THE FRONTLINE REPORT

Executive Summary

It's Sunday, January 11th.On the 10th, United States forces conducted the largest anti-ISIS operation in months, striking over 35 targets across Syria with more than 90 precision munitions in retaliation for the December 13, 2025 ambush that killed two Iowa National Guard soldiers. Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine featuring 121 drones plus one ballistic missile, leaving 307,000 without power across northern regions while Ukrainian forces retaliated against Russian oil infrastructure. Israeli operations continued in Gaza and Lebanon despite ceasefire frameworks, with Syrian government forces completing a sweep of Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo after days of urban combat. Iran's anti-government protests continued under a nationwide internet blackout with cumulative deaths reaching 65-78 since December 28. Sudan marked 1,000 days of civil war while North Korea escalated drone incident accusations against South Korea.

US Operation Hawkeye Strike devastates ISIS targets across Syria

United States Central Command launched the largest anti-ISIS operation in months on January 10, deploying F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s to strike over 35 targets with more than 90 precision munitions. The coordinated assault targeted multiple ISIS positions across Syria in retaliation for a December 13, 2025 ambush that killed two Iowa National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter near the At-Tanf Garrison. CENTCOM stated the strikes aimed to degrade ISIS capabilities and disrupt attack planning but did not release casualty figures for militants. Syrian state media reported strikes near Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa. This represents the most significant US military action in the region since the January 3 Venezuela intervention.

Syrian government forces complete sweep of Kurdish Aleppo neighborhoods

The Syrian Army declared it had completed military operations in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood after Kurdish forces rejected surrender terms. Two Kurdish fighters reportedly detonated suicide vests rather than surrender. An explosive drone struck the Aleppo Governorate building during a press conference, though without casualties. Cumulative toll for the January 6-10 fighting reached at least 22-23 killed, approximately 100 wounded, and 155,000-180,000 displaced. The Syrian government declared a ceasefire after entering the neighborhood and conducting what it termed a sweep of remaining SDF positions.

Israeli drone strikes kill two in Gaza as infant dies from cold

Israeli drone strikes on January 10 killed Mohammed Khaled Mohammed al-Qahwaji (38) in Khan Younis' Bani Suheila area, while airstrikes near Maghazi refugee camp injured multiple Palestinians. A 7-day-old infant died from exposure to extreme cold in displacement shelters—a conflict-related death highlighting Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe. Gaza Civil Defense reported the child died in a tent lacking adequate protection from winter temperatures. The strikes continued despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Israeli air force strikes Hezbollah positions across Lebanon

Israeli warplanes struck several areas including weapons storage facilities and a weapons production site in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on January 10. Israel stated these Hezbollah reestablishment activities violated the October ceasefire understandings. No casualties were immediately reported from the strikes. The Israeli military said it targeted infrastructure Hezbollah was rebuilding in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

West Bank sees at least six settler attacks in single day

At least six distinct settler attacks occurred on January 10. Armed settlers in Kobar stole approximately 200 sheep and a vehicle after assaulting a farm guard. Settlers fired live ammunition at residents in Al-Mughayir. Raids targeted Yabrud, Umm Safa, and Shalal Al-Auja Bedouin village. Settlers assaulted and carjacked Sharhabil Al-Tawil near Biddya. Israeli forces conducted operations across Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilia governorates.

Iran maintains deadly crackdown and internet blackout

Protests continued overnight across Tehran and over 180 cities in all 31 provinces with demonstrators chanting "Death to Khamenei." Revolutionary Guards warned that safeguarding security is a "red line," while Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad threatened protesters would be charged as "enemies of God"—carrying the death penalty. Reports emerged of 800-850 Iraqi militia and Hezbollah fighters crossing into Iran to assist suppression. Cumulative toll reached 65-78 protesters killed per Human Rights Activists News Agency, with 2,300-2,600 arrested, including at least 5 children among the dead. A nationwide internet blackout imposed January 8 continued through January 10.

Russia launches 121-drone overnight assault on Ukraine

Between January 9-10, Russia launched a massive coordinated strike featuring 121 drones (approximately 80 Shahed-type) plus one Iskander-M ballistic missile from launch points across Kursk, Oryol, Rostov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 94 drones, but 27 drones and the missile struck 15 locations damaging agricultural, energy, industrial, and port infrastructure. In Dnipropetrovsk region, 1 person was killed and 3 injured in Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih. The attacks left 307,000 people without power across northern Ukraine.

Glide bomb and artillery strikes wound eleven across front lines

A Russian FAB-250 glide bomb struck Slovyansk, injuring 7 people and damaging residential buildings. In Kherson, Russian shelling wounded 2 people—a municipal worker and a 73-year-old woman with blast and shrapnel injuries. Ukrainian forces recorded 139 combat engagements by day's end, with the heaviest fighting in the Pokrovsk sector (39 attacks), Kramatorsk direction, and Lyman direction.

Ukraine strikes Russian oil depot in Volgograd

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on the Zhutovskaya oil depot in Volgograd Oblast, Russia, sparking fires and potential evacuations. The Volgograd governor reported no casualties. The strike represents Ukraine's continued targeting of Russian energy infrastructure supporting military operations.

