Episode

Key Takeaways

Myanmar's military bombed schools and churches in Chin state, killing children ahead of disputed elections.
Israel recognized 19 new West Bank settlements, fueling Palestinian displacement concerns amid the Gaza conflict.
The U.S. seized multiple oil tankers off Venezuela, accusing them of funding narco-terrorism and sparking Venezuelan protests.
Saudi Arabia recorded 347 executions this year, many for drug offenses, prompting human rights abuse allegations.
The Africa Cup of Nations launched with controversy over infrastructure spending and game timing, sparking protests.
Colombia seized 27 tons of cocaine in joint operations, arresting 20 individuals without fatalities.

Evidence indicates Myanmar's military bombed schools and churches in western Chin state, causing civilian casualties, including children.
BBC correspondent Yogita Limai reported from a hospital base in rebel-held Chin state, where fighters sustained severe injuries, some amputations, from drone attacks.
At least three schools and six churches in Chin state were targeted since October, with BBC-verified videos showing explosions on a school that killed 7-year-old Zohan Punlian Chung and 12-year-old Zing Charmui.
Displaced individuals are fleeing terrifying air attacks in Chin state, with an Indian border village receiving approximately 47 new arrivals in two days.

The occupied West Bank faces surging violence, with the United Nations noting the highest Israeli settlement expansion in eight years amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel's Security Cabinet recognized 19 West Bank settlements, a move the far-right finance minister stated was intended to prevent a Palestinian state.
A government spokesman argued against Palestinian statehood without demilitarization, citing the October 7th attacks.
An Israeli campaigner accused Israel of working with settlers to displace Palestinians, citing an incident where the army raided a village while settlers attacked a home.

The U.S. seized a second oil tanker off Venezuela for allegedly carrying sanctioned oil to fund narco-terrorism.
U.S. authorities are pursuing a third oil tanker in the Caribbean, reportedly en route to Venezuela and lacking a recognized national flag.
Venezuela strongly rejected these actions, calling them illegal and threatening to denounce them at the UN Security Council.
The Venezuelan government claims U.S. actions are driven by a desire to remove Nicolás Maduro and control Venezuelan oil, characterizing it as colonialism.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the seizure of 27 tons of cocaine in collaboration with other countries.
Operations occurred in both the Atlantic and Pacific, resulting in 20 arrests with no fatalities.
This operation contrasts with typical U.S. practices of airstrikes against alleged drug vessels.

Saudi Arabia recorded a record 347 executions this year, surpassing last year's total.
Most of those executed were foreign nationals convicted of drug-related offenses.
Among those executed this year were a journalist and two young men who were minors at the time of their arrest for alleged roles in protests.
Human rights groups accuse Saudi Arabia of human rights abuses, raising concerns about the use of torture and forced confessions in these cases.

The Africa Cup of Nations launched with controversy over significant infrastructure spending, including a new stadium, potentially linked to a bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Protests by groups like Gen Z 212 criticized the allocation of funds to the tournament instead of healthcare and education.
The tournament's timing, squeezed into December and played over Christmas, angered some participating nations due to reduced player release times.
Morocco opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, with Morocco and Senegal identified as favorites.