January 9, 2026

Israel Hits Hezbollah Sites in Lebanon Amid Disarmament Efforts After Ceasefire

Israel carried out air strikes on Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, hitting weapons sites as Lebanon claimed progress in disarming the group. The move comes despite a ceasefire, with tensions rising over continued military actions and Hezbollah's refusal to disarm fully.

January 9, 2026

Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows No Back Down Amid Widespread Protests and Crackdown

Iran's leader Ali Khamenei condemned protesters as foreign-backed vandals and signaled a harsher crackdown. Despite internet cuts and police violence, thousands marched nationwide, responding to exiled prince Reza Pahlavi's call for change. Over 40 killed and 2,270 detained in unrest sparked by economic woes and political demands.

January 9, 2026

Dubai Launches Phase 1 of Driverless RoboTaxi Service in Key Areas

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started Phase 1 of its driverless RoboTaxi service. Covering 65 locations mainly in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, the move targets 25% autonomous trips by 2030. Developed with Cruise and Baidu Apollo Go, this innovative transport service marks Dubai's leap into smart mobility

January 9, 2026

Syria Calls Ceasefire in Aleppo After Deadly Clashes With Kurdish Fighters

Syria’s government announced a ceasefire after three days of heavy fighting with Kurdish forces in Aleppo, displacing over 140,000 people. Kurdish militants will leave contested areas with safe passage guaranteed. The deal’s future remains uncertain as Kurds have not yet agreed.

January 9, 2026

Russia Launches New Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile at Ukraine Near EU Border

Russia fired its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile at western Ukraine near the European Union border in a massive overnight strike. Ukraine confirmed the attack and called Russia’s strike “absurd,” while raising alarms about European security. The launch marks Russia’s latest military escalation amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine and NATO.