EXCLUSIVE: UNRWA officials pressed for opposition to a possible Trump administration effort to label the U.N. agency a foreign terrorist organization and talked about UNRWA’s current operations in Gaza and the West Bank—including cash assistance—during a Dec. 17 briefing, Digital has learned.The virtual meeting was organized by UNRWA USA, the U.S. nonprofit that supports the agency through advocacy and fundraising. UNRWA USA Executive Director Mara Kronenfeld opened the briefing by saying the goal was to make clear UNRWA "is still on the ground" in Gaza and the West Bank despite what she described as "the Netanyahu government's insidious efforts to systematically prevent UNRWA from continuing its life-saving humanitarian work."During the session, presenters also raised reports that the U.S. government was considering designating UNRWA a foreign terrorist organization and discussed with congressional offices what steps could be taken to "help prevent that and support UNRWA in its critical work," according to meeting details reviewed by Digital.Bill Deere, UNRWA’s Washington director, said "press reports appear to be true" that the U.S. was weighing a foreign terrorist organization designation for the agency."This would be unprecedented for a U.N. agency to consider this. It is certainly unwarranted," Deere said, asserting that "four separate independent investigations" dispute Israel’s allegations about UNRWA’s workforce. Deere called on congressional offices to respond forcefully."You can loudly express your displeasure," Deere said, arguing that the ramifications would extend beyond UNRWA and set a precedent affecting the broader U.N. system."If they go ahead and do this, our recourse with regard to this is limited," he said, adding that one step that could be taken is that "Congress can override the designation."The meeting featured UNRWA field leaders describing conditions and operations in Gaza and the West Bank.Sam Rose, UNRWA’s Gaza affairs director, told participants that international staff were not entering Gaza because of the , and operations were being managed remotely.Rose said that despite claims UNRWA has been blocked, the agency’s services in Gaza haven’t stopped for a single day—citing primary healthcare, education, water and sanitation work, shelter operations and the use of UNRWA facilities as emergency shelters.Rose also talked about the agency’s ability to run programs that don’t rely on immediate supply deliveries."Cash assistance and job creation programs are also able to continue," he said, adding, "we're able to operate at scale."Roland Friedrich, introduced as UNRWA’s West Bank affairs director, outlined the agency’s reach in the territory—including education, healthcare and assistance programs. He said UNRWA supports hundreds of thousands of , with aid that "can be cash assistance" alongside other forms like food vouchers and social protection payments.Friedrich also detailed "cash for rent" assistance for displaced people and argued that UNRWA’s presence plays a stabilizing role across multiple regional countries.Officials also discussed workarounds that allow UNRWA to keep operating under restrictions.Rose said UNRWA still receives fuel and that some coordination happens through third parties, describing indirect engagement involving . He noted fuel powers generators and water pumps and emphasized the importance of keeping basic services running.On aid flows, Rose said Israel reports 600 trucks per day and that he had no reason to doubt the overall count. At the same time, he argued the mix of goods entering has shifted—commercial supplies now play a larger role while certain humanitarian items remain restricted for U.N. agencies. He described what he called a two-tier system, where some items blocked from U.N. use can enter through private channels.Beyond operational discussions, the briefing included explicit advocacy aimed at congressional offices.Kronenfeld urged participants to described in the meeting as the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, and thanked offices already backing efforts to restore U.S. funding—noting the U.S. was historically UNRWA’s largest donor before the 2024 funding halt.UNRWA USA did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Digital. UNRWA also did not respond.William Deere, director of the UNRWA Representative Office in Washington, D.C., provided the following statement in response to a request for comment from Digital:"UNRWA participates in briefings hosted by the UNRWA USA National Committee and attended by bicameral groups of Republican and Democratic staff from Capitol Hill, as well as think tanks and nongovernmental organizations. Briefings like these are important opportunities for the Agency to respond to the government of Israel’s ongoing disinformation campaign suggesting that UNRWA is no longer actively working in Gaza. Quite the opposite is true. Every day, UNRWA staff are delivering critical services in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In fact, in a recent letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, UNRWA thanked President Trump for negotiating the ceasefire, which allows the world to turn to Gaza’s future."Deere added: "In Gaza, UNRWA medical personnel deliver 40 percent of primary healthcare and play a critical role in distributing water, promoting public health through immunization campaigns, pest control, nutrition screenings, and the disposal of solid waste. UNRWA is also leading the way in Gaza education, stepping up its ‘back to learning’ program, with almost 70,000 children now accessing the Agency’s in-person learning activities. The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is also a challenging area in which to work, especially given the various laws approved by the Israeli Knesset, and policymakers are always interested to hear the impacts of these laws firsthand from our experts."
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Trump Initiates Second Phase of Gaza Peace Plan; Hamas Disarmament Poses the Ultimate Test
The President's administration officially initiated the second phase of its strategy to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas this week, transitioning from a ceasefire framework to a post-ceasefire political and security stage for Gaza. This announcement immediately brought forth a central question now dominating expert analysis: who will ultimately disarm Hamas.U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff declared on Wednesday that phase two is underway, characterizing it as a shift "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction." He cautioned that Hamas must fully adhere to its obligations under the agreement, including the immediate return of the final deceased Israeli hostage."The U.S. anticipates Hamas will fully comply with its obligations, including the immediate repatriation of the final deceased hostage," Witkoff posted on X. "Failure to do so will lead to severe repercussions."President Donald Trump reinforced the administration’s announcement on Thursday, stating on Truth Social that the had "OFFICIALLY entered the next phase of Gaza’s 20-Point Peace Plan," following Witkoff’s remarks. Trump claimed that since the ceasefire, his team had facilitated "RECORD LEVELS of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, reaching Civilians at HISTORIC speed and scale," adding that "even the United Nations has acknowledged this achievement as UNPRECEDENTED."Trump wrote that these developments had "set the stage for this next phase," which he indicated would involve supporting a newly appointed Palestinian technocratic government, the of Gaza, to administer the territory during a transitional period. Trump identified himself as chairman of the Board of Peace and mentioned that the committee would receive backing from the board’s high representative.Trump again warned that Hamas must "IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization," adding, "They can do this the easy way, or the hard way." Trump concluded the post by stating, "The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."The new phase envisions the establishment of a in Gaza, while the United States collaborates with Egypt and other regional partners to ensure compliance and stability. However, the announcement provided minimal operational specifics, particularly regarding how Hamas would be disarmed after more than two decades of military control in the enclave.In an exclusive interview with Digital, Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s ambassador to the United Nations, lauded the ceasefire as an "incredible achievement" and suggested that phase two could pave the way for peace in the absence of Hamas."The Trump plan is establishing a ceasefire, which is an incredible achievement," Bonnafont stated. "It must lead to a massive reopening of humanitarian aid, and this will be announced within a couple of days."He mentioned that the subsequent stage involves an international stabilization force tasked with aiding reconstruction and assisting in Hamas’s disarmament."That would facilitate Hamas's disarmament, and it will assist the Palestinian Authority in returning and democratically resuming the governance of Gaza as part of the Palestinian territory," he explained.Bonnafont underscored France's prioritization of Israel's security, especially given regional threats. He remarked, "We have consistently supported Israel, for instance, regarding threats from Iran to Israel's existence."Concurrently, he stated that France holds the view that enduring security relies on establishing a demilitarized Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel. Bonnafont asserted, "We believe that long-term security for Israel is achieved through the creation of Palestine. A Palestine that must be independent yet demilitarized and at peace with Israel."The United Nations also endorsed the phase two announcement, labeling it "an important step" while stressing compliance with international law and current U.N. resolutions.Security analysts from Israel and the U.S. generally concur that phase two's success hinges on confronting Hamas’s weaponry and coercive capabilities.Dr. Avner Golov, vice president of the Israeli policy institute Mind Israel, informed Digital that, "The central challenge is ," Golov stated. "The only parties genuinely prepared to dismantle Hamas’s military assets are the Israelis, and as long as Hamas retains its arms, there should be no reconstruction and no IDF pullback from the current defensive line.""Ultimately, a credible military threat from the IDF against Hamas is essential," he asserted. "Without such a threat, I see no possibility of Hamas voluntarily disarming."Golov also highlighted what he termed a disparity between diplomatic pledges and actual implementation by regional players. He remarked, "The key test is . They signed a document committing to Hamas’s disarmament, but they have since failed to show genuine dedication to its execution."Jonathan Ruhe, an American Strategy fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), contended that phase two offers a but sidesteps the most politically challenging choice.Ruhe commented, "The peace plan provides a comprehensive framework for Gaza's reconstruction and improved governance. However, it remains silent on the ‘who’ and ‘how’ of disarming Hamas."He stated, "As long as Hamas can disrupt aid distribution, intimidate and kill Gazans seeking a better future, and threaten renewed conflict with Israel, international investment in reconstruction and reform will be almost nonexistent."Although Trump’s plan advocates for Hamas’s voluntary disarmament, Ruhe also noted that Hamas has minimal incentive to comply. He explained, "Hamas refuses because it believes it emerged victorious from the war. There is now an urgent necessity to determine who will forcefully disarm Hamas."Ruhe observed that a authorizes an International Stabilization Force to disarm Hamas, but he indicated that no nation has been prepared to deploy troops for this purpose. Instead, he mentioned that the Trump plan details a more restricted role for international forces, concentrating on securing aid locations and preventing Hamas resupply.Ruhe stated, "Both Trump and Netanyahu suggested Israel might need to disarm Hamas. However, IDF ground forces require rest and refitting after two years of arduous combat, and a significant offensive risks jeopardizing the international coalition essential for phase two."He proposed that thoroughly vetted private military contractors, supervised by U.S. security officials instead of U.S. Central Command, could participate, although he conceded that such an action would entail "hard fighting."Despite diplomatic progress, analysts speaking with Digital warned that time might be a disadvantage for the plan. Ruhe commented, "The current situation benefits Hamas as it further solidifies its control over its portion of Gaza. Announcing the Board of Peace serves significant diplomatic objectives, but it will have little practical impact unless and until Hamas is disarmed."Golov reiterated this assessment. He stated, "As long as Hamas retains its weapons, there should be no reconstruction and no IDF withdrawal from the current defensive line."
