WORLD BRIEFING: January 11, 2024
The US and UK have hinted they could take military action against Yemen's Houthi rebels, after they repelled the largest attack yet on Red Sea shipping. Carrier-based jets and warships shot down 21 drones and missiles launched by the Iran-backed group on Tuesday night. The allies warned of "consequences" for such attacks. Asked about potential strikes in Yemen, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Watch this space." The Houthis said they targeted a US ship providing support to Israel - BBC
There have been heated exchanges between rival supporters outside the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, where South Africa is presenting its case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ could rule quickly on the request for Israel to suspend its military campaign. A final ruling on whether Israel is committing genocide, however, could take several years. But there's nuance between theory and practice. In theory, a ruling would be legally binding on Israel. But in practice, it can't be enforced, and it's virtually certain Israel would disregard it. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the accusations "atrocious and preposterous". Israel will be heard in court on Friday. "We will present proudly our case of using self-defence… under humanitarian law", Mr Herzog said - BBC
Chris Christie pulls out of U.S. Republican presidential race. The former New Jersey governor's withdrawal from the race is expected to boost the remaining Republicans challenging Donald Trump for the party’s presidential nomination
President Joe Biden’s administration is backing legislation that would let it seize some of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to help pay for reconstruction of Ukraine, a shift as the White House seeks to rally support in Congress to further fund the war against Vladimir Putin’s forces. The administration welcomes “in principle” a bill that would allow it to confiscate the funds, according to a November memo from the National Security Council to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bloomberg reported. The World Bank has estimated the reconstruction of Ukraine could cost about $411 billion.
A Russian missile strike on Kharkiv the night of Jan. 10 injured 11 people, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. The city has been attacked by Russia four days in a row. According to Syniehubov, Russian forces used S-300 missiles in the evening strike. The attack hit a hotel in the city center where over 30 civilians were staying. Eleven people were injured, including a journalist from a Turkish publication who was staying at the hotel - Kyiv Independent
Russia's Defense Ministry says four Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed over the territory of the Rostov, Tula, and Kaluga regions, while a Russian missile strike on a hotel in downtown Kharkiv has injured 11 people, including Turkish journalists. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyhas arrived in Estonia, the second stop on a tour of the Baltic states meant to boost continued military support for his war-wracked country as Russia's invasion nears the two-year mark - RFE/RL
At least fifteen people were killed in deadly riots in Papua New Guinea, media reports said. The unrest stemmed from police officers going on strike, leading to protests that spun out of control and descending into lawlessness - Reuters
