with the SDF also warning that public shelling alerts could amount to forced displacement or war crimes under international law. The escalation highlights a deepening rift between Damascus and Kurdish authorities, despite a deal reached last year envisaging the SDF’s full integration into Syria’s national army by the end of 2025, a process that has stalled amid mutual accusations, raising fears of further violence, regional spillover, and potential involvement by Türkiye.
Iran: Imposes Internet Blackout Amid Nationwide Protests
On 9 January 2026, Iranian authorities enforced a near-total nationwide internet and telecommunications blackout to suppress the most significant anti-government protests in years. In a televised address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed the Islamic Republic would “not back down” against “mercenaries” and “saboteurs,” whom he accused of destroying property to please US President Donald Trump. Khamenei further asserted that Trump’s hands are “stained with the blood of Iranians,” following the US leader’s warnings of “hitting Iran very hard” if the crackdown turns lethal. The unrest, sparked by the collapse of the rial and 40% inflation, has spread to all 31 provinces, with crowds chanting “Death to the dictator.” While exiled leader Reza Pahlavi urged citizens to overwhelm security forces, the judiciary signalled a “maximal” punishment for rioters. Rights groups report at least 62 deaths and 2,300 arrests, warning that the communications blackout is a “classic ploy” to mask the scale of state violence as the regime faces a deepening internal crisis.
Europe: Experts Warn of Potential Greenland Annexation and NATO’s Collapse
On 9 January 2026, international analysts warned that Europe must prepare for the US to unilaterally annex Greenland, a move that would effectively signal the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Following President Donald Trump’s recent military operation in Venezuela, experts suggest the administration’s focus has shifted toward the strategic Arctic territory, citing national security concerns and the need to counter Russian and Chinese influence. Although Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a founding NATO member, White House advisors like Stephen Miller have dismissed sovereignty concerns, asserting that the global order is increasingly “governed by force” rather than international law. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has condemned the threats as “unacceptable,” warning that an American attack on an ally would render NATO’s Article 5 collective defence guarantee meaningless. While European leaders from France, Germany, and the UK have issued unified statements supporting Denmark, analysts argue that a US seizure of the mineral-rich island would shatter the post-WWII security architecture. This potential shift risks leaving Europe as an isolated “island of liberalism” as Washington pivots toward unilateral expansionism and resource acquisition.
Yemen: Southern Separatist Group Announces Disputed Dissolution After Saudi Talks
On 9 January 2026, Yemen’s main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced it would disband following talks in Saudi Arabia, after weeks of unrest in parts of southern Yemen. The announcement, made by the group’s secretary general, was immediately rejected by the STC’s spokesman, exposing internal divisions within the council. The group has separately called for protests in the southern cities of Aden and Mukalla, rejecting what it described as “partial or evasive solutions” to the southern cause. The development comes a day after STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi fled to the United Arab Emirates and follows an offensive by the STC against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces in December, which significantly escalated tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Sudan: Aid Agencies Mark 1,000 Days of Sudan War as UN Warns of Unprecedented Child Hunger and Mass Displacement
On 9 January 2026, aid agencies marked 1,000 days of the war in Sudan. The latest UN data reveals that 9.3 million people have been displaced by the conflict and over 4.3 million have fled to neighbouring countries. According to OCHA, women are at risk of gender-based violence and victims of “rampant” sexual violence and abuse. It is estimated that over 21 million people are suffering from severe food insecurity across the country. On 30 December, the UN warned that Sudan’s escalating conflict is fuelling some of the worst child hunger levels ever recorded. A recent nutrition survey in Um Baru, North Darfur, found that over 50% of children under five are acutely malnourished, with nearly one in five suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition that can prove fatal within weeks without treatment. The crisis has worsened since the fall of El Fasher in October, following a 500-day siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), displacing thousands into already overstretched communities. UNICEF warned that many displaced children have missed vaccinations, compounding risks from hunger, disease, and the collapse of basic services. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, with aid convoys repeatedly blocked from El Fasher. As conditions deteriorate, refugee flows into neighbouring Chad are accelerating, with women and children making up the vast majority of new arrivals, underscoring the growing regional impact of Sudan’s war.
Weekly News Recap (13 – 19 April 2026) © Photo by U.S. Pacific Fleet via FlickrInternational Justice SectionFrance: Court Convicts Lafarge of Financing Terrorism in Syria in Landmark Corporate Accountability RulingKazakhstan: Court Jails Xinjiang Rights Activists after Chinese Consulate PressureECtHR: Finds Hungary Violated Obligation to Prevent Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
Weekly News Recap (6 – 12 April 2026) © Photo by United States Department of Defense via Wikimedia Commons International Justice Section Romania: Appeals Court Lifts Judicial Controls on Social Media Influencer in Human Trafficking Case Russia: Court Jails Former Kursk Governor for 14 Years in Corruption Case Indonesia: Files
Weekly News Recap (30 March – 5 April 2026) © Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid via Flickr International Justice Section ECtHR: Rules Denmark Breached Prohibition of Inhuman Treatment in Prolonged Restraint of Psychiatric Patient ECtHR: Rules Russia Violated Right to Fair Trial in Conviction Based on Testimony