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Senior Iranian prayer leader who referred to protesters as ‘Trump’s soldiers’ demands executions amid ongoing unrest
An Iranian religious leader has demanded the death penalty for protesters arrested during a countrywide crackdown amid continuing unrest against the Islamic regime.The cleric’s demands come after the U.S. President’s threats of intervention if protesters faced violence.Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami’s sermon, broadcast on Iranian state radio, reportedly prompted chants from those gathered for prayers. The Associated Press noted that the chants included: “Put armed hypocrites to death!”During his sermon, Khatami presented the first comprehensive statistics on damage from the unrest—which began in late December—per the AP. This information offers insight into the scale of the protests following the regime’s implementation of a [missing term] on Jan. 8.Per the AP, the cleric claimed 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and 20 other sacred sites had sustained damage. Khatami also alleged that 400 hospitals, 106 ambulances, 71 fire department vehicles, and an additional 50 emergency vehicles were damaged.Another 80 homes of Friday prayer leaders were reportedly damaged, the AP said, adding this could signal demonstrators venting frustrations at the government—since these leaders hold key roles in Iran’s theocracy.“They want you to abandon your faith,” Khatami stated, according to the AP. “These crimes were planned long ago.”Khatami—appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah [missing name] and serving on the country’s Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council—had previously criticized protesters. He described them as “butlers” of the Israeli Prime Minister [missing name] and “Trump’s soldiers.”Khamenei made similar comments, saying protesters were “ruining their own streets to make another country’s president happy,” referring to Trump.Trump has been outspoken in supporting the Iranian people and early on said the U.S. was “locked and loaded” and ready to intervene if the regime used violence against protesters. It remains unclear if or when the U.S. will take concrete action in Iran, but speculation has circulated following the 2025 bombing of the country’s nuclear sites and the U.S. capture of a Venezuelan dictator [missing name].[Missing name] Digital reached out to the White House and State Department for comment.
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New-look TGR-WRT launches landmark campaign on legendary rally
TOKYO, Jan 16, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A new-look TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team will begin its 10th season of competition when the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship gets underway with the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo on January 22-25.2026 GR YARIS Rally1After a record-breaking 2025 campaign, TGR-WRT enters this year with the goal to successfully defend its manufacturers’, drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles. Not resting on its laurels, the team continues to work on improving the all-conquering GR YARIS Rally1 car, which also sports a striking new red, white and black livery.Making use of the homologation jokers available for the final season of the current Rally1 regulations, the team has focused on developments around aerodynamics and suspension. These include a new rear wing (fitted to the three manufacturer entries for round one) while the introduction of new parts to the suspension system allows for greater setup possibilities.The team once more counts on a strong and exciting driver line-up with all five GR YARIS Rally1 crews in action on round one.Sébastien Ogier claimed a record-equalling ninth world championship in a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season, guided by co-driver Vincent Landais. He is also the most successful driver in the long history of Rallye Monte-Carlo, which is based in his hometown of Gap in the French Alps, having achieved his 10th victory one year ago.Before the start of the rally at Monaco Harbour on Thursday, a new special edition GR Yaris marking Ogier’s ninth title will be unveiled, and displayed alongside the GR Yaris MORIZO RR that was created with TGR-WRT Chairman Akio Toyoda and revealed at Tokyo Auto Salon.Elfyn Evans embarks on his seventh successive full season with TGR-WRT, along with co-driver Scott Martin. Last year’s championship runners-up, they have finished on the podium four times at Rallye Monte-Carlo during their time with the team, including second place in 2025.Joining the line-up for the 2026 season are Oliver Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson following their dominant run to last year’s WRC2 title in the GR Yaris Rally2 car plus victory on their GR YARIS Rally1 debut in Estonia. With six previous Rallye Monte-Carlo starts to his name, Solberg is the third final driver nominated to score manufacturers’ points for TGR-WRT.Also competing in a fourth car under the TGR-WRT banner are Takamoto Katsuta, looking to build upon a previous best finish of sixth on the event with co-driver Aaron Johnston. Sami Pajari meanwhile begins his second season under the TGR-WRT2 banner, with the goal to continue the strong progress he demonstrated during his rookie campaign last year alongside co-driver Marko Salminen.TGR-WRT’s commitment to supporting young drivers extends to the WRC Challenge Program. After demonstrating strong progress during 2025, the Program’s second-generation driver Yuki Yamamoto takes another step, embarking on a full season of WRC rallies driving a GR Yaris Rally2.Yamamoto’s is one of seven GR Yaris Rally2 cars entered on Rallye Monte-Carlo. Filip Mareš, Chris Ingram, Eliott Delecour (son of 1994 Rallye Monte-Carlo winner François), Olivier Burri and Johannes Keferböck are all registered within WRC2, with Paolo Vallivero also on the entry list.Rallye Monte-Carlo is famed for its often-changeable weather conditions which can bring ice and snow to the asphalt roads. Tyre choice can be crucial, with a wider range of rubber – some fitted with studs – available to suit the conditions. This year’s rally starts and finishes in Monaco’s harbour and, for the first time since 2008, includes a super special stage using part of the principality’s grand prix circuit.The action heads straight for the mountains on Thursday with three stages driven en route back to Gap, two of them in darkness. A trio of stages west of Gap are all run twice on Friday, while Saturday features three more mountain tests before the Monaco Circuit super special in the evening. A pair of repeated stages above Monaco form Sunday’s finale, including the rally-ending Power Stage over the famous Col de Turini.Quotes:Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal)“It’s always exciting to be starting a new season, whether you’re a driver, a team principal, or a fan. It’s interesting to see the level of the teams and the drivers and who looks in good shape for the year ahead. With the development work we’ve done on the suspension and the aerodynamics, our GR YARIS Rally1 should be strong, but we know that our rivals have been working hard to improve too. Rallye Monte-Carlo is the most difficult and stressful event of the season but also the most rewarding if you can reach the podium in Monaco. Sébastien has done that more times than anybody else and I know that, even after taking his ninth world title, he will still be hungry to win. Elfyn too showed incredible performance throughout last season and doesn’t really need to do anything differently to be a contender again this year. We’re also excited to have Oliver joining our line-up and to see what he, Taka and Sami can do during the season.” Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)“After a short turnaround like always, I’m looking forward to the new season and to be hopefully fighting at the sharp end. I’m sure it’s going to be a competitive year and we will have to be at our best. There’s quite a lot of continuity in terms of the car and the tyres, and although we finished last season in a pretty good place, the team is always working to find improvements and that bit more performance that we as drivers are always asking for. Rallye Monte-Carlo is always a bit of an unknown in the sense that you cannot be sure beforehand what conditions you will face. It’s a huge challenge and it’s all about adapting as best as you can during the event.” Sébastien Ogier (Driver car 1)“It’s been nice to have some time to celebrate and appreciate what we achieved last year, but the focus is already on the new season when everyone starts again from zero. Even though I won’t be driving on every rally just as in the last few seasons, it’s still going to be quite an intense schedule. We will try to make the best of it together with this great team, which is always pushing hard to keep improving every year. As with every year, it’s exciting for me to start Rallye Monte-Carlo. It’s the rally that means the most to me and the one that made me dream, so it was a proud moment to win it for a 10th time last year. The target will be the same this time, but it never gets any easier.” Oliver Solberg (Driver car 99)“It’s a dream moment to be starting the new season as a Toyota Rally1 driver. I don’t have clear expectations in terms of results this year; I just want to do my job to the best of my ability and see how it goes. While I know the car quite well on gravel, I feel I still have some learning to do on asphalt. On this surface you feel a bigger difference from Rally2 to Rally1 machinery in terms of speed, but we’ve had some good testing and I have a very good feeling in the car. Rallye Monte-Carlo is an event that you just have to love, even if it’s really tricky and probably the most difficult rally of the year. It’s always a special experience and I’m really looking forward to it.” Takamoto Katsuta (Driver car 18)“It’s always special to be starting a new season in Monte Carlo. The conditions are some of the trickiest we face during the season, so the feeling beforehand can be quite mixed: you’re looking forward to it, but at the same time you never know what will happen. We need to have good communication with our route note crews, who are giving us the latest information about the conditions, which can change very quickly. In our pre-event test we had ice and snow but it was melting, so we could also see how the car and tyres were working on wet asphalt, and I could feel some good progress. My target this year is to deliver more results and I’m ready to give my best.” Sami Pajari (Driver car 5)“It’s an exciting feeling to be starting my second season with the Rally1 car. Last year was pretty much all about learning, as in most of the rallies it was my first time there with this car. Still, in the second half of the year things were clearly going better and better, and now I’m feeling much more ready to be competitive. The car is pretty much the same as last year, as are the tyres, and I feel much more confident in understanding what it’s capable of. Rallye Monte-Carlo is maybe the most challenging event of the season with the chance for a big range of different conditions, but I hope to have a good feeling and enjoy it.” Yuki Yamamoto (Driver WRC Challenge Program GEN2)“I’m really excited to start this new season full of WRC events. While previous years have been more about gathering experience, I think it’s time to start performing and building up the pace consistently. I believe we can have some good results this season and hopefully some podiums and victories within WRC2. Rallye Monte-Carlo is a special one, and last year on my first time there wasn’t easy for me with a lot of new conditions and challenges. I’m not registered for WRC2 points, but I hope to learn more about this event and show the speed where I can, being smart about where to push and where to avoid risks.”Map Rallye Monte-Carlo 2026(Please visit www.wrc.com for the latest.) Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Iran’s ethnic minorities may decide regime’s future amid ongoing protests
Although anti-regime demonstrations appeared to lose momentum on Friday, analysts point to a significant segment of the population that may be pivotal in determining the nation's trajectory: Iran's diverse ethnic minorities, who constitute nearly half of all citizens.Shukriya Bradost, a prominent academic specialist on Iran's minorities who hails from the country's Kurdistan region, stated to Digital that "Ethnic communities have not supported the system since the Islamic constitution was established in 1979 and have been campaigning for their rights for 47 years."In a recent paper she wrote, Bradost observes that "Iran's protests have extended throughout the provinces, despite wariness and apprehension within ethnic groups." She points out that Persians account for 51% of Iran, Azeris represent 24%, Kurds make up approximately 8% to 17%, while Arab and Baluch minorities constitute 3% and 2% of the populace, respectively.She described Iran as "a nation of around 93 million people whose contemporary state was founded on a centralized national identity instead of ethnic pluralism.""The regime can no longer endure. It will resist until the last bullet as long as Khamenei remains alive," she asserted.Accounts from different organizations allege that the Islamic Republic's supreme leader commanded the killing of thousands of demonstrators. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran documented 2,571 protest-related fatalities, whereas leading Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi informed Bret Baier on "Special Report" this Monday that at least 12,000 individuals have been killed.Sardar Pashaei, president of the nonprofit Hiwa, which mobilizes a new generation of Kurdish activists for human rights and democratic reform, told Digital, "Ethnic minorities represent close to half of Iran's population, and no substantial political shift can be achieved without them. Kurds, specifically, possess decades of experience in opposing authoritarian control and have repeatedly borne the heaviest costs through suppression, incarceration, and fatalities. Their involvement is not merely symbolic—it is fundamental to any genuine threat to the Islamic Republic."Pashaei, a former Greco-Roman wrestling world champion for Iran who also coached the national elite team, continued, "Apart from protest, ethnic minorities—Kurds in particular—are vital to preventing one type of tyranny from being substituted by another. Kurdish political culture strongly endorses democratic principles, pluralism, and women's involvement, which explains the near absence of support among them for monarchy or lifelong rule."He remarked that "In Syria and Iraq, areas under Kurdish administration emerged as some of the most stable following the downfall of dictatorships, and Kurdish areas in Iran would probably be among the most stable after the collapse of the Islamic regime. Nevertheless, Kurds still encounter discrimination both inside Iran and within opposition political circles, despite the fact that a democratic future can only be constructed via a wide, inclusive alliance."Khalil Kani Sanani, a spokesman for the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), informed Digital that two provinces warrant close attention. "Currently, Kermanshah and Ilam are ready to assume that part. The Kurdistan Freedom Party's organizations and the National Army of Kurdistan's units in those two provinces' cities are both overseeing the rebellion and engaging in resistance and justified defense."He highlighted that the previous major rebellion originated in those areas. "On this occasion too, after Tehran's crackdown, Kurdistan's cities turned into hubs of insurrection against the regime, and from Kurdistan the rebellious sentiment has extended toward Tehran and throughout Iran."The "Jina uprising" he mentioned was recognized as the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement that swept across Iran after the Islamic Republic's morality police killed a young Iranian-Kurdish woman in September 2022 for not wearing her hijab correctly.Kani Sanani stated, "Our units' actions against IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] forces in Kermanshah, Ilam, Lorestan, and Bakhtiari have inspired the populace and boosted public spirit. If the regime's aircraft were denied access to those regions' airspace, our forces would swiftly seize all cities in those provinces, and from there we would advance with a 100,000-strong force to support Tehran's inhabitants."Siamand Moeini, a member of the leadership council of The Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), told Digital that "The present administration lacks the capability or agenda for internal democratic changes. Consequently, the optimal option is a collective effort to overthrow it and institute a democratic framework involving all Iranian peoples."He further said, "Iran's existing centralized structure does not reflect its people's desires. Throughout the last century, autocratic rule and state oppression have caused the misery and death of thousands—policies that the people of Kurdistan have persistently opposed. Given the present conditions, we advocate for a democratic self-rule option for all Iranian regions, particularly for Kurdistan, which can properly meet the Kurdish community's requirements."Moeini concluded, "Iran's forthcoming governance system must be based on the extensive involvement and collaboration of all its peoples, establishing the groundwork for an authentically enduring and comprehensive democracy."
