Morning Briefing: Jan. 19, 2026

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday, including Syria’s announcement of a Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement with the SDF group, European countries rejecting US tariff threats linked to Greenland, and the EU’s warning that Russia and China benefit from divisions among NATO allies.

TOP STORIES

Syrian president announces ceasefire, full integration deal between government, SDF

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a comprehensive Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF group, outlining sweeping measures to restore state authority in the country’s northeast.

The SDF is dominated by the terrorist group YPG, the Syrian branch of the terrorist PKK.

According to the terms published by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the agreement provides for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts and contact lines between government forces and the SDF.

US tariff threats 'undermine transatlantic relations': European nations

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK issued a joint statement, denouncing recent US tariff threats over Greenland and vowing commitment to Arctic security while upholding their sovereignty.

"Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty," the statement wrote.

It reiterated the eight nations' commitment to strengthening Arctic security "as a shared transatlantic interest."

China, Russia 'must be having a field day,' says EU's foreign policy chief after Trump's tariff threat

The EU's foreign policy chief criticized US President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on eight countries over Greenland, saying Russia and China “are the ones who benefit" from divisions among allies.”

"China and Russia must be having a field day," Kaja Kallas posted via US social media company X.

Arguing that if Greenland’s security is at risk, allies could address it inside NATO, Kallas said tariffs risked making Europe and the US poorer and undermining "our shared prosperity."

NEWS IN BRIEF

• At least 103 civilians were killed and entire villages razed in attacks near Sudan's western border with Chad that resulted in the wounding of 88 others, and the displacement of more than 18,000 families, a relief committee said.

• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump discussed the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic in a phone call.

• Forces of Syria’s Interior Ministry began entering the northeastern city of Raqqa to prepare for an organized deployment across all neighborhoods, following the ceasefire and integration agreement between the government and the SDF.

• US President Donald Trump aborted planned military strikes against Iran due to a combination of diplomatic progress, logistical hurdles, and significant pushback from key regional allies, according to a report by US-based news outlet Axios.

• South Korea has begun deploying the high-power “monster” Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile to frontline units, military officials said, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News.

• Denmark will strengthen its military presence in Greenland and expand joint exercises with NATO allies as part of a broader effort to increase alliance responsibility for security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, according to the Danish Defense Ministry.

• In Syria’s eastern Raqqa province, the city center was largely liberated from YPG/SDF terrorists following an uprising by the people and some tribes.

• More than 2.8 million Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries over the past year, an Afghan government official said.

• Tribal forces in Syria's Deir ez-Zor took control of all areas occupied by the terrorist organization YPG/SDF, liberating the entire province, according to Anadolu reporters on the ground.

• Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was “pleased” with the evacuation of American forces from the Ain al-Asad Air base in western Iraq.

• Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said Trump's tariff threats against eight European nations for opposing Greenland's acquisition were "completely unacceptable."

• Portuguese voters headed to the polls to elect their next president, with surveys pointing to a second-round vote amid rising support for the far right.

• Indonesia found debris from a plane that went missing Saturday carrying 11 people, state news agency ANTARA reported.

SPORTS

Senegal beats hosts Morocco to claim 2nd AFCON title in dramatic final

Senegal won the 35th Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, beating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final in Rabat.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Morocco missed a late penalty when Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s Panenka attempt following a lengthy VAR delay.

Pape Gueye scored the winner in extra time, sealing Senegal’s second consecutive AFCON title and denying Morocco a home victory.