BIG: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are withdrawing from the Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel mines.

Quitting the 1997 treaty, which has been ratified or acceded to by more than 160 nations, will allow the countries to start stockpiling landmines again.

Following Türkiye, Finland and Denmark, the US is now officially asking Germany for eggs.

Source: Spiegel

The US and India should enhance their cooperation on security and intelligence-sharing under the administration of President Donald Trump, a top American intelligence official said.

Source: Bloomberg

🇹🇷🇺🇦 On the 11th anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Türkiye reaffirmed its stance of non-recognition, calling it a violation of international law.

Turkish MFA emphasized support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and raised concerns over the Crimean Tatars.

NEW: A major explosion has been reported in Mogadishu. A resident near the seaport suspects the blast occurred in that vicinity. The cause of the explosion remains unclear at this time.

NEW: South Sudan has issued a stern warning to the White Army, the Nuer militia group that has clashed with government forces in Upper Nile, to vacate Nasir or face military action.

Taliban forces clashed with Pakistani border guards on the Durand Line in the Paluso area of Zazi Square in Khost province. The Taliban have not yet claimed responsibility.

Syria and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire late Monday after clashes between Syrian forces and the Lebanese military on the border, sparked by tensions over key smuggling routes used by Hezbollah.

Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra reached the agreement in a call, vowing to coordinate through military intelligence to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.

Source: WP

Yehuda Cohen, father of captive Nimrod Cohen on Netanyahu resuming the war in Gaza:

Netenyahu, for his personal reasons & personal interest, is endangering & leaving hostages in Gaza for his throne as a Prime Minister.

Netenyahu is again betraying the Israeli nation.

Over the weekend, People’s Defence Forces (PDF) dealt a major blow to junta forces in Katha Township, northern Sagaing Region.

• 30 junta troops captured & heavy casualties reported
• Fierce battles lasted over a day with continuous artillery strikes
• Resistance forces seized weapons & some soldiers surrendered

Source: The Irrawaddy

Tesla’s stock has dropped over 50% in three months, wiping out $700 billion in market value.

Short sellers have profited $16.2 billion since Tesla’s December 17, 2024, peak.

Elon Musk’s net worth has plunged $100 billion amid the decline.

Source: FT

Kremlin says Putin and Trump will hold a phone call between 1300-1500 GMT today.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they have a “certain understanding” but many issues to discuss, with no set time limit.

Türkiye says Israel is escalating its “policy of genocide” in Gaza and urged global action to enforce a ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid.

Turkish MFA called Israel’s attacks “unacceptable,” warning that its “hostile approach” risks fueling a new cycle of violence.

BIG: Yemen's Houthi leadership states they will not “dial down” their attacks.

Yemen is now “at war with the U.S.” and vows to retaliate if attacked.

“If they are hitting us from USS Truman, we will retaliate by hitting Truman.”

Source: Reuters

NEW: A roadside explosion hit Mogadishu’s El-Gaabta intersection near the presidential palace.

Reports claim Somali President Hassan Sheikh’s convoy was passing through during the explosion.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Arctic Rivalry

The Arctic is heating up—strategically.

Russia has 24 bases, the US & allies have 34. Airspace violations are on the rise.

13% of global oil & 30% of untapped gas reserves are at stake.

Melting ice is opening up new routes.

Germany's Future Chancellor Friedrich Merz:

We’ve lived with a false sense of security for a decade.

A full rebuild of Germany’s defense is needed.

Today’s decision on defence readiness is the first major step towards a new European defence community, including non-EU states.

UPDATE: The number of Gazan civilians killed in Israeli attacks rose to 412, Gaza Health Ministry says.