Wildfires spread in California (USA)
California wildfires have burned more than 40,000 acres, killed at least 27 people and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. The two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton, are only 11% and 27% contained, respectively.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has predicted that this could be the costliest disaster in US history, with economic losses estimated at $150 billion. Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought have made the situation worse. The US government has pledged to pay for the entire cost of responding to this disaster.
North Korea test-fires short-range missiles
On January 14, North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles from Jagang Province, near the Chinese border, at 9:30 a.m. (local time). According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles flew about 250 km before falling into the sea.
South Korea condemned the launch, calling it a provocation that threatens peace, and warned of a strong response if North Korea continues. Japan confirmed the information and coordinated with the US and South Korea to respond. The test took place just before US President-elect Donald Trump took office.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested
On January 15, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested at his residence by the Corruption Investigation Office of Senior Officials (CIO) in connection with the martial law decree issued on December 3, 2024. The arrest warrant was issued at 10:33 a.m., according to Yonhap.
Live television footage showed Yoon’s motorcade leaving his Seoul residence for the CIO office in Gwacheon. The arrest followed an impeachment trial on January 14, when the Constitutional Court rejected a request to disqualify a judge. The next hearing is scheduled for January 16.
US removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism
On January 14, 2025, US President Joe Biden officially announced the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision was made after an assessment confirmed that Cuba does not support terrorism, according to a senior official.
The removal of Cuba's name comes just before Donald Trump, who had re-added Cuba to the list, returns to the White House.
Israel - Hamas ceasefire
On January 15, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached a historic ceasefire agreement in Qatar. The agreement includes a 42-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, in which all Israeli citizens captured by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attack will be released.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff and mediating nations like Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye played a key role in the negotiations, which Mr. Trump claimed were the beginning of peace and security in the Middle East.
