14 January 2026
United States
The Pentagon has been testing a device for almost a year that could cause the so-called Havana Syndrome that was experienced by a plethora of intelligence and diplomatic personnel, originally in Havana in 2017, but incidents have been reported worldwide. Those afflicted with Havana Syndrome complain of vertigo and headaches. The device was procured by a division of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, which purchased the device for millions of dollars during the last year of the Biden administration.
US-Qatar
The US military is evacuating some personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as it prepares for an Iranian response should President Trump order an attack on Iran. Trump has said that help is on its way for Iranian protesters. The Iranian military is standing on its highest alert in anticipation of strikes from the US and/or Israel.
Ukraine
Ukraine’s new defence minister, Mykhalio Federov, claims that two million Ukrainians are wanted for evading mobilization, and another 200,000 soldiers are absent without official leave (AWOL). Federov stated that he aims to change how the country mobilizes as Today, we cannot fight with new technologies, with an old organizational structure…”Our goal is to change the system, carry out army reforms, improve the infrastructure on the front, to eradicate lies and corruption, to instil leadership, and a new culture of trust.”
Canada
Continuing the battle over whether to procure the full F-35 order, Saab outlined that, to secure the full 12,600 jobs promised, Canada would have to purchase 72 Gripens and 6 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft. Last year, Saab officials stated they could create 10,000 jobs in Canada if Canada were to go with the Gripen. The government also stated that it would release its F-35 review by the end of Summer 2025. It’s definitely not summer in the icy winter capital.
Iran
Iran is signalling that it will conduct swift trials and executions for those arrested during the current wave of anti-government protests. The latest estimates are that 2,400 protesters have been killed, 140 security personnel have been killed, and 18,000 protesters have been arrested.
Nigeria
An operation carried out by multiple security agencies has killed over 200 bandits. This operation targeted a kidnapping ring. There have been arrests as well. Several camps were raided and destroyed. For years, Nigeria has been plagued by kidnappers who profit from ransoms.
Greenland
US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are meeting with Danish officials today over the status of Greenland. President Trump declared today that NATO would be more formidable if Greenland were part of the US. Greenland’s Prime Minister declared yesterday that they choose Denmark over the US.
Social media wires
Greenland’s PM declares they choose Denmark
Pakistani Taliban carrying out an IED/landmine attack on Pakistani security services
Featured Photo: “Ukraine Armed Forces Day, 2024” – 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.