29 January 2026
Iran
Both the Israeli Defence Force’s Intelligence chief and the Saudi defence minister are in Washington, DC, to discuss potential military strikes on Iran. The Saudis are concerned about a broader conflict and will be discussing that with Steve Witkoff; while Israeli Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder will be at the Pentagon to discuss potential targets.
Nipah Virus
Pakistan has joined Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia in screening foreign travellers for the Nipah virus. Two cases have been found in West Bengal, India.
Nipah, carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs, can trigger a deadly brain-swelling fever in humans and can also spread directly from person to person through close contact. Several vaccines are in development but remain in testing. The virus has a fatality rate of 40-75 percent.
Japan
Several encounters with Japanese bears interrupted US parachute exercises in Hokkaido, Japan. There were four encounters with bears, but the Marines had bear spray issued to them, and another team used bear spray and fireworks to scare them off.
France
In an about-face, France has u-turned its stances and will support the EU placing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the EU terrorism list. EU foreign ministers are meeting today to discuss new sanctions on the Iranian regime as its violent crackdown on protesters continues.
Niger
Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in the capital, Niamey. This incident took place at the Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses an air force base and is close to the presidential palace. It is still unclear what took place, but the country is regularly attacked by jihadists.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is attempting to raise $1.4 billion through international donors to provide for those in the DRC who are struggling as the fighting with M23 rebels continues. DRC Minister of Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action, Ève Bazaiba, stated: “The DRC has to take care not only of internally displaced people and vulnerable populations inside the country, while dealing with three major shocks — conflict, climate hazards and epidemics. The Congolese government must also support its citizens who are now refugees in other countries. We ourselves have gone into the field and seen NGOs packing up and shutting down because there are no longer enough resources.”
Afghanistan
The Afghan Taliban declared it a crime not to follow their policies. The Ministry of Justice claims that all of the laws introduced by the Taliban are based on Islamic law, and opposition to it is to go against Sharia. It should also be noted that the number of women prisoners has increased 435 percent under Taliban rule.
A Taliban-linked cleric has called for jihad in Pakistan and Central Asia. Sher Ali Hamad made these comments at a funeral for a man who was killed in a recent clash between Pakistani security forces and the Pakistani Taliban.
Social media wires
US air refuelling aircraft making their way to Europe and with EA-18 Growlers
Britain expelled a Russian ship from its territorial waters
Featured Photo: “Hokkaido Brown Bear” – Wikimedia Commons, 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.