Wednesday, January 7, 2026

United States oil blockade during Operation Southern Spear

The United States boards and seizes the sanctioned Russian-flagged tanker Marinera (Bella 1) in the North Atlantic Ocean after it breached the U.S. naval blockade around Venezuela.

United States oil blockade during Operation Southern Spear

The United States Coast Guard also seizes the Panamanian-flagged tanker M Sophia for its alleged "illegal activities" in international waters of the Caribbean Sea.

2025 Southern Yemen offensive

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition launches airstrikes on Southern Transitional Council (STC) positions in the Dhale Governorate in southern Yemen.

2025 Southern Yemen offensive

Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, head of the STC, is dismissed from the Presidential Leadership Council after failing to attend peace negotiations.

Climate change policy of the United States

The United States announces its withdrawal from dozens of United Nations bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Population Fund, UN Trade and Development and four of the Economic and Social Council's regional commissions.

Cross-strait relations

China bans Taiwanese interior minister Liu Shyh-fang and education minister Cheng Ying-yao, along with their relatives, from entering the country, alleging their involvement in the Taiwan independence movement.

Political status of the Cook Islands and Niue

Germany formally recognizes and establishes diplomatic relations with the Pacific island of Niue, with the German mission in Wellington, New Zealand, coordinating ties. Niue remains in free association with New Zealand.

Somalia–United States relations

The U.S. State Department suspends all ongoing assistance programs to Somalia, alleging that the Somali government destroyed an American-funded World Food Programme warehouse and stole 76 tonnes of food aid.

Corruption in Malaysia

The Malaysian anti-corruption commission detains a former army chief and four other suspects and seizes RM2.4 million (US$591,000) in cash while seeking court approval to extend custody in a bribery investigation linked to military procurement contracts.

Corruption in Nigeria

A Nigerian federal court grants bail to former justice minister Abubakar Malami and two co-accused in a money laundering and abuse of office case involving 16 charges, setting the bail at ₦500 million (US$350,000).

Killing of Renée Good

A United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shoots a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota, prompting protests.

Killing of Renée Good

Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz issues a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard in the event of civil unrest.

Scam centers in Cambodia

Cambodia extradites three Chinese nationals, including Prince Group founder Chen Zhi, to China following a joint investigation into transnational fraud networks linked to large online scam operations in Southeast Asia.

Disasters

Five people are killed and 27 others injured after a bus plunged into a 100-foot-deep ravine in Chakwal, Pakistan.