North Korean missile launched
In early January, North Korea had a successful test of a hypersonic missile. South Korea and Japan reported that they had detected the missile as it flew into eastern sea areas and suspected in was from North Korea. According to ABC News, “The Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday’s launch involved a hypersonic glide vehicle, which after its release from the rocket booster demonstrated “glide jump flight” and “corkscrew maneuvering” before hitting a sea target 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away.” This was the first time since 2020 that the North Korean media reported the attendance of Kim Jong Un at a test launch.
Israeli police under fire for destroying a home
On Jan. 19 Israeli police faced legal charges after completely destroying a Palestinians family’s home in a standoff. The family was on their roof protesting as there was an eviction order of illegal businesses. According to NBC News, “Mahmoud Salhiyeh, 50, who lived in the house with his wife and children, alongside another house where his sister and her five children lived, took to the roof Monday and threatened to burn the house down by igniting a gas canister rather than hand it over.” Police stated that the family had several warnings to remove themselves, however the family’s lawyer claimed that the actions of the police were illegal.
Taiwan reports Chinese invasion in their airspace
On Jan. 23, Taiwan reported the largest incursion by the Chinese air forces in their air defense zone since 2021. According to NBC News, Taiwanese fighters worked to move 39 aircrafts away. NBC News also stated, “Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for more than a year of repeated missions by China’s air force near the democratically governed island, often in the southwestern part of its air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, close to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.” No shots were fired by either side.
Prince Andrew stripped of military roles and titles
Amidst a civil trial for sexual assault, Buckingham Palace announced that the defendant, Prince Andrew, would be stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages. Andrew’s former titles will be returned to the queen, who approved the decision to strip Andrew of his titles. According to The Associated Press, “More than 150 navy and army veterans had written to the queen asking her to strip Andrew of all his military ranks and titles after a U.S. judge said Wednesday a sex assault lawsuit against Andrew could go ahead.” Many of the veterans were a part of military units that were associated with Andrew’s honorary titles and did not want to be associated with him any longer.
