Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):​​​​​​​

Escalation in Yemen

The latest field updates in Yemen after key ground advancements by government-allied forces in eastern Yemen, taking full control of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra provinces after the withdrawal of Southern Transitional Forces (STC) fighters. The developments come as Yemeni officials urge the STC to engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation.

Gaza ceasefire violations by Israel

Daily Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza, marked by gunfire and strikes on civilians in supposed safe zones, as well as damage to homes and civilian infrastructure.

Efforts to reopen Rafah border crossing

The efforts to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt after Israeli media said preparations are complete for Israel to open the crossing. Meanwhile, a high-ranking Palestinian delegation is in Cairo to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes on several areas of southern Lebanon, which Israel says targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, despite a ceasefire agreement that has been in force since November 2024.

Regional reactions to US intervention in Venezuela

Developments and official statements in Venezuela and other countries in the region related to the US military intervention in the South American nation on Saturday, leading to the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores.

Maduro to appear in US court

Venezuela's captured President Maduro is due to make an initial appearance in federal court in New York after he was captured by US military forces early Saturday. US authorities accuse Maduro and his wife Flores of “narco-terrorism.”

UN Security Council to hold urgent meeting on Venezuela after US intervention

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session after the US military intervention in Venezuela and capture of President Maduro and first lady Flores. The session’s briefers have not yet been announced.

Trump administration to brief top lawmakers on Venezuela intervention

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Attorney General Pam Bondi will brief senior members of Congress behind closed doors on the US intervention in Venezuela.

US Congress to reopen for new year

Members of the US Senate are due to reconvene for the first session of the new year. It is expected to resume consideration of the nomination of Keith Bass as assistant secretary of defense.

Trump to attend policy meeting at White House

US President Donald Trump will participate in a policy meeting at the Oval Office, currently listed as closed to reporters. Details on the meeting’s focus have not been released.

European reactions to US strikes on Venezuela

Statements from European countries on US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro and first lady Flores. The US strikes have drawn mixed reactions from European governments which cite international law over the strikes.

Developments amid defense, security reshuffle in Ukraine

Developments on the part of Kyiv as Ukraine conducts a defense and security reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Jan. 1. Zelenskyy has announced changes to multiple corresponding institutions, some of which have yet to be officially decreed, including the State Border Guard Service and the Defense Ministry.

Ukraine to take part in meeting of chiefs of general staff on security guarantees

Kyiv to take part in a meeting of chiefs of general staff on issues concerning security guarantees. President Zelenskyy announced the meeting as part of a series of talks set to take place in January, as US-mediated diplomatic efforts continue to seek a settlement to the nearly four-year-long Russia-Ukraine war.

Election results expected in Central African Republic

Results of the Central African Republic’s Dec. 28 elections are expected to be released, according to the UN peacekeeping mission. The vote combined presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections, the first time all four were held together in the country’s history.

China’s president hosts South Korean counterpart in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosts South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Beijing. The two leaders discuss economic cooperation and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. Lee is on his 1st state visit to China until Wednesday.

Irish premier's visit to China

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin is on a five-day state visit to China, to meet with Chinese President Xi and Premier Li Qiang. This is the 1st visit by an Irish premier to China in 14 years.

Turkish president to chair Cabinet meeting

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in the capital Ankara, with statement expected after the meeting.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s inflation

TurkStat will announce inflation figures for December. Türkiye’s annual consumer prices rose by around 31% in November. An increase is expected for the month of December.

SPECIAL REPORTS

FACTBOX - A history of US interventions across the Americas

The report traces Washington’s long record of military, covert, and political interventions in the Caribbean, Central America, and Latin America, revived by its military operation in Venezuela.

The story places the strikes on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in historical context, outlining how US involvement in the Western Hemisphere evolved from the 1823 Monroe Doctrine into decades of direct invasions, coups, covert CIA operations, and support for allied military regimes.

The report presents a chronological overview of major cases, from the 1954 overthrow of Guatemala’s Jacobo Arbenz to interventions across Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, including Panama, Haiti, and Cold War-era actions.

EXPLAINER - US edges toward another government shutdown as funding deadline looms

Report on the looming risk of another US government shutdown as lawmakers race to approve federal funding before Jan. 30.

The story outlines deep divisions over spending cuts, healthcare subsidies, and the growing national debt, with especially contentious talks over the future of Affordable Care Act subsidies, deficit reduction, and pressure from hardline conservatives complicating negotiations.

The report also explains the legal mechanics of shutdowns and provides historical context on how previous shutdowns unfolded and their economic consequences.