Thursday, January 23, 2026
Syria
Syrian ISIS camp transitions to government control amid chaos - Syrian forces assumed control of al-Hawl camp housing 24,000 dependent women and children of former IS fighters after Kurdish guards withdrew Monday.
Children attempted multiple escapes through fence gaps while residents rioted and set a bakery ablaze, protesting lack of bread and water for two days. Government security forces expressed sympathy for detainees' indefinite detention while establishing cordon as families massed at gates seeking reunion with relatives isolated for years.
The Syrian government appealed for NGOs to restart essential services, while announcing plans to accelerate releases of Syrians and Iraqis lacking substantive evidence.
US forces separately began to move 7,000 IS-linked male prisoners to Iraq, fearing more prison breaks as the Syrian army takes control of prisons.
Iran
Protest death toll reaches 5,002 as internet blackout continues - Human rights groups reported that Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests has killed at least 5,002 people including 4,716 demonstrators, 203 government-affiliated personnel, 43 children and 40 non-participant civilians, with over 26,800 detained.
Death toll exceeds any Iranian unrest in decades and recalls 1979 Islamic
Revolution chaos. Iranian government Wednesday acknowledged 3,117 deaths, reporting 2,427 were civilians and security forces with remainder labeled "terrorists."
Comprehensive internet blackout entered third week blocking information flow as authorities reportedly limited journalists' ability to report aftermath.
WHO
US completes WHO withdrawal owing $133 million - United States finalized withdrawal from World Health Organization ending a 78-year commitment. WHO reports US owes over $133 million in unpaid 2024-2025 dues totaling $111 million annual member fees plus $570 million voluntary contributions.
US officials acknowledge that there are unresolved issues including lost access to pandemic early-warning data from other countries. The US ceased participation in WHO committees, including flu strain assessment groups which guide vaccine decisions. However, the US administration claims direct bilateral health relationships with many countries will ensure information sharing without WHO intermediary.
Experts warned withdrawal will cripple polio eradication efforts, maternal and child health programs, and viral threat research.
GAVI
US loses Gavi board seat after funding withheld - United States dropped from Gavi board after failing to pledge funding for current strategy period,
Comments
Post a Comment
If you are a member of XUNICEF, you can comment directly on a post. Or, send your comments to us at xunicef.news.views@gmail.com and we will publish them for you.