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Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Acquisition of Haynesville Shale Gas Business in Louisiana and Texas
TOKYO, Jan 16, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Corporation (“MC”) has agreed to acquire all equity interests in Aethon III LLC, Aethon United LP, and related entities and interests (collectively “Aethon”). This transaction marks MC’s entry into the U.S. shale gas business across the value chain, from upstream ownership through domestic sales and export of produced gas.MC reached an agreement on January 16, 2026 with Aethon Energy Management and Aethon’s existing stakeholders, including Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, RedBird Capital Partners for a total equity investment of approximately USD 5.2 billion. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of Japan's fiscal year (April to June of 2026), subject to customary regulatory approvals.Building on MC’s established North American energy platform—which includes upstream shale gas development with Ovintiv in British Columbia, midstream marketing and logistics through CIMA Energy in Houston, LNG exports via LNG Canada and Cameron LNG, and power generation through Diamond Generating Corporation—this acquisition further strengthens MC’s integrated energy and power business.Aethon’s shale gas assets are primarily located in the Haynesville Shale formation, spanning Texas and Louisiana, and currently produce approximately 2.1 Bcf/d of natural gas (equivalent to about 15 million tons per year of LNG).Haynesville is a major supply source of natural gas for the growing southern U.S. market and offers favorable access to multiple LNG export terminals, including Cameron LNG, where MC holds liquefaction capacity rights under a tolling agreement. Aethon’s natural gas is currently sold in the U.S. southern market, and part of this volume is being considered for export as LNG to Asia, including Japan, as well as to Europe.Under its Corporate Strategy 2027, Leveraging Our Integrated Strength for the Future, MC has outlined a value creation framework of “Enhance,” “Reshape,” and “Create.” As part of “Create,” MC aims to drive growth through synergies across its existing business segments. This investment will not only strengthen the earnings base of MC’s natural gas and LNG businesses, but also accelerate efforts to build an integrated value chain in the United States—from upstream gas development to power generation, data center development, chemicals production, and related businesses.For an overview of Aethon and related entities, please refer to the disclosure materials on MC’s website.[Location of Haynesville]Presentation Material(pdf)About Mitsubishi CorporationMitsubishi Corporation (MC) is an integrated trading and investment company that develops and operates businesses across multiple industries together with its global network. MC has eight business segments: Environmental Energy, Materials Solution, Mineral Resources, Urban Development and Infrastructure, Mobility, Food Industry, Smart-Life Creation, and Power Solution.MaterialityBased on the Three Corporate Principles, which serve as MC’s core philosophy, MC has continued to grow together with society by contributing to the sustainable development of society through its business activities while pursuing value creation. While continuously creating Shared Value guided by the Materiality, a set of crucial societal issues, MC will continue to strengthen its efforts towards sustainable corporate growth. Guided by this Materiality, MC will continue to strengthen its efforts towards sustainable corporate growth. Out of the six material issues relating to “Realizing a Carbon Neutral Society and Striving to Enrich Society Both Materially and Spiritually”, this project’s activities particularly support “Contributing to Decarbonized Societies” and “Promoting Stable, Sustainable Societies and Lifestyles”.Inquiry RecipientMitsubishi CorporationTelephone:+81-3-3210-2171 Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Celestion Brings Cutting-Edge Music Technology to Transform Hong Kong’s Modern Listening Experience
HONG KONG, January 16, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hometainer, a state-of-the-art all-function portable music system from the legendary British audio brand Celestion, is now available in Hong Kong. Renowned for its iconic loudspeakers and compression drivers used in studios and live venues worldwide, Celestion’s latest innovative music system is designed to deliver professional live-house sound quality to homes, gatherings, and staycations. It seamlessly integrates premium karaoke, live instrument input, and smart app control into a single unit tailored for modern Hong Kong lifestyles.Founded in 1924 in Hampton Wick, England, Celestion has spent over a century perfecting sound, from inventing the world’s first cone loudspeaker to pioneering advancements in professional loudspeakers and compression drivers. Today, Celestion products are trusted in professional studios, concert venues and home audio systems worldwide, setting the gold standard for audio fidelity and acoustic performance.Home + Entertainer = Hometainer, offering portable live-house sound for city livingHometainer is not just a speaker, it is the beating heart of home entertainment. This portable system moves effortlessly from living room to bedroom, rooftop, clubhouse or studio. Whether it is karaoke with friends, family music time, gaming, yoga sessions or solo performances, Hometainer transforms any space into an immersive music zone.Alan Wong, Senior Director, Asia, Celestion Music Asia Limited, said, with Hometainer, Celestion hopes to bring professional live-house sound into every Hong Kong homeThe Hometainer 6 and Hometainer 8m models deliver powerful, full-bodied sound tailored for diverse scenarios with different power outputs. Both offer multiple inputs that allow you to play from different sources simultaneously. With up to 3.5 hours of playtime on a detachable Li-ion battery, extendable with extra power packs, it brings premium sound from flats to rooftops to weekend getaways, ensuring uninterrupted playtime wherever you go.Karaoke, instruments and parties in one systemHometainer is built for Hong Kong’s love of karaoke and live music, with features similar to professional systems. Key features include:- Karaoke sound engine with built-in echo, reverb, key (pitch) control, vocal remover and automatic feedback eliminator for clear, powerful vocals.- Multiple inputs supporting microphones, musical instruments and line-in so users can plug in acoustic guitar, keyboards or electronic drum kits for solo practice or jamming with friends.- Stereo pairing, which connects two Hometainer 6, two Hometainer 8m, or a combination of Hometainer 8m and 8p (a stereo extension speaker with USB-C connection) to create a wider, true stereo soundstage, ideal for karaoke duets, family parties or larger gatherings.Perfect for music lovers who refuse to compromise, the Hometainer Remote App unlocks deeper control. Compatible with iOS and Android, the app allows users to adjust dynamic bass, activate vocal remover and fine-tune sound profiles with just a tap, turning the phone into a smart remote.Hometainer specificationsDesigned for Hong Kong homesCombining refined aesthetics with superior functionality, Hometainer is crafted with a solid wooden body and acoustically transparent fabric over a sleek metal grille for a premium yet understated look. It is available in four colours: Cotton Grey, Burgundy, Midnight Blue and Moss Green, designed to complement Hong Kong home interiors, from minimalist apartments to classic décor.Hometainer is available in four colours: Cotton Grey, Burgundy, Midnight Blue and Moss GreenIts compact footprint and portable design make it especially suitable for Hong Kong’s space-conscious homes, where one product often needs to cover many roles – home theatre speaker, karaoke machine, party system and practice amp. With convenient carry options and wireless connectivity, Hometainer can easily move between rooms or be taken to clubhouses and shared spaces.A new way to experience music in Hong KongAlan Wong, Senior Director, Asia, Celestion Music Asia Limited, said, “Hong Kong has always been a city that moves with energy and rhythm, from its live houses and music studios to rooftop gatherings and family karaoke nights. With Hometainer, we want every home in Hong Kong to enjoy rich, live-style sound – for singing, playing instruments or simply relaxing with music – all from one easy-to-use system.”“As people spend more time enjoying entertainment at home, they seek products that are flexible, stylish and powerful without taking up too much space. Hometainer is designed exactly for that – an all-function music system that can be a Partytainer, Karatainer, Yogatainer, Gametainer, HiFitainer and more, tailored to your lifestyle needs,” added Wong.Kennis Chan (left), Senior Director, Strategic Marketing Projects, GP Industries, and Alan Wong (right), Senior Director, Asia, Celestion Music Asia Limited shared that Hometainer, a state-of-the-art portable all-function music system, integrates home theatre speaker, karaoke machine, party system and practice amp into a single unit tailored for modern Hong Kong lifestylesNow available in Hong KongThe Celestion Hometainer 6, Hometainer 8m, and Hometainer 8p are now available in Hong Kong through Celestion’s online store and authorised distributors. For more information, please visit https://c-music.com/zh.It is party time, and Hometainer is all you need.For more high-resolution product photos, please visit:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GRJM_ffaxgLFmXDjKrPOd4jCFW7TwsNe'usp=sharingAbout CelestionFounded in 1924 in Hampton Wick, England, Celestion revolutionised sound with the invention of the first cone loudspeaker. For over a century, the brand has led the development of world-class sonic technologies, powering professional studios, concert stages and home audio systems worldwide. Today, Celestion continues its legacy of innovation by delivering products that combine exceptional acoustic engineering with modern versatility for music lovers, creators and professionals.For media enquiries, please contact:AJA (IR & Communications)Avy YuTel: (852) 9500 4443Email: avy.yu@ajacapital.com.hk / info@ajacapital.com.hk Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
The person chosen by Trump to be the ambassador to Iceland apologizes for joking about the Arctic nation becoming the 52nd state
Former Representative Billy Long, who was nominated by the President to be the ambassador to Iceland, has apologized after privately joking to House lawmakers that the Arctic island would become the "52nd state" with him as its governor.Long, a Republican who represented Missouri from 2011 to 2023 and served a short period as the IRS commissioner last year, said he was just joking with his former congressional colleagues."There was nothing serious about that. I was with some people I hadn't seen in three years, and they were joking about Jeff Landry being [something missing in original text], and then they started joking about me. If anyone was offended by it, then I apologize," Long told Arctic Today."I apologize, and that's my only comment. I'm looking forward to working with the people of Iceland, and I'm sorry it was taken that way. I was with a group of friends, and there was nothing serious about it," he added.Trump recently appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland.This comes as Trump ramps up his talk about [something missing in original text], a Danish territory, saying he plans to take the island "one way or the other.""We're going to do something about Greenland, whether they like it or not," Trump said last week. "Because if we don't, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as neighbors."Trump administration officials are openly considering options such as using military force to take Greenland, a move that would violate [something missing in original text], which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all of them and could end the alliance that has lasted for over 75 years.Denmark and other European countries have taken actions, including sending additional troops to Greenland in case of a U.S. invasion, supporting the territory as it reaffirms its stance that it doesn't want to join the U.S. Iceland is among the NATO members that have expressed opposition to Trump's repeated threats to take Greenland.On Capitol Hill, most Democrats and even some Republicans have opposed the idea of taking Greenland, while other Republicans have voiced support for pursuing closer ties with the territory. This includes Representative Randy Fine, R - Fla., who introduced legislation to make it the 51st U.S. state, although he said the best way to acquire Greenland is voluntarily.Trump has also said he wanted to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.Long was visiting his former colleagues on the House Floor earlier this week when he made the controversial comment about Iceland, which led to some minor diplomatic backlashes. Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs demanded answers from the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík."There's no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland," Icelandic Parliament member Sigmar Guðmundsson told MBL. "We need to understand that all the security arguments the U.S. has made regarding Greenland also apply to Iceland."Some Icelanders also launched a petition drive asking their government to reject Long as ambassador if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The petition has received 2,000 signatures.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R - S.D., told Politico that Long was "probably just having some fun" and "I wouldn't read too much into it."
