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US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that 150 IS fighters from Hassakeh province had already been relocated to a secure site in Iraq. The operation is part of efforts to ensure a safe and orderly transfer of prisoners amid the shifting power dynamics in the region.
The US embassy in Pretoria warned that the presence of Iranian warships went beyond a neutral stance, describing it as a “choice to stand with Iran” rather than a demonstration of non-alignment.
A French contingent has landed in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, as part of a broader movement of European troops that includes Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Phase two will focus on rebuilding the territory and ensuring full demilitarisation, including the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups. Witkoff emphasized the seriousness of compliance.
The State Department said the freeze is aimed at ending what it described as misuse of the immigration system, particularly by people who seek government support shortly after entering the country. The department noted that the action is intended to safeguard American resources and prevent exploitation of public benefits.
The US has threatened to strike Iran over the killing of protesters, and President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US "stands ready to help" as Iran "is looking at FREEDOM".
The announcement from Washington follows a sweeping move by the Trump administration to leave 66 international organisations, including 31 UN agencies. Some of these institutions were originally set up with strong US support.
The aid suspension comes against a backdrop of growing tension between the Trump administration and Somali communities, both in Somalia and within the United States. In recent months, the administration has taken steps that include tighter limits on Somali immigration, air strikes against armed groups inside Somalia, and public criticism directed at Somali Americans.
The US military’s European Command said the Marinera oil tanker, originally known as the Bella-1, was seized on Wednesday “for violations of US sanctions”.
The deal introduces a new funding model aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and reform, with US officials saying it could save tens of millions of lives in 2026 while delivering significant savings to American taxpayers.
The US government has accused Venezuela of using oil profits to finance drug-related crime, while Caracas has condemned the seizures as "piracy." So far this month, the US military has captured two oil tankers, including one over the weekend, and is pursuing a third vessel described as part of a Venezuelan "dark fleet" that evades US sanctions.
African countries will be the most affected by the decision, with 15 nations scheduled to see their American envoys leave in January. These include Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, Rwanda, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Burundi, Gabon, Mauritius, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Niger, Algeria and Egypt.