Minas Tirith Reports

🇵🇭🏴ISIS Terrorists Target Philippine Mayor in Failed Assassination A Philippine mayor survived an ISIS-linked assassination attempt on Mindanao Island. Attackers used RPGs and automatic rifles, targeting the mayor's armored SUV. The mayor escaped unharmed, though two escorts sustained injuries. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇮🇳🇪🇺India's Republic Day Parade: EU Leaders Attend, Trade Deal Anticipated Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa joined Indian President Droupadi Murmu at India's Republic Day Parade. The leaders arrived in a horse-drawn carriage for the event. This year's parade also featured animal soldiers, including Bactrian camels, raptors, Zanskar ponies, and indigenously bred military dogs, alongside military personnel. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸Minnesota Guard Supports Anti-ICE Protestors Minnesota National Guard members are actively supporting anti-ICE protestors in Minneapolis. They are distributing food and beverages, including coffee and donuts, to demonstrators. Guardsmen are wearing high-visibility vests to clearly differentiate themselves from DHS agents. The Guard has reportedly been ordered to provide these services to the protestors at the federal building. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇨🇳🇺🇸China's General Zhang Youxia: Treason, Espionage, and CIA Suspicions General Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese military official, is reportedly under investigation for corruption. Accusations include leaking nuclear-weapons secrets to the U.S. and accepting bribes for promotions. He is also accused of building political cliques and abusing power in military procurement. Reports indicate that the bribes may have included elevating an officer to defense minister. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸Cruz Courts Donors, Criticizes Trump Tariffs and Vance Recordings reveal Senator Cruz criticizing Trump's tariffs, warning of economic damage and electoral losses. Cruz also attacked JD Vance as a creation of Tucker Carlson, alleging anti-Israel sentiments. Cruz recounted a heated exchange with Trump, who dismissed his concerns about the tariffs. The senator also mocked Trump's branding of the tariffs and forbade his staff from using the term. Reportedly harboring presidential ambitions, Cruz is presenting himself as a 'traditional free trade, pro-interventionist Republican' to potential donors. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇮🇳🇪🇺India-EU Trade Deal Slashes Car Tariffs India and the EU are poised to announce a trade agreement this week. The deal will significantly reduce tariffs on imported EU cars, initially to 40% from a high of 110%. Tariffs will eventually decrease to 10% over time, benefiting European automakers. Electric vehicles are excluded from tariff cuts for the first five years. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇸🇦Saudi Arabia Scales Back Ambitious NEOM Project Saudi Arabia is significantly scaling back and redesigning its NEOM megaproject due to delays and cost overruns. Its centerpiece, The Line, will be radically reworked into a more modest concept. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇮🇷🇺🇸Iran's Provocative Murals Target US with Missile Imagery Tehran unveiled murals in Enghelab Square depicting missile strikes on a U.S. aircraft carrier. The imagery includes the inscription: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind." A banner in Tehran also depicts Iranian missiles launching at an American aircraft carrier, with a similar inscription. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Iran Protest Crackdown: Casualties Exceed 40,000 Amid Blackout Reports indicate a severe crackdown on protests in Iran. Iranian own Health Ministry officials estimate up to 30,000 fatalities on January 8–9 alone. The reported casualties stem from security forces suppressing demonstrations. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇷🇺🇸🇾Russian Forces Withdraw from Qamishli Airbase in Syria Reports indicate Russian forces are withdrawing from the Qamishli airbase in Syria, signaling a potential Syrian army offensive against Kurdish strongholds. The base is currently controlled by remnants of the SDF. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇨🇳China's BRI Contracts Surge to Record $213.5 Billion China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) witnessed a massive surge in 2025, reaching a record $213.5 billion in new construction contracts and investments. This represents a 75% increase from 2024, driven primarily by energy and mining deals, particularly in Africa and other developing nations. These megaprojects signal China's strategic focus on securing critical resources and expanding its influence across the Global South, despite US efforts to counter its economic expansion. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸US Government Shutdown Risk Grows Amid DHS Funding Dispute A US government shutdown appears increasingly likely this week due to a dispute over DHS funding. Democrats are under pressure to block a bill that includes funding for ICE, potentially triggering the shutdown. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel