Alperen Aktas
18 January 2026•Update: 18 January 2026
ISTANBUL
Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on goods from eight European countries starting Feb. 1; Syrians returning to Deir Hafir in eastern Aleppo after the town was cleared of the YPG/SDF terror group; and the White House unveiling a technocratic committee to oversee Gaza’s transition under Trump’s 20-point plan.
TOP STORIES
- US to impose tariffs on 8 European nations over Greenland
US President Donald Trump said Washington will impose new tariffs on goods from eight European countries starting Feb. 1, with rates rising sharply in June, citing "national security" concerns linked to Greenland.
Trump said in a social media post that imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland would face a 10% tariff, increasing to 25% on June 1.
He said it would remain in place until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.” Trump has long asserted the US's intention to take Greenland from Denmark, arguing that Washington requires the autonomous arctic territory in the interest of "national security."
- Syrians return home in Deir Hafir after YPG/SDF terror group withdraws
Syrians have begun returning to their homes in Deir Hafir, a town in eastern Aleppo, after it was cleared of the YPG/SDF terror organization.
Anadolu flooding back shared their joy and hardships with Anadolu.
Kays Abu Hamdan said going back was indescribable happiness. He said he was heading home and the liberation was a blessing for all Syrians, praying for protection and success.
- White House announces 'technocratic' committee to oversee Gaza transition
The White House announced the members of a new “technocratic” committee who will oversee the transition of power in the Gaza Strip, as part of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end Israel's genocidal war on the territory.
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a former Palestinian deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, according to a statement.
The White House described Sha’ath as “a widely respected technocratic leader who will oversee the restoration of public services, rebuild civil institutions, and stabilize daily life in Gaza, while laying the foundation for long-term governance.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
- The presidents of the European Commission and Council warned that US President Donald Trump's plan to apply tariffs over Greenland would "undermine transatlantic relations."
- The Danish foreign minister said US President Donald Trump's tariff announcement against eight European countries over Greenland "comes as a surprise," reiterating that Europe needs to do more for Arctic security.
- The British prime minister rejected US President Donald Trump's tariff threats against eight European countries over Greenland, saying applying tariffs on allies is "completely wrong."
- The Syrian Army said its forces have begun entering Tabqa in Raqqa province in northeastern Syria from several sides and encircled the PKK-affiliated terrorists inside the Tabqa Military Airbase.
- Germany said it will coordinate closely with European partners to respond to US President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs on eight European nations over the Greenland dispute
- French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that "no intimidation or threat" could influence Europe following US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose new tariffs on eight European countries over the Greenland dispute.
- The Swedish premier said allies will not give in to "blackmail" following US President Donald Trump's new tariff announcement over Greenland, adding discussion are underway for a "coordinated response."
- US President Donald Trump said he will sue JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the US, within two weeks for “incorrectly and inappropriately debanking” the president after the Jan. 6, 2021, protests.
- Taiwan said a People's Liberation Army (PLA) reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected entering its southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), with China saying it conducted a “justified and lawful” drone exercise in Dongsha Island.
- South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said US President Donald Trump administration's recent announcement on semiconductor tariffs will have a "limited" effect on local chip makers.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the acceleration of electricity imports and the provision of additional equipment from Kyiv’s partners as the country battles a state of emergency in its energy sector.
- An Indonesian plane carrying 10 people, seven crew and three passengers, went missing in South Sulawesi province, the Transportation Ministry said, according to state news agency ANTARA.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced the implementation of a localized ceasefire to enable repairs to the last remaining backup power line to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
- The Trump administration launched an investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on allegations they conspired to impede Department of Justice (DOJ) immigration raids, according to reports.