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by: nicole
Australia bans millions of kids from social media in the first month of historic ban
In the first month since the country's historic ban came into effect, social media companies have restricted access to millions of accounts belonging to children. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are required to identify and deactivate users under the age of 16.Approximately 4.7 million users had their access revoked, according to Australian officials, who on Friday boasted about the measure, which was implemented in mid-December due to concerns about the impact of online environments on young people."Today, we can announce that this is working," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated during a news conference. "This is a source of Australian pride. This was world-leading legislation, and now it is being followed up globally."Under the law, 10 social media giants - Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Kick, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and YouTube - must find and deactivate accounts of Australian users under 16. The companies face fines of up to $33 million if they don't take "reasonable steps" to remove underage users."We defied everyone who said it couldn't be done, some of the most powerful and wealthy companies in the world and their supporters," said Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells. "Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can regain their childhoods."According to Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, there are around 2.5 million Australians aged 8 to 15, with approximately 84% of 8 to 12-year-olds having at least one social media account. While the total number of accounts across platforms is unknown, Inman Grant said the number of deactivated or restricted accounts was encouraging."We're stopping predatory social media companies from reaching our children," she said at a news conference.Critics of the new ban have contended that it will be hard to enforce, and Inman Grant admitted that there are still some active underage accounts."We don't expect safety laws to eliminate every single violation. If we did, speed limits would have failed because people speed, and drinking limits would have failed because, believe it or not, some kids do get access to alcohol," she said.She also mentioned that based on data reviewed by her office, there was an increase in downloads of alternative apps, but not a surge in usage.Social media platforms can verify age by either asking for copies of identification documents, using a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder's face, or making deductions from existing data, such as how long an account has been active.Meta, which owns [the relevant platforms], said earlier this week that it had removed nearly 550,000 accounts belonging to users it thought were under 16 just one day after the ban started.While the law was popular among parents and child safety campaigners, online privacy advocates and groups representing teenagers mostly opposed it.Other countries have considered similar [measures], and some American lawmakers have also indicated their interest in imposing social media restrictions in the U.S."I think we should look at what Australia is doing, for instance, making sure access to these social media platforms is not available to anyone under 16," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said last month.Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., previously said that "protecting children is a path that should be pursued.""I won't rule out some kind of [restriction] or use of those devices... Parents and grandparents need help; this has gotten out of control," he said. Digital's Nora Moriarty, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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International Media Swarms Remote Greenland Amid Trump’s Acquisition Efforts
As the President intensifies his pursuit of Greenland, a wave of international journalists has descended upon the island to gauge the sentiments of its political figures and inhabitants.In recent weeks, prominent news organizations such as The Associated Press, Reuters, the BBC, and Al Jazeera, alongside media from Scandinavian nations and Japan, have journeyed to the semi-autonomous Danish territory, inundating its politicians and community leaders with interview requests.While the President has asserted that acquiring the approximately 800,000-square-mile island is crucial for national security, its leaders have consistently maintained that it is not for sale.Juno Berthelsen, a member of parliament for the opposition party Naleraq, noted that the media attention escalated last year when the President first expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, and he has been conducting multiple interviews daily for the past two weeks."We are a very small population, and people tend to become weary when an increasing number of journalists pose the same questions repeatedly," Berthelsen informed the Associated Press.The island's population is around 57,000, with approximately 20,000 residing in Nuuk, the modest capital city, where the same group of business owners are frequently asked to participate in news interviews, sometimes as many as 15 per day.Many residents interviewed by the AP conveyed their desire for the world to understand that Greenlanders will determine their own future and expressed bewilderment regarding the President's interest in controlling the island."It's simply strange how fixated [the President] is on Greenland," Maya Martinsen, 21, told the AP.She suggested that the President is "essentially misrepresenting his intentions for Greenland," arguing that he is leveraging U.S. national security as a pretext to gain control of "the untouched oils and minerals we possess."Martinsen added that Americans "only perceive what they can extract from Greenland, not what it truly is.""It boasts beautiful nature and wonderful people. For me, it's simply home. I believe Americans are merely viewing it as some form of business transaction," she commented.Conversely, Americans appear to hold mixed views on the potential acquisition, with a Quinnipiac University poll indicating that they would oppose military action to take control of Greenland. By a margin of 55% to 37%, surveyed voters stated their opposition to any U.S. attempt to purchase Greenland.On Wednesday, the President posted on social media that anything less than U.S. control of Greenland is "unacceptable," yet Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated during a press conference this week that the island will not be owned or governed by the United States.The President's recent remarks have created friction with Denmark and other NATO allies, and military forces from countries including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway were deployed to Greenland this week for a brief two-day mission to enhance the territory's defenses.Digital's Paul Steinhauser and
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MHI Thermal Systems Expands Lineup of Building-Use Multi-Split Air-Conditioners for Overseas Markets
KXZ3 SeriesTOKYO, Jan 16, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has expanded its lineup for the KXZ3 Series of building-use multi-split air-conditioners which use low-environmental impact R32 refrigerant, in response to increasing demand in overseas markets, and begun mass production. To complement the existing three units in 22.4-33.5 kW models, a total of seven units in 40.0-67.0 kW range have been added in response to increasing demand in overseas markets. Sales will begin this spring in Europe, with sequential sales launches in Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.With the addition of the units, the maximum system capacity, which had been 168.0 kW in a combination of three individual 56.0 kW models with the existing KXZ2 Series, has been expanded to 201.0 kW. In addition, this series, by flexibly combining up to three models, can be used to build an optimal air conditioning system best suited to installation conditions and operational purposes. For example, in environments with numerous restrictions, such as buildings in urban centers, a space-saving installation is possible even with the same capacity by selecting unit combinations that reduce the required installation footprint. Meanwhile, selecting high-efficiency unit combination enhances energy-saving performance and operating efficiency, helping to reduce running costs over the long term. All models have a uniform height of 1,750 mm, which gives a sense of unity to the external appearance, and makes it easy to connect the units, design piping, and install and maintain systems.In addition, this series significantly reduces a system's environmental impact. Compared to the KXZ2 Series, which uses R410A refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP)(1) of 2,088, the KXZ3 series uses R32 refrigerant, which has a GWP of 675, or about one-third that of the previous series. In terms of functionality, the energy efficiency has been improved with a new type of compressor and renewed air flow path design. Further, a "Variable Temperature & Capacity Control +" function has been added for a balance energy savings and indoor comfort, as well as a "hot gas bypass defrost" operating mode that lessens the fall in indoor temperature common with conventional defrosting operation.(2) MHI Thermal Systems also offers a lineup of dedicated safety devices that comply with European safety regulations. One such device, a shut-off valve that blocks the flow of refrigerant in the event of a refrigerant leak or other abnormality, is designed to accommodate multiple indoor units, helping to reduce installation costs.Consideration has also been given to the design. The 22.4-33.5 kW models released in Fiscal 2024 as the KXZ3 Series were highly praised for their exterior design that harmonizes with urban spaces, as well as their ability to reduce the environmental impact and achieve high energy savings. The series is characterized by a design that blends with the exterior environment, such as blue ornamentation, rounded corners, and flat panel surfaces, as well as its environmental performance. In recognition of this overall value, the KXZ3 Series received the A' Design Award 2025,(3) and the Australian Good Design Award.(4) The models added to the lineup also adhere to this design concept, achieving an integrated design with a sense of unity in their external appearance, even with combinations of units with different capacities or a large number of units.Going forward, MHI Thermal Systems will continue to offer solutions that combine energy efficiency and comfort in its air-conditioning business, including packaged and building-use air-conditioners for overseas markets, and contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality.(1) Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a coefficient of the greenhouse effect of a gas relative to carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a fixed GWP of 1.0. Smaller values indicate a lower greenhouse effect, and better environmental performance.(2) Conventional defrosting removes frost formed on the outdoor unit during heating operation. Because the airflow of the indoor unit stops during this operation, the indoor temperature may fall temporarily depending on the building conditions.(3) For more information on the awards received at A' Design Award 2025, see the following press release. https://www.mhi.com/news/25060401.html(4) For more information on the receipt of the Australian Good Design Award, see the following press release. https://www.mhi.com/news/25101701.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Senior Iranian General Threatens to ‘Cut Off’ Trump’s Hand Over Possible Military Action
According to Iranian media reports, one of Iran's top officials delivered a direct threat to President on Thursday, cautioning that any U.S. military move would trigger retaliatory strikes on American forces throughout the Middle East.These statements emerged as well-placed sources confirmed to Digital that at least one American aircraft carrier was positioned amid escalating tensions with Tehran.A senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general, who serves on Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, reportedly issued the threat during a public speech."Trump has said his hand is on the trigger. We will cut off his hand and his finger," Rezaei stated, according toThe publication also reported that Rezaei insisted Iran would drop any ceasefire considerations if attacked."If we proceed, there will be no further discussion of a ceasefire," he stated. "You ignore the restraint and strategic patience we have demonstrated. Stop immediately. Retreat, or else none of your regional bases will remain secure," Rezaei added.The threat emerged as at least one vessel appeared to be heading toward the Middle East, according to sources.Authorities have not revealed whether this refers to the USS Abraham Lincoln, presently deployed in the South China Sea, or to one of two carriers that left Norfolk and San Diego earlier this week.Military sources indicated that travel to the region could require at least a week, with further U.S. air, ground, and naval resources anticipated to deploy, giving Trump military alternatives if he decides to launch strikes on Iran.Rezaei ranks among Iran's most influential military leaders. He commanded the IRGC as chief from 1980 to 1997 and currently holds positions as vice president for economic affairs, secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for Economic Coordination, and a leading member of the Principlist Resistance Front of Islamic Iran.In 2006, Argentine officials issued an international arrest warrant for Rezaei regarding the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned him in January 2020 under Executive Order 13876 for promoting Iran's destabilizing agenda.Throughout his leadership, the IRGC intensified domestic suppression and backed terrorist proxy organizations overseas, such as Hezbollah.Meanwhile, internal unrest in Iran persisted into its nineteenth day. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), have been documented, with 1,693 more cases being investigated.Another organization also documented broader communication outages, including landline shutdowns in certain regions."They persist as before, though not at the rate seen prior to the killing of thousands and the mass arrests," Ali Safavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) told Digital, alleging up to 50,000 people detained."The internet remains completely shut down. Security forces are storming residential neighborhoods and accessing people's rooftops. They have begun destroying satellite dishes," Safavi reported, before detailing ongoing clashes from Wednesday night into Thursday in Tehran and Kermanshah, which included exchanges of gunfire. also called on the international community to take immediate action to free detainees and requested an urgent global fact-finding delegation to Iran's prisons.
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A Simple Fix May Be the Solution to Monster Hunter Wilds’ Biggest Issue
Capcom has struggled with performance issues ever since it launched last year. Erratic frame rates, stuttering, and texture streaming glitches are visible across all platforms—even on the most powerful PCs that should run the game flawlessly. While many assumed this was due to Capcom’s poor optimization, the actual problem might be far more frustrating. A Reddit user has uncovered the core reason behind Wilds’s lackluster performance in the Monster Hunter subreddit: the game repeatedly checks for in-game DLC licenses in the background, which causes performance to plummet. He’s optimistic Capcom will address the issue soon now that it’s been found, but adds he’s ready to release his own fixes if the developer fails to act. On Thursday, De_Tylmarande told Inverse that “sadly [Capcom] still haven’t replied” to his messages about the Monster Hunter issue. Capcom did not immediately respond to Inverse’s request for comment. The redditor explained his key discovery happened when he played Wilds using his friend’s account on his own computer. He noticed the performance drops he expected were gone. When he logged back into his own account and redownloaded the game, all the familiar issues returned. The only difference? His friend owned every piece of DLC for the game, while he did not. To confirm DLC was the culprit, de_Tylmarande created a mod that fools his copy of Wilds into thinking all released DLC is present on his drive (without pirating the $500+ worth of paid skins and content). To his surprise, his usual performance hiccups were significantly reduced, validating his suspicion. The user stated that a vanilla (no DLC) version of the game sees frame rates in player hubs drop to the low-to-mid 20s. In contrast, the modded version saw frame rates in those same areas jump up to 80 frames per second. He claims to have replicated these results on multiple PCs and even shared evidence to back up his findings. “Capcom focused so heavily on microtransactions that they implemented an extremely flawed and aggressive DLC ownership check,” he wrote in his detailed explanation. “And no, it’s not about protection or anti-cheat or anything like that—it’s just a check to see if DLC is present.” Monster Hunter Wilds’ biggest problem may finally get a fix, thanks to a crafty member of the community. | Capcom De_Tylmarande doesn’t believe Capcom did this intentionally; instead, it’s likely an oversight the company hasn’t noticed yet. He says he’s sent his discovery to Capcom support in the hope they’ll roll out a fix soon. However, if Capcom doesn’t address the issue, he plans to release his mod as an open-source solution. This isn’t the first time De_Tylmarande has solved a performance issue for Capcom. He claims he reported an animation-related bug in Dragon’s Dogma 2 in 2024 that also dragged down frame rates. The bug was fixed in an April 10, 2024 patch, indicating Capcom is receptive to player-driven technical discoveries and feedback. Despite being a more streamlined game than its predecessor, Monster Hunter Wilds . Unfortunately, its technical issues marred what would otherwise be a strong entry in the series. As of now, the game holds a Mixed user review rating on Steam, with many players complaining about the lack of optimization. Still, the game managed to be , becoming 2025’s . Monster Hunter Wilds is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
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Amazon’s Initial ‘Fallout’ Spin-Off Already Faces Two Substantial Problems
Amazon Prime VideoThe most recent trend in television is to craft a fictional dystopia and then attempt to make it a reality. Squid Game transformed playground games into life-threatening competitions, and then dramatized the drama. Reality shows depicted in works such as The Running Man are mirrored in the brazen real-life reality competition . Presently, Fallout is making an effort to convert its satirical wasteland into a reality show, yet the odds might already be stacked against this peculiar concept.Prime Video declared that it has greenlit Fallout Shelter, a reality competition series situated in the universe of its popular Fallout show. "Set within Vault-Tec’s bomb-proof vaults, Fallout Shelter drops a varied group of contestants into an immersive, high-stakes world inspired by the games’ distinctive dark humor, retro-futurism, and post-apocalyptic survival storytelling," the press release states. "Over a series of escalating challenges, strategic conundrums, and moral crossroads, contestants must demonstrate their ingenuity, teamwork, and resilience as they compete for safety, power, and ultimately a substantial cash prize."You can have a go at surviving in a vault in the reality competition show Fallout Shelter. | Amazon Prime VideoAlthough the name Fallout Shelter has already been taken by a mobile game, this seems like a Survivor-style competition that merges physical challenges with a social game of trust and alliances. But does anyone truly desire this?One of the greatest attractions of Fallout is its elaborate, convoluted story, something that is simply not feasible in an unscripted reality series. Then there is the issue of worldbuilding. People collapsing in Squid Game: The Challenge was already absurd enough, and watching people pretend to live underground after a nuclear apocalypse might be going too far. It is not even Amazon Prime Video’s first attempt at turning one of its properties into a reality competition, but 007: Road to a Million did not make a big impact among Bond fans.Fallout Shelter takes its name from Bethesda’s mobile game about vault management. | Bethesda GamesThe other problem confronting Fallout Shelter is that it will only be available for streaming. More and more people may be cutting the cord, but competition shows like Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race still thrive on broadcast television. The only comparable streaming show is the Emmy-winning Danish import The Traitors, but that series is brimming with celebrities, many of whom gained fame on broadcast competition series.If Fallout Shelter still appeals to you, the series is . But for now, I think I’ll let Lucy MacLean do the surviving for me.Fallout is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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by: jenn
One of the Most Bizarre Sega Genesis Series Is Finally Making a Comeback After Decades of Silence
A&R AtelierEcco the Dolphin doesn’t boast nearly as robust a legacy as many of its , but bring up its name to anyone who was a slightly odd child with a at the time, and you’ll likely get a far different reaction. Featuring eco-conscious themes, one-of-a-kind gameplay, and a perplexing dolphin-vs-aliens storyline, is a delightfully strange relic from the Genesis era—yet after decades of the series lying dormant, it’s finally set to make a comeback soon.Rumors about the series returning began in May 2025, when mentioned in an unrelated interview plans to not only remaster the first two games but also launch a brand-new installment. Though details are scarce right now, those plans are now official: developer A&R Atelier has announced that work has started on both the remasters and the new entry. The studio is staying tight-lipped about the new games for the moment, but there’s a for the series—currently, it only shows a small countdown in one corner, which stood at around 2,330 hours when this was written. That means it’ll expire in April this year, likely when we’ll learn more about the series’ revival.One of the Genesis’ top cult-favorite series is gearing up for a revival, with a major reveal anticipated this spring. | SegaWhile the announcement is thrilling for a niche group of fans, the lack of concrete details leaves plenty of room for reasonable skepticism. Ecco the Dolphin already had a long-overdue sequel in Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, which transitioned the series to 3D. Though it was well-received, it never reached the same cult status as the originals, and the series went quiet after that.Even more worrying is Annunziata’s interest in some of the most unpopular technologies plaguing gaming in recent years, including NFTs and . Annunziata has voiced support for these on his LinkedIn page (as spotted by ), but he’s stated that generative AI won’t be used in the Ecco the Dolphin revival.“We reached out to Annunziata to inquire whether GenAI would be utilized in Ecco's development,” Time Extension reports. “He replied that ‘not a single pixel’ will be generated by AI.”Given all the uncertainty and potential red flags around the project, it’s wise to approach the new Ecco the Dolphin with cautious expectations. Still, there’s a valid reason why news of a new entry sparked such immediate excitement. In the original games, you take on the role of Ecco the dolphin—named after the title—who’s left alone when all other sea life in his home bay vanishes without a trace. Embarking on an oceanic journey, Ecco connects with ancient creatures, eventually traveling through time and to Atlantis, where he discovers the ecological disaster that kicked off the game is part of a long-running conflict with an alien race called the Vortex.Ecco’s surprising Alien-inspired elements helped make it one of the most unusual games on the Genesis. | SegaAs you might imagine, that’s quite a bit to process—but the sheer oddity of it all left a lasting impact on fans. Beyond that, the series’ gameplay has Ecco singing to communicate with other marine life and activate mysterious runes, while gliding through water and performing tricks as he leaps into the air. The mix of fluid, enjoyable movement and an unexpectedly dark narrative is what set Ecco the Dolphin apart from every other Genesis game.Ecco the Dolphin is also infamously tough—both surviving enemy encounters and figuring out what to do amid its quirks pose a genuine challenge. This difficulty has probably only boosted its legendary status, as the contrast between the cute dolphin protagonist and the demanding tasks for players makes completing the game an unforgettable experience. We still have many unanswered questions about the upcoming sequel, but if it and the remasters can recapture some of the original’s magic, Ecco the Dolphin might finally find an audience that appreciates all its weirdness.
