THE FRONTLINE REPORT

Executive Summary

It's Wednesday, January 7th.Yesterday, Iranian protests entered their tenth day with security forces firing tear gas into hospitals and metro stations in Tehran while demonstrators occupied police stations in provincial towns. The deadliest single incident occurred in North Kordofan, Sudan, where a drone attack killed 13 people including children. Russian drones killed at least two people in overnight attacks on Kyiv, marking the first civilian deaths in the capital in 2026. Israel struck targets in southern Lebanon killing two people despite the November ceasefire. Pakistani counter-terrorism forces seized 2,000 kilograms of explosives in Karachi, foiling what officials described as a planned mass-casualty attack. China imposed an immediate ban on dual-use exports to Japan for military purposes in response to Japanese statements about Taiwan. The aftermath of the January 3 US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro continued to generate international condemnation and diplomatic tensions. Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone and missile strikes while 35 countries met in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.

Israeli strikes in Gaza Strip killed four including child

The IDF bombed a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone near Khan Younis on January 6, killing a five-year-old girl and her uncle while wounding four others including children. The IDF claimed the strike targeted a Hamas operative planning an imminent attack but provided no evidence. Separately, a war-damaged building collapsed in Maghazi refugee camp, killing a 29-year-old father and his eight-year-old son. Palestinian Civil Defence reported inability to clear hazards due to equipment and fuel shortages. Since the October ceasefire, 422 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.

IDF raid on Birzeit University wounded eleven

Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University north of Ramallah during a student demonstration on January 6, injuring eleven including five by gunfire and four by tear gas. Armored vehicles breached the main gate as soldiers searched buildings and seized property from a Hamas-affiliated student bloc. Approximately 8,000 students were on campus. The IDF claimed it responded to intelligence about a gathering in support of terrorism and used precise fire toward the main violent individuals amid rock-throwing.

Lebanese deaths mark ceasefire violations despite November agreement

The IDF struck Kfardounin village in southern Lebanon on January 6, killing two people and seriously injuring one. A separate strike targeted alleged Hezbollah operatives near Khirbet Selm with unspecified casualties. The IDF cited continued violations of the ceasefire understandings but provided no details. Since the November 2024 ceasefire, at least 127 civilians including children have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli strikes, according to the UN.

Saudi coalition struck Houthi targets in Yemen overnight

Beginning around 2:00 AM local time on January 6, the Saudi-led coalition conducted at least six airstrikes on weapon storage sites, command centers, and drone facilities in Sanaa and Saada governorates. Houthis claimed five civilians killed and twelve wounded, which remains unverified. Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki described the operation as limited and precise in response to Houthi attacks on Saudi and UAE civilian infrastructure, including a January 5 drone incursion toward Abha airport. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree vowed strong and deterring responses.

Day ten of Iran protests saw hospital tear gas attacks

Nationwide protests sparked by economic collapse entered their tenth day on January 6, with security forces deploying lethal force across 110+ cities. At Tehran's Grand Bazaar, youth set up barricades in what observers described as a war zone. Security forces fired tear gas into Sina Hospital, endangering patients and staff, and into a crowded metro station trapping women and children. In Abdanan in Ilam Province, protesters occupied a police station after security forces fled. In Malekshahi, forces opened fire on mourners at a funeral ceremony.

Cumulative Iran protest toll approached thirty dead

The cumulative toll since December 28 stood at 29 to 35 people killed including four to six children, with 1,200 to 2,000 detained. The Iranian rial hit a new low of 1.47 million to the US dollar. Supreme Leader Khamenei blamed enemy-hired people while President Pezeshkian ordered dialogue. The protests represent the largest wave of unrest in Iran since 2022, with demonstrators challenging the government over severe economic conditions exacerbated by international sanctions.

Syrian and Turkish foreign ministers met in Paris on regional security

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met on January 6 on the sidelines of an international security summit in Paris to discuss regional and international developments. The meeting came as Damascus and Ankara navigate complex security relationships in post-Assad Syria. Separately, fighting erupted in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Achrafieh neighborhoods between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, killing seven people including a Syrian soldier, three civilians, and an SDF-area resident. A four-year-old girl lost an eye.

