21 January 2026
Iran-US
President Trump is still pressing aides for what he terms “decisive” military options against Iran. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is on its way to Iran from the Pacific and should arrive within a week. There are also indications that US air refuelling aircraft are moving toward Europe.
United States
The Pentagon is moving to reduce US participation in some of NATO’s force structure and advisory groups, reports the Washington Post. This move is probably linked to the White House’s move to annex Greenland from Denmark.
Trump went on a bit of a rambling rant at Davos, which encompassed how he saved NATO, wants a “piece of ice” (Greenland), on battleships and how Israel takes credit for the Iron Dome…which is US technology…. Trump also confused Greenland with Iceland multiple times.
Ukraine
Half of the residential buildings in Kyiv have no power after Russian strikes as the daily average temperature hovers under -10C. Russian drones, ballistic and cruise missiles targeted Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa last night. Zelensky pointed out that the cost of the missiles to repel last night’s attack cost €80 million (£69 million or USD 93 million).
Norway
The Norwegian government is preparing to send out preparatory requisitions to approximately 13,500 citizens. This means that in the event of war their homes, vehicles, boats and machinery may be requisitioned in the event of war
Uganda
Uganda’s military chief has given Bobi Wine, the runner-up to last week’s disputed presidential election, 48 hours to surrender to police. Wine has stated that he will not contest the election. President Yoweri Museveni won his seventh term in office in last week’s election. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is also the president’s son and likely heir.
Syria
SDF forces withdrew from the vast Al-Hol camp housing thousands linked to ISIS (ISIL), which it had been caretaking for years. SDF chief Mazloum Abdi urged US-led coalition to ‘bear responsibilities’ of this development. Syrian government forces have taken over the camp in a peaceful transfer of control.
Social media wires
US air refuelling assets are moving eastward
Don’t be sledding in Ukraine
Featured Photo: “Al-Hol detention camp, c. 2025, Wikimedia Commons, 2025
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.