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U.S. Launches Major Strikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

Monday, January 12, 2026 Maya Sutton High Priority International

Overnight, the U.S. military initiated “Operation Hawkeye,” targeting Islamic State cells in Syria following a deadly attack on American personnel. The strikes mark a sharp escalation in regional tensions and come amid growing concerns over Iran’s influence.

Top Stories

Russia Pounds Kyiv as Winter Deepens

Russian forces launched heavy missile strikes on Kyiv, knocking out heating infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. Civilians are sheltering in dark, unheated homes.

Sources: Cipher Brief

Global AI Race Accelerates

Asia is surging ahead in the global AI competition, with major investments and stock market momentum kicking off 2026.

Sources: Cipher Brief

Iran Tensions Rise

The U.S. is reportedly stepping up planning for potential action in Iran, while Israel remains on high alert amid intensifying protests and warnings from Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Sources: MC Education Desk

Quick Hits

  • U.S. launches “Operation Hawkeye” in Syria
  • Kyiv homes lose heat after Russian strikes
  • Asia leads global AI investment surge
  • Iran protests escalate; regional tensions spike
  • Severe cold wave grips North India

By The Numbers

$2.7 trillion

Global military spending in 2025, a record high

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Millions

Civilians affected by heating outages in Ukraine

Thousands

Political prisoners still held in Myanmar post-election

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Quote of the Day

Zelenskyy: “This attack is again Russia’s answer on our peace efforts. And it really shows that Putin doesn’t want peace. And we want peace.”
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