Minas Tirith Reports

🇪🇷🇮🇱🇾🇪Eritrean Separatists Seek Israeli Support Afar separatists in Eritrea have appealed to Israel for support, citing regional threats, including alleged Houthi aggression. The separatists, emboldened by Somaliland's independence recognition, accuse Eritrea of human rights abuses. Reports indicate Houthi weapon smuggling into the Afar region, exacerbating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea over the strategic port of Assab. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇩🇰🇬🇱US Greenland Acquisition: Rubio Proposal; Danish Minister Responds Estimates suggest acquiring Greenland could cost the U.S. up to $700 billion. This figure is tied to President Trump's past interest in purchasing the Danish territory. The acquisition was considered for strategic reasons. Secretary of State Mark Rubio is expected to prepare a $700 billion purchase proposal, according to NBC News. A cheaper 'free association' alternative is also under consideration. Following a meeting regarding Greenland, the Danish Foreign Minister stated that President Trump has a desire to conquer Greenland. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸WaPo Journalist Targeted in Leak Investigation The Department of Justice and FBI, at the request of the Department of War, executed a search warrant on a Washington Post journalist's home this past week. The journalist is accused of obtaining and reporting classified information illegally leaked from a Pentagon contractor. The leaker is currently in custody, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi confirmed the DOJ executed the warrant because the journalist published classified information. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇷🇺🇮🇷US Visa Suspension: 75 Countries Face Immigration Freeze Amid Policy Review The U.S. State Department has suspended visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21. The move, impacting nations including Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan, is prompted by a review of screening and vetting procedures. The State Department is targeting applicants deemed likely to become a "public charge". The duration of the visa suspension remains indefinite. The White House has confirmed the pause in immigrant visa processing, which includes countries such as Brazil, Cuba, and Nigeria. The State Department stated the freeze targets countries whose migrants take welfare at unacceptable rates. The suspension will remain until the U.S. can ensure new immigrants will not extract wealth. President Trump has reportedly frozen all immigrant visa processing for these 75 countries. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇷🇺🇺🇦Russia Deploys Missile-Equipped Drones Over Ukraine Russia is reportedly using Geran drones equipped with air-to-air missiles against Ukrainian targets. Ukrainian sources claim daily interceptions of these 'fighter drones,' including the jet-powered Geran-4 armed with R-60 missiles. The effectiveness of these missile-equipped drones remains unconfirmed. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇹🇷🇮🇱🇸🇾Senators Warn Syria, Turkey; Syria Responds on Kurdish Issue Senator Graham warned Syria and Turkey against advances on Kurdish allies. He emphasized the Kurds' role in defeating ISIS and their alignment with Israel. Republican Senators reinforced the warning against harming Kurds, citing reports of potential Syrian and Turkish advances. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that the Kurdish component has been confined to a partisan, armed faction linked to external leadership, isolating Syrian Kurds. Al-Sharaa added that Syria cannot bear the cost of importing the PKK conflict onto its soil, as true protection comes through integration into the new Syrian reality. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷🇺🇸🇸🇦Iran Threatens Gulf Closure; Saudi Arabia Limits US Options Iran issued a stark warning, threatening to close the Persian Gulf and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if the US targets its leaders. This threat comes as Saudi Arabia reportedly restricts US access to its airspace for potential strikes against Iran. These developments significantly complicate the strategic landscape in the Middle East. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇮🇷🇺🇸🇸🇦🇮🇱Israel to Close Airspace Amid Iran Attack Threat Iran threatened to close key waterways if the US targets its leaders. Saudi Arabia reportedly restricts US access to its airspace for potential strikes against Iran, complicating the Middle East's strategic landscape. Israel anticipates a possible American attack. Saudi Arabia assured Iran it won't allow its territory to be used for attacks. Flights are avoiding Iranian airspace. Almost a dozen charter flights have been ordered to be cleared from Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Iran has now closed its airspace to all planes except for American and Israeli air force planes. An Israeli source for Al Arabiya reports that Israel will completely close its airspace as soon as the US attacks Iran. Iranian Air Defense Command has been ordered to immediately attack any unidentified aircraft entering its airspace. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷🇹🇷🇮🇶Iranians Flee to Turkey; Rapper Escapes; Kurdish Clashes Continue Dozens of Iranians have crossed into Turkey, seeking refuge from the ongoing government crackdown on protests. This exodus highlights the severity of the internal unrest and the desperation of Iranian citizens facing repression. Meraj Tehrani, an Iranian rapper who escaped to Turkey in the last two days, tearfully recounts the situation inside Iran. The crossings have increased after several countries advised their citizens to leave Iran, with many entering via the Kapikoy border gate. Armed Kurdish groups attempted to cross from Iraq into Iran in recent days, triggering clashes with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after a warning from Turkish intelligence. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇨🇦🇨🇳Canada-China Ties Strengthen Despite Strategic Concerns Mark Carney's visit to Beijing marks the first official visit by a Canadian leader since 2017. These high-level talks, including a meeting with Xi Jinping, signal Canada's intent to diversify its relationships. This move comes amid increasingly strained relations with the United States. The Canadian Prime Minister's arrival in Beijing underscores the commitment to renewed diplomatic engagement. However, critics suggest prioritizing Beijing before solidifying partnerships with Japan and South Korea weakens Canada's strategic leverage. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇬🇧🇮🇷UK Condemns Iran's Violent Crackdown; Reports of Brutal Killings British PM Keir Starmer strongly condemned Iran's violent crackdown on protesters, highlighting the regime's brutality. The UK is collaborating with allies to impose further sanctions on Iran. Efforts are underway to protect UK nationals in the region. Reports now indicate the regime's forces are pursuing and killing protesters. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇩🇰🇷🇺🇨🇳Trump Demands Greenland Control, Cites Russia, China, and Defense Donald Trump has emphasized Greenland's strategic importance for US national missile defense, particularly regarding the Iron Dome system. He has urged NATO to pressure Denmark to relinquish control, citing Danish intelligence warnings about Russian and Chinese military ambitions in the Arctic. Trump suggests only the US can ensure Greenland's security against these threats. Trump has reportedly stated the US needs Greenland to prevent Russia from establishing a presence on its borders. Trump now states that anything less than American control over Greenland is 'unacceptable,' ahead of a meeting between Vice President Vance and Danish and Greenlandic representatives. He claims US control is vital for the 'Golden Dome'. Trump added that he cannot rely on Denmark's defense capabilities, deriding their deployment of a second dog sled team as insufficient. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated