13 January 2026
Western Finance Ministers
Finance ministers from the G7 and other major economies met in Washington on Monday to discuss ways to reduce dependence on rare earths from China, including setting a price floor and new partnerships to build up alternative supplies, ministers said. The meeting, convened by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, included finance ministers from G7 members Japan, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the U.S., as well as officials from Australia, Mexico, South Korea and India.
Canada-China
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves for China today, where he will discuss trade and international security with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is the first visit to Beijing by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. Deals could include more exports of Canadian crude to China.
Canada
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police report claims that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is accused of extortion and murder-for-hire in Canada, is “acting on behalf of the Indian government.” The report was released the day that British Columbia’s Premier David Eby was travelling to India for a trade mission. There have been accusations that India has been carrying out targeted killings of Sikh separatists living in Canada.
Somalia
Somalia cancelled all agreements with the UAE, citing evidence that the UAE is attempting to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence. Recently, the UAE recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. The UAE operates a deep-water port and naval base in Somaliland’s city of Berbera.
Israel
The IDF states that it is on alert for ‘surprise scenarios’ as protests in Iran continue and the United States contemplates military action. Iran has threatened to retaliate if military action is taken. Iran’s internet blackout continues, with the Iranian government claiming that at least 2,000 protesters are dead and thousands are arrested. Human rights monitors claim that many more have been killed, between 6,000 and 12,000.
Niger
Niger is revoking the driver’s licences of fuel tanker truck drivers who refuse to transport fuel from Niger to Mali. Dozens of drivers have had their licences revoked for not wanting to risk their lives to provide fuel to Mali during the jihadist fuel blockade. Last November, Niger broke the blockade with a shipment of 83 fuel tanker trucks, which took close to three weeks to deliver.
Social media wires
Afghan Taliban Franken-MLRS
Russia has been accused of using African mercenaries as suicide bombers
Featured Photo: “RCMP Squad car in Toronto” – Can Pac Swire, Flickr, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.