Following a recent US strike in Yemen, Houthi militia vows a "strong and effective response," heightening tensions. The strikes compound concerns amid the escalating conflict spreading across the Middle East. President Biden confirms delivering a private message to Iran regarding Houthi attacks. Despite dozens of US-British strikes, Houthi spokespersons assure minimal impact on their ability to control Red Sea and Arabian Sea passages. UN envoy Hans Grundberg urges maximum restraint. The situation adds complexity to the region's turmoil since the Israel-Hamas war. US reassures no interest in a war with Yemen, but the crisis affects shipping routes, causing global economic apprehensions.

Israel claims Hamas plotted an attack on its embassy in Sweden, revealing an alleged network member amidst recent arrests by Danish, German, and Swedish authorities. The Mossad statement states the Hamas network, receiving orders from a Lebanon-based command post, aimed to target Israel's embassy, procure paragliders, and activate criminal groups in Europe. While no confirmation on the alleged member's custody status, Sweden's Foreign Ministry emphasizes commitment to Vienna Convention for foreign mission protection. Hamas, traditionally limiting attacks to specific territories, hasn't responded. The revelation follows the group's use of paragliders in the October 7 attack that sparked the Gaza war.

In a significant setback for Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the pro-India opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) clinched a decisive win in Male's Mayoral election. Adam Azim, the MDP candidate, secured a landslide victory with 5,303 votes, marking a shift in political dynamics. Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) candidate, Aishath Azima Shakoor, trailed with 3,301 votes. The Mayoral victory is anticipated to rejuvenate the MDP's political influence, contrasting Muizzu's pro-China stance. The election unfolded against the backdrop of a diplomatic row with India over derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Muizzu's ministers.

In a massive display of solidarity, thousands took to the streets of London for a pro-Palestinian march, urging a ceasefire in Gaza. Demonstrators, carrying "ceasefire now" placards, were accompanied by a 3.5m puppet symbolizing Syrian child refugees. Despite a heavy police presence and warnings, six arrests were made, including individuals with offensive placards and ties to the Terrorism Act. This marked the seventh national pro-Palestinian march in London, with global protests in 30 countries. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowd, echoing calls for a ceasefire. Tensions persist with a rally supporting Israel set for Sunday in Trafalgar Square.

President Biden confirms delivering a private message to Iran regarding Iran-backed Houthis behind Red Sea shipping attacks. Departing for Camp David, he expresses confidence in the message's delivery. Tensions escalate as the Houthi movement threatens a forceful response to the recent US strike in Yemen. The strike targeted a radar site after earlier attacks on Houthi facilities. White House assures no interest in a war with Yemen. Biden, acknowledging the Houthis as terrorists, emphasizes preparedness and diplomatic approach. The US removed the Houthis from the foreign terrorist list in 2021.

In Guayaquil, residents cautiously resume daily life after a week marred by shocking gang violence. Small businesses reopen, but the specter of recent chaos lingers. Schools remain closed, forcing some, like Dina, to bring children to work. The market buzzes with activity, yet vendors stay vigilant, fearing a resurgence of armed men. Hostages, including prison guards, intensify the crisis. While authorities claim a war on gangs, families accuse negligence. In a bold act, armed men seize a TV studio. Hundreds arrested, but as Ecuador edges toward normality, concerns rise about the nation sliding into a perilous narco-state.

Migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK today, ending a 27-day gap, the longest in over five years. Home Office figures cite adverse weather conditions for the previous lack of activity at sea. A group of suspected migrants arrived in Dover, Kent, on a Border Force vessel. This marks the first Channel crossings in 2024 and the first time no crossings occurred on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day in five years. The provisional annual total for 2023 is 36% lower than the record in 2022, with 29,437 crossings.

Lai Ching-te, leader of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, labeled a separatist by China, emerged victorious in the presidential elections. The DPP, advocating Taiwan's distinct identity, rejects Beijing's claims. Lai's opponents, including Kuomintang's Hou Yu-ih, conceded defeat. China framed the election as a choice between war and peace. Kuomintang warned against Lai, foreseeing unrest, while Lai emphasized commitment to peace and defense. Taiwan accused China of election interference, with Lai calling it the "most serious." The election reflects Taiwan's dedication to democracy amidst regional tensions.

Citigroup plans to slash 20,000 jobs by 2026 after a significant fourth-quarter loss of $1.8bn. CEO Jane Fraser sees 2024 as a turning point, but CFO Mark Mason admits job cuts are tough on morale. Citi's total staff, currently 239,000, will reduce to around 180,000 due to restructuring and the upcoming listing of Banamex. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase, America's third-largest bank, posts its best-ever annual profit of $49.6bn, despite a 15% drop in Q4 profits. Chairman Jamie Dimon sees a resilient US economy but notes potential downside risks. JPMorgan shares rise 0.6% on Friday.

Amid nationwide civil unrest in Ecuador, more than 100 prison guards and 14 administrative staffers are being held hostage in five prisons following President Daniel Noboa's state of emergency declaration. Lawmakers express concerns about the escalating chaos, with accusations of a cover-up. President Noboa vows to combat "terrorist groups," linking the unrest to a prison escape by an alleged gang leader. Armed forces are deployed, raids conducted, and a TV station in Guayaquil stormed by gunmen. Security forces reclaim stolen vehicles, rescue hostages, and plan to transfer foreign inmates. Ecuador grapples to regain control in the face of mounting violence.