Day 1,412 of Russia-Ukraine war saw Kyiv fatalities

Russian drones struck Kyiv's Obolonskyi district and Fastiv district overnight on January 5-6, killing two people in the first civilian deaths in the capital in 2026. A fire erupted in a private medical clinic, killing one person inside, while a man in his seventies died in Fastiv. Twenty-five people were evacuated. In Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces conducted 856 strikes across 29 settlements over 24 hours, killing one civilian. Kharkiv's mayor reported energy infrastructure damaged, affecting heating and water supply.

Ukrainian strikes hit Russian defense industry facilities

Ukrainian forces struck the Energiya battery plant in Lipetsk region's Yelets town on January 6, a major producer of batteries for Russia's defense industry. Deep-strike drones also hit a GRAU ammunition arsenal in Kostroma region, causing explosions lasting hours and evacuations of nearby settlements. In Belgorod region, drones ignited an oil depot in Stary Oskol. FPV drone attacks killed two civilians in Belgorod region, wounded one teenager in Grayvoron, and killed one person in Tver when a drone fragment struck an apartment building.

Front-line combat recorded 99 clashes across multiple sectors

The Ukrainian General Staff recorded 99 combat clashes by 16:00 on January 6, down from 191 the previous day. The Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk Oblast saw the most intense fighting, with Russian forces conducting 23 to 27 assault actions across settlements including Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, and Kotlyne. In the Huliaipole direction in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian forces repelled sixteen Russian attacks. Russia claimed control of Hrabovske village in Sumy region, which remains unverified independently.

Air defense operations maintained high interception rates

Ukraine intercepted 53 of 61 Russian drones on January 6, achieving an 87 percent interception rate. Russia claimed to down 150 Ukrainian UAVs. The drone warfare continues to define the conflict's operational tempo, with both sides conducting extensive unmanned aerial operations against military and infrastructure targets. The daily exchange of drone strikes has become a routine feature of the war approaching its fourth year.

Paris summit produced security guarantee framework for Ukraine

Thirty-five countries convened at the Élysée Palace on January 6 for a Coalition of the Willing summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Macron announced plans for military hubs across Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff stated the US strongly stands behind security protocols meant to deter any attacks and defend if attacks occur. A fifteen-year security guarantee framework was discussed, with Macron indicating France could contribute several thousand troops post-ceasefire. President Zelenskyy said leaders determined which countries would take leadership in elements of security guarantees on the ground, in the air, and at sea.

US military occupation of Venezuela continued aftermath operations

The January 3 capture of President Nicolás Maduro by approximately 200 US personnel in Operation Absolute Resolve produced cascading effects on January 6. Maduro and wife Cilia Flores, arraigned January 5 on narcoterrorism charges, remained in US custody with a March 17 court date. Venezuelan officials reported 24 security officers killed in the operation, while Cuba declared 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel killed and observed two days of national mourning. Total casualties may approach 80 killed. On January 6, gunfire erupted in Caracas as police engaged an unauthorized military drone. Delcy Rodríguez served as acting president.

International condemnation of Venezuela intervention intensified

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain issued a joint statement on January 6 firmly rejecting the military action as a violation of international law. Brazil deployed military to monitor its Venezuela border. The UN Security Council held an emergency session, with Russia and China calling for an immediate withdrawal of US forces. The Organization of American States remained divided, with several Caribbean nations expressing support for the operation while South American nations condemned it as imperialism.

White House confirmed military option for Greenland acquisition

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on January 6 that utilizing the US Military is always an option regarding acquiring Greenland. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers the administration's goal was to buy Greenland, while adviser Stephen Miller stated nobody's going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland. Danish PM Mette Frederiksen warned a US military attack could effectively end NATO. Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, UK, and Denmark issued a joint statement declaring that Greenland belongs to its people.

North Kordofan drone attack killed thirteen including children

A drone attack on North Kordofan region in Sudan killed thirteen people including children on January 6, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed. The attack came amid escalating violence in the Kordofan regions putting civilians at extreme risk. This represented the deadliest single verified incident of January 6, 2026. Separately, Sudanese Armed Forces airstrikes on Abu Zabad in Western Kordofan killed twenty RSF militants and destroyed five combat vehicles. SAF drone strikes also hit RSF gatherings in North Darfur, reportedly killing relatives of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Nigeria market massacre toll reached fifty dead

Armed bandits stormed Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Niger State on January 4, killing fifty people, abducting several, and looting food supplies. The death toll was confirmed by January 5-6, and a mass funeral was held. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, stating these terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people and must face the full consequences of their criminal actions. The raid was part of a wave of attacks that began January 3 in nearby Agwarra and Borgu communities.