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New ‘Game of Thrones’ Spinoff Shifts Focus from Jon Snow to Arya Stark
HBOFor many fans who had followed Game of Thrones from the start, the final season felt like a betrayal, but after seven years, that disappointment is beginning to fade. In the meantime, HBO has continued its efforts to create a new series from the franchise and may have finally found a compelling concept.A sequel series centered on a more somber, self-destructive Jon Snow was previously in development. Kit Harington collaborated with writers from the HBO show Gunpowder to delve into the character's voluntary exile in the North, a storyline partly informed by the actor's own post-Game of Thrones mental health challenges. According to reports, Jon would have returned as "a broken man with PTSD." Harington allegedly aimed to undermine any expectation of redemption for Jon following his killing of Daenerys Targaryen; instead of restoring his heroic image, he would have faced a solitary end.This grim narrative was not particularly appealing to HBO, resulting in the project being shelved in 2023. Following a period of reassessment, a new idea appears to be emerging from the remnants of the old one: a series about Jon's sister, Arya Stark.The Jon Snow series is no more, but HBO is keeping the Thrones sequels in the Stark family. | HBOTHR has reported that HBO is discreetly advancing a new series set after Thrones, which will follow a different Stark family member. The studio has enlisted a new writer—Quoc Dang Tran, recognized for Apple TV's Drops of God—to lead the project. It is in the very early stages of development, with the plot details still being formulated, but insiders indicate it will track Arya's journeys in Essos, a region inspired by the Mediterranean that is located across the Narrow Sea.Arya previously visited Essos, namely the city of Braavos, in the sixth season of Thrones. There, she became part of the Faceless Men cult and trained to become "no one." Although she decided to sail "West of Westeros" at the conclusion of Thrones, this new spinoff might begin years later in Arya's life, returning her to known lands. A time jump would be logical: the actress Maisie Williams is now seven years older, and if HBO wishes to move past the negative reception of the Thrones finale, a clean break is necessary.Following several unsuccessful attempts, this news represents a potentially significant development for the Thrones universe, though it remains to be seen if it will proceed. Neither HBO nor other outlets have officially confirmed the story, and no cast members are currently in negotiations to reprise their roles. However, if a Game of Thrones sequel is inevitable, a series built around a beloved character is a strong choice.
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by: nicole
Turkish Airlines flight makes emergency landing after passenger’s Wi-Fi name triggers bomb scare
A Turkish Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in Barcelona on Thursday morning after a passenger issued a fake threat by setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot implying a "bomb threat" was on board, airline officials stated.Emergency protocols were activated when Flight 1853 was nearing its destination at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, having departed from Istanbul. The Airbus A321, carrying 148 passengers and seven crew members, was directed to a designated inspection area upon landing, the airline noted."It was discovered that a passenger had set up an in-flight Wi-Fi access point and named the network to include a bomb threat," Yahya Üstün, Turkish Airlines' senior vice president of communications, said in a post on X.Reports indicate the flight was cruising over the Mediterranean when a crew member spotted an alarming Wi-Fi name allegedly reading, "I have a bomb, everyone will die."Üstün added that necessary safety measures were immediately initiated following the alert.During the emergency response, the aircraft was escorted by two fighter jets—one Spanish and one French—Euronews reported.After the safe landing, response teams inspected the plane and worked to identify the passenger behind the threatening Wi-Fi name, the airline said. The operation involved Spanish authorities including Civil Guard personnel, National Police officers, Catalonia’s regional police, and fire services, per Euronews.Scene footage showed a dog deployed to examine the aircraft on the tarmac.However, officials confirmed "no irregularities were found" after a thorough inspection."Our aircraft's return flight will proceed once passenger boarding is completed," Üstün stated.Barcelona-El Prat Airport resumed normal operations following the bomb scare, Reuters reported.Reuters contributed to this report.
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by: eqs
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Launches Next Phase of International Expansion with New Bangkok Opening and Appointment of Global Brand Ambassador
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 16/01/2026 / 11:05 UTC+8 Accelerated overseas strategy as an integral part of brand transformation (Hong Kong, Bangkok, 16 January 2026) Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited ("Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group", the "Group" or the "Company"; SEHK stock code: 1929), the global Chinese luxury group built on a nearly-century old legacy of trust and innovation, announces the opening of a key strategic store in Bangkok, Thailand, within the iconic Siam Paragon, as well as the appointment of acclaimed Chinese actor Yang Yang as its Global Brand Ambassador. These initiatives mark significant milestones in the Group’s brand transformation journey as it redefines global luxury through Chinese craftmanship and artistry. The Group, which operates over 5,000 stores globally with a market capitalisation of approximately HK$122 billion, equivalent to US$16 billion, (as of 31 December 2025), is strengthening its presence in luxury destinations across international markets as part of its brand transformation. The new store at a Southeast Asian luxury retail landmark showcases Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s blend of modern sophistication with the richness imbued by cultural heritage. In addition, the appointment of Global Brand Ambassador Yang Yang reflects the commitment to engaging new audiences and deepening emotional resonance with overseas consumers. Yang Yang, a renowned globally recognised Chinese actor, is set to strengthen the brand’s presence in key international markets, positioning it as a modern, elegant embodiment of Chinese luxury on the world stage. A New Expression of Heritage and Modern Luxury The new Siam Paragon store features the brand’s iconic “Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red” throughout. The space celebrates the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship and artistry with the use of refined materials and thoughtful lighting that create a warm, gallery-like ambience. To build connections and emotional resonance, the Group is introducing a selection of Thai-exclusive pieces that honour local culture. “As we advance our dynamic brand transformation journey, curating exceptional retail experiences in international markets is pivotal in Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s overseas expansion strategy. This expansion is part of our ambition to establish Chow Tai Fook Jewellery as a leading force in global luxury, while reinforcing our legacy of innovation, excellence, and cultural resonance,” said Ms Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group. She further remarked: “Another key aspect of our strategic vision is the appointment of Yang Yang as our Global Brand Ambassador. Through this alliance, we will cultivate a refined and contemporary identity for a Chinese luxury brand on the world stage.” Accelerating Global Reach to Redefine Luxury Across Borders Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s international business expansion is guided by a two-pronged approach: revitalising key existing markets and expanding into high-potential new territories for sustainable growth. With around 60 points of sales across international markets in 1HFY2026 (April to September 2025), the Group’s retail sales in Other Markets segment (including China duty-free) grew nearly 17% year-on-year. The opening of the Siam Paragon store follows the debut of the Group’s first newly designed store in Southeast Asia, which opened at Singapore Changi Airport in November 2025. Building on this momentum, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is set to further expand its international retail network, with plans to open its first store in Australia and an additional store in Canada by the end of June 2026. The Group also intends to expand into the Middle East market within two years. Redefining Global Luxury Through Chinese Artistry In celebration of its 95th anniversary, the Group embarked on a brand transformation journey in 2024 to redefine global luxury. By blending heritage with contemporary iconic designs, the Group showcases the beauty of China to the world through exquisite jewellery that honours tradition while embracing modern elegance. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is the first Chinese jewellery brand to appoint a Creative Director with international perspectives and exposure, underscoring its commitment to innovative design and narrative-driven branding. Led by Creative Director of High Jewellery, Nicholas Lieou, the Group introduced its signature collections, including the CTF Rouge and CTF Joie Collections. ### Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited Since its founding in 1929, CHOW TAI FOOK, the flagship brand of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has been celebrated for its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made us synonymous with excellence, value, and authenticity. As the global Chinese luxury group, we blend contemporary designs with traditional techniques to create timeless pieces. Each collection reflects our customers' stories and lives, celebrating their special moments. We aspire to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into their own. Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, and MONOLOGUE, offering a wide variety of products that also includes an expanding range of cutting-edge IP collaborations. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we offer a seamless client journey across all touchpoints that includes a network across China as well as a growing number of global locations. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (SEHK: 1929) has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2011. We are committed to delivering sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders by continually enhancing earnings quality and driving higher value growth. Media Enquiries: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited Haide Ng Associate Director, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4402 Email: haideng@chowtaifook.com Acky Chan Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4403 Email: ackychan@chowtaifook.com 16/01/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: jenn
