Satellite images of Altadena, Los Angeles County show the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire.

Source: BNO News Live

Syrian Military Operations Directorate naval patrols cruise along the coasts of Syria.

Polish protection for Netenyahu.

Polish President Andrzej Duda urged the government to ensure Netanyahu’s visit for the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation is “unhindered,” citing the event’s “exceptional circumstances.”

NEW: Elon Musk reportedly discussed with allies how to "remove" UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before the next general election.

Sources claim Musk, a key ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, is exploring ways to destabilize the Labour government beyond his critical posts on X.

He is said to view Starmer’s leadership as a threat to “Western civilization” and has considered backing alternative movements, such as the right-wing Reform UK party, to push for a leadership change.

Source: FT

Iran admits it was “defeated very badly” in Syria

Iran’s top military official in Syria, Brig. Gen. Behrouz Esbati, admits that the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime was a major setback for Iran, calling it a “very big blow” and acknowledging that Iran was “defeated very badly.”

His remarks at Tehran’s Valiasr Mosque diverged sharply from official Iranian narratives, which have downplayed the loss.

Esbati revealed that Assad repeatedly refused Iran’s requests to launch attacks on Israel, despite Iran’s “comprehensive military plans.”

He also accused Russia of sabotaging Iran by targeting empty fields during airstrikes and deactivating radars during Israeli attacks on Iranian positions.

For over a decade, Syria had been Iran’s regional command hub, funneling weapons to groups like Hezbollah.

Esbati lamented the collapse of this network but hinted at efforts to rebuild it, saying, “We can activate all the networks we’ve worked with over the years.”

He linked Assad’s downfall to Syria’s corruption and economic woes, drawing parallels to Iran’s own struggles.

His candid admission, particularly given his senior role, underscored the depth of Iran’s strategic loss.

However, he insisted that Iran still holds regional leverage, stating:

“We still have the upper hand on the ground.”

Source: NYT

Insane crosswind: C-130 tanker drops over the Palisades fire in Los Angeles.

McDonald’s grilled by LA fires, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds.

Gusts have been reported between 60 to 100 mph, with some areas experiencing even higher speeds.

The Santa Ana winds are expected to persist through January 14, with additional wind events likely.

Malibu, one of the world’s wealthiest areas, now reduced to ashes.

The situation remains critical with zero containment reported.

Erased from the map: Drone shot of a Pacific Palisades neighborhood, LA after fire.

The fire is described as one of the most destructive in Los Angeles history, with more than 15,800 acres burned and numerous homes destroyed.

Bullseye: Perfect water drop over the Hollywood Hills Sunset Fire by an aerial firefighting plane.

Satellite image reveals the Eaton wildfire engulfing nearly every building in western Altadena, California.

Turkish MoD:

Turkish Armed Forces remain committed to cross-border operations if terrorist groups refuse to disarm, while respecting Syria’s territorial integrity.