Deadly floods swamp homes in Thailand as residents wait for aid

The US government announced a blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Nigeria, and Somalia. This suspension will take effect on January 21, with no specified end date.

Protests in Iran have escalated dramatically over 17 days, initially sparked by economic dissatisfaction but evolving into the most severe unrest in years, with a death toll surpassing 2,000 amid violent crackdowns and internet blackouts.

Palestinians in Gaza are utilizing mud and rubble from destroyed homes to rebuild their residences following two years of conflict. This grassroots effort highlights the resilience of the community amid ongoing challenges.

Starlink has emerged as a crucial tool for Iranians seeking to communicate and share information amid a severe internet blackout imposed by the government in response to widespread protests. Experts indicate that the satellite service is enabling citizens to bypass censorship and report on the ongoing unrest. However, the Iranian regime is actively jamming Starlink signals to suppress dissent.

In 2026, Yemen remains embroiled in conflict, with various groups vying for control, leading to a dire humanitarian situation. Al Jazeera highlights the ongoing struggle for power among factions, including the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which has claimed significant territorial control in the south.

A protester was shot in the face with a non-lethal projectile during an anti-ICE demonstration, resulting in blindness in one eye and skull fractures. This incident underscores the escalating tensions between immigration enforcement and activists opposing ICE operations.

A tragic accident occurred in northeastern Thailand when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, resulting in at least 29 fatalities and injuring over 60 individuals. The incident took place during the construction of a high-speed rail project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.