A Guide to Recruiting All 46 Characters in Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
NintendoSimilar to other titles in the series, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance offers a wealth of options when it comes to playable characters. While battling the malevolent Daein Empire, you will gradually assemble Ike's forces with a diverse cast of individuals—ranging from clumsy knights with a gambling habit to archers with prejudiced views. Given that the game can be quite challenging, having every available asset is crucial. With this consideration, and the game's recent release on , we have compiled a guide for recruiting the more than 30 distinct characters.All Recruitable Characters in Fire Emblem: Path of RadiancePlease note that this list excludes characters available from the game's beginning—specifically Ike, Titania, Boyd, Oscar, and Soren. Additionally, be aware that Shinon and Gatrie depart your party early and must be recruited again later.Chapter 7 - Mia (Myrmidon) - An allied NPC that Ike must speak with.Chapter 8 - Ilyana (Mage) - An enemy NPC that Ike must speak with; she will remain hostile until you do.Chapter 9 - Mist (Cleric) - Joins your party automatically when the battle begins.Chapter 9 - Rolph (Archer) - Joins your party automatically when the battle begins. Chapter 9 - Marcia (Pegasus Knight) - You must first have Ike speak to Marcia in Chapter 3. She then appears as an allied NPC in Chapter 9, where Ike must speak to her again. Chapter 10 - Lethe (Beast Tribe Cat) - Lethe must survive Chapter 9, after which she joins automatically.Chapter 10 - Mordecai (Beast Tribe Tiger) - Mordecai must survive Chapter 9, after which he joins automatically. Chapter 10 - Volke (Thief) - Agree to hire him during his base conversation. Chapter 11 - Kieran (Axe Knight) - Open his prison cell in Chapter 10 and ensure his survival. He then joins automatically. Chapter 11 - Brom (Knight) - Open his prison cell in Chapter 10 and ensure his survival. He then joins automatically. Chapter 11 - Nephenee (Soldier) - Open her prison cell in Chapter 10 and ensure her survival. She then joins automatically. Nephenee possesses some of the best growth rates in the game—and while she requires investment, she can become an exceptional unit by the end. | NintendoChapter 11 - Zihark (Myrmidon) - An enemy NPC; speak to him using Lethe or Mordecai.Chapter 12 - Sothe (Thief) - Read his “Info” conversation at the base before the battle.Chapter 12 - Jill (Wyvern Rider) - An allied NPC; speak to her with Ike. Chapter 13 - Astrid (Bow Knight) - An allied NPC; speak to her with Ike. Chapter 13 - Gatrie (Knight, Re-Recuit) - An allied NPC; speak to him with Astrid. Chapter 14 - Makalov (Sword Knight) - An enemy NPC; speak to him with Marcia. Chapter 15 - Tormod (Mage) - Joins automatically upon completing the battle. Chapter 15 - Muarim (Beast Tribe Tiger) - Joins automatically upon completing the battle. Stefan is a remarkably powerful secret character, requiring you to step on one specific tile to recruit him. | NintendoChapter 15 - Stefan (Swordmaster) - Have Lethe or Mordecai step on a particular tile. From the top-right of the map, move three spaces left and one down. Chapter 16 - Devdan (Halberdier) - An enemy NPC; speak to him using Soren, Mist, Rolf, Sothe, or Tormod. Chapter 18 - Tanith (Falcon Knight) - Joins automatically when the battle starts. Chapter 18 - Reyson (Bird Tribe Heron) - Accept his request at the chapter's start. Chapter 18 - Janaff (Bird Tribe Hawk) - Joins alongside Reyson.Chapter 18 - Ulki (Bird Tribe Hawk) - Joins alongside Reyson. Chapter 19 - Shinon (Sniper, Re-Recruit) - An enemy NPC; have Rolf speak to him, then have Ike defeat him. Chapter 20 - Calill (Sage) - Read her “Info” conversation in the base before the battle. Chapter 21 - Tauroneo (General) - An enemy NPC; speak to him with Ike. Chapter 23 - Haar (Wyveryn Lord) - An enemy NPC; speak to him with Jill. Despite his late arrival, Haar is among the most potent units—though a well-trained Jill can potentially surpass him. | NintendoChapter 23 - Ranulf (Beast Tribe Cat) - Joins automatically at the start. Chapter 24 - Bastian (Sage) - Joins automatically after the second turn. Chapter 24 - Lucia (Swordmaster) - Joins automatically after the second turn. Chapter 25 - Geoffrey (Paladin) - If he survived Chapter 24, he joins automatically. Chapter 25 - Largo (Berserker) - You must have recruited Calill. If so, read his “Info” conversation at the base. Chapter 26 - Elincia (Princess) - Joins automatically. Chapter 28 - Nasir (Dragon Tribe) - If you defeated the Black Knight, he joins automatically. He is more powerful than Ena. Chapter 28 - Ena (Dragon Tribe) - If you did not defeat the Black Knight, she joins automatically.Finale - Tibarn, Naesala, or Giffca - During the finale, you can select one of these three characters to join your army. In Normal Mode, the choice occurs at the beginning; in Hard Mode, it happens at the start of the chapter's second part. Completing the game once unlocks Trial Mode in the “Extras” section of the main menu. These are challenging maps intended for level 20 characters and feature exclusive characters that can only be used in Trial Mode. They are unlocked by finishing the entire game multiple times. Oliver (Bishop) - Complete the game 3 times. Shiharam (Wyvern Lord) - Complete the game 5 times. Petrine (Paladin) - Complete the game 7 times.Bryce (General) - Complete the game 10 times. Ashynard (King) - Complete the game 15 times. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is available on Nintendo Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online.
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by: nicole
Call for Latin American rebel groups to form a ‘super guerrilla’ alliance against Trump
Reports indicate that Latin America's most powerful guerrilla groups are being encouraged to put aside years of bloody internal strife and unite against President Donald Trump.These calls have grown stronger after the arrest of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, which has stoked fears among the groups of an impending US - backed military intervention.According to reports, the recent call came from Nestor Gregorio Vera, also known as "Ivan Mordisco", who released a video appeal to rival rebel factions, despite years of brutal in - fighting.After decades of engaging in a bloody conflict over territory, drug routes, and illegal economies, Vera stated that the time had come to set differences aside.Reuters reported that Vera said in the video, where he appeared in camouflage flanked by two heavily armed fighters, "The shadow of the interventionist eagle hangs over everyone equally. We urge you to put aside these differences."He added, "Destiny is calling us to unite. We are not fragmented forces; we are the heirs of the same cause. Let us create unity through action and forge the great insurgent bloc that will repel the enemies of the greater homeland."Among the groups mentioned was the left - wing National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's largest and most powerful guerrilla organization, which controls large sections of the 1,400 - mile border between Colombia and Venezuela.Jorge Mantilla, a security analyst and expert on Colombian guerrilla groups, said, "The war between Mordisco’s Farc dissidents and the ELN has been extremely bloody and has had a huge humanitarian impact."He also said, "So it catches my attention that, despite this, Mordisco is still saying, ‘stop this, let’s [address the issue], which is the US and its intervention’. So the situation is clear."Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla fighter himself, has seized on the threat of a united insurgent front to call for a coordinated effort to "eliminate" drug - trafficking guerrillas.He said he had invited Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodriguez, to cooperate in eradicating the armed groups.However, reports of a [something missing in original] involving the US, Colombia, and Venezuela also raise the possibility that the ELN could finally be disbanded after more than 60 years of insurgency.As previously reported by [something missing in original] Digital, guerrillas now operate along Venezuela's 2,219 - kilometer border with Colombia and control illegal mining near the Orinoco oil belt.The [ELN (already defined)], a Colombian Marxist guerrilla group with thousands of fighters and designated as a US - designated terrorist organization, has been operating in Venezuela as a paramilitary force.Reports suggest that the group is believed to have around 6,000 fighters and controls key cocaine - producing regions, illegal mining operations, and smuggling routes.Following [something missing in original], the ELN vowed to fight to its "last drop of blood" against what it called the US empire.Mantilla told the Telegraph, "Today, the main goal of the ELN is not to take power in Colombia or rebuild the Colombian state, but rather to defend the Bolivarian Revolution, because they see themselves as a continental guerrilla [group] since their ideological inspiration is Latin Americanist, so they feel that Venezuela's struggle is their struggle."Angelika Rettberg, a political science professor at the University of the Andes in Colombia, told the outlet, "I think the ELN is currently in a very vulnerable position."Ms Rettberg also said, "I also don't think that even if they can form this unified organization, it would make them less likely to be targeted by a potential US attack."