Burkina Faso uncovered failed coup attempt

Security forces acted on intelligence about a criminal group planning to overthrow Captain Ibrahim Traoré on January 6, arresting the alleged mastermind and several associates. Phone evidence reportedly showed communications linking the group to former President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. The plot was uncovered overnight January 3-4 with arrests continuing. The attempted coup represents the latest instability in a nation that has experienced multiple coups since 2022.

DRC and Somalia saw continued military operations

Fighting continued between M23 rebels and Congolese forces in South Kivu Province near Uvira on January 6, with FARDC reportedly recapturing several villages. Nearly four million remain displaced in North and South Kivu. US Africa Command announced an airstrike near Jilib, Somalia targeting al-Shabaab, conducted January 3-4, stating operations continue to degrade al-Shabaab's ability to threaten the US Homeland.

China imposed military export ban on Japan

China's Ministry of Commerce announced an immediate ban on dual-use exports to Japan for military purposes on January 6, responding to Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's November 2025 remarks that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute an existential threat to Japan. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning warned of Japan remilitarizing faster, referencing Cairo Declaration requirements that Japan be completely disarmed. The export controls target items with potential military applications, escalating economic tensions between the two nations.

Taiwan documented massive cyber offensive during December drills

Taiwan's National Security Bureau reported on January 6 that China's Justice Mission 2025 exercises conducted December 30-31, 2025, were the most extensive by geographic coverage, with dozens of rockets fired, warships encircling the island, and over two million cyberattacks in the first two days. PLA-linked hacking groups APT24 and BlackTech were identified as most active. China's Taiwan Affairs Office stated the drills defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Philippines documented increased Chinese maritime coercion

The Philippine Navy released an assessment on January 6 finding that China's People's Liberation Army Navy operations showed greater integration with joint forces in 2025, with presence becoming more consistent, predictable, and geographically closer to contested areas in the South China Sea. The Chinese Embassy dismissed the report as full of misperceptions and bias. The assessment documented increased Chinese coast guard and maritime militia activity around Philippine-claimed features.

Karachi raid seized 2,000 kilograms of explosive material

A joint operation by Sindh Counter Terrorism Department and ISI in Raees Goth, Karachi on January 6 seized 2,000 kilograms of explosive material, thirty drums of explosives, five cylinders, detonators, and a loaded truck. Three terrorists were arrested while three to four escaped. CTD officials identified the plotters as members of the Bashir Zeb network of the Balochistan Liberation Army's Majeed Brigade. Officials stated the terrorists planned attacks on specific targets in Karachi to destabilize national security with planning done from outside the country.

Pakistan military announced 2025 counter-terrorism operations statistics

Pakistan's ISPR announced on January 6 that 75,175 intelligence-based operations were conducted in 2025, averaging 206 per day, with 5,397 terror incidents across the country. The statistics underscore the persistent terrorism threat facing Pakistan, particularly from groups operating along the Afghanistan border. ISPR also stated that Afghans were involved in major terrorist incidents in Pakistan during 2025, complicating relations with the Taliban government.

Russian hackers targeted European hotels with fake BSOD campaign

Russian hackers launched the PHALT#BLYX campaign on January 6 targeting European hotels with fake Windows Blue Screen of Death messages delivering DCRat malware through phishing emails posing as booking cancellations. The campaign represented a sophisticated social engineering operation exploiting hospitality industry workflows. Security researchers identified the operation as part of broader Russian cyber activities targeting European infrastructure.

Crimson Collective claimed Brightspeed data breach

The Crimson Collective extortion group claimed on January 6 to have stolen data on over one million customers from US broadband provider Brightspeed. The company stated it was investigating the claims. The breach, if confirmed, would represent a significant compromise of telecommunications infrastructure and customer data. Brightspeed serves customers across multiple states with fiber and copper network services.

DOJ indicted Ukrainian national for infrastructure cyberattacks

A DOJ indictment announced January 6 charged Ukrainian national Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova with cyberattacks on critical infrastructure including water systems in support of Russian-aligned groups CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn and NoName057(16). The indictment detailed attacks on US municipalities and critical services. Separately, Dartmouth disclosed that ransomware group Clop exposed data on 40,000+ individuals through an Oracle zero-day exploit.