UK announces £200 million for potential Ukraine deployment

Britain announced £200 million (approximately $268 million) to prepare British troops for possible deployment to Ukraine as part of post-ceasefire security guarantees. The funding covers vehicle upgrades, communications equipment, and counter-drone protections. Russia's Dmitry Medvedev responded with explicit threats that any European troops deployed to Ukraine would face Oreshnik missile strikes.

US warns citizens to evacuate Venezuela immediately

The State Department issued urgent warnings for Americans to leave Venezuela "immediately," citing armed colectivo militia roadblocks throughout the country. This followed the January 3 Operation Absolute Resolve—the US military abduction of President Nicolás Maduro—which killed 23 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel. Nicaragua arrested over 60 people for supporting Maduro, while Colombia's largest FARC dissident group leader called for guerrilla unity against potential US expansion.

Trump threatens hitting land against Mexican cartels

President Trump announced the US would start "hitting land" against cartels, claiming they are "running Mexico." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any US military intervention. Recent discoveries included 19 burned bodies in Tamaulipas near the border, and the Sinaloa cartel's internal war continued with thousands dead since summer 2025.

ICE shooting protests sweep nation

Tens of thousands protested nationwide in response to the January 7 ICE shooting death of Renee Nicole Good (37, US citizen) in Minneapolis. Major demonstrations occurred in NYC, DC, LA, Boston, Portland, and El Paso. The Trump administration deployed over 2,000 agents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Minneapolis schools closed through February 12 except for remote learning.

Sudan marks 1,000 days of devastating civil war

January 10, 2026 marked 1,000 days of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. In West Darfur, 1 civilian was killed following two drone attacks near Kulbus, displacing over 600 people. Active fighting continued in Kordofan on multiple fronts, with the SAF maintaining sieges around Kadugli and Dilling. The crisis has produced 9.3 million internally displaced, 4.3 million refugees, and 34 million people (two-thirds of Sudan's population) requiring humanitarian assistance.

US AFRICOM announces Somalia strikes

US Africa Command disclosed multiple airstrikes against al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia conducted on January 8. A strike near Saakow targeted al-Shabaab, while a strike in Golis Mountains targeted ISIS-Somalia 31 kilometers southeast of Bossaso. Earlier strikes January 1-4 occurred near Jilib and Calmiskaad. AFRICOM claimed "significant losses" to militant groups but did not release casualty figures. Somalia assumed the UN Security Council presidency for January 2026.

ISIS-Sahel claims Niger IED attack

ISIS-Sahel claimed responsibility for an IED attack against a Niger Army vehicle near Télemsès, Tahoua on January 9, with the claim released January 10. Separately, the group claimed an attack against JNIM positions in Burkina Faso's Tigou area, alleging 36 dead.

North Korea escalates drone incident accusations

North Korea's KCNA released a statement accusing South Korea of flying a spy drone over its territory in early January, claiming the DPRK shot it down near Kaesong using electronic warfare. Kim Yo Jong demanded a "detailed explanation" from Seoul. South Korea's Defense Ministry denied on January 10 that its military operated the drone, with experts noting the displayed drone appeared to be a cheap commercial model unlikely from Seoul's military. Kim Yo Jong indicated North Korea did not intend to escalate militarily but sought accountability.

Myanmar's election continues amid civil war

January 10 was the eve of Myanmar's second election phase (January 11), with 100 townships scheduled to vote across conflict zones. The military controls only approximately 21 percent of territory, with 65 townships excluded from voting due to active fighting. Cumulative conflict toll since the 2021 coup: over 7,600 civilians killed by security forces, over 22,000 political prisoners, approximately 90,000 total deaths, and 3.5 million displaced. Air attacks increased approximately 30 percent in 2025, with 2,602 air strikes killing 1,971 people—the highest since the coup.

Taliban diplomat arrives in India

Senior Taliban member Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor arrived in New Delhi to serve as Charge d'Affaires at Afghanistan's Embassy, marking continued warming of India-Taliban relations despite India not formally recognizing the Taliban government. The arrival represents a diplomatic milestone for Taliban engagement with regional powers.

Instagram breach exposes 17.5 million users

A major data breach exposed personal information of 17.5 million Instagram accounts, including usernames, emails, phone numbers, and physical addresses. Attackers exploited the leaked data to conduct mass automated password reset attacks. The breach affected users globally.

China wages relentless cyber assault on Taiwan

Taiwan's National Security Bureau reported Chinese state-sponsored groups launched 2.63 million intrusion attempts per day against Taiwanese critical infrastructure in 2025—a 6 percent increase from 2024 and 113 percent increase from 2023. The energy sector saw a 1,000 percent year-on-year increase. Attacks synchronized with Chinese military exercises and targeted hospitals, telecommunications, government, transportation, water, and financial systems. Attribution includes BlackTech, Flax Typhoon, Mustang Panda, APT41, and UNC3886.

Federal contractor hit by ransomware

TridentLocker ransomware group attacked Sedgwick Government Solutions, a federal contractor serving DHS, ICE, CBP, USCIS, DOL, and CISA. The New Year's Eve attack exfiltrated 3.4GB of data. TridentLocker has claimed 12 victims since emerging in November 2025.