ECUADOR: Eleven soldiers have been given 34-year sentences for the “forced disappearance” of four children aged between 11 and 15 last year, whom they tortured to death. They will face murder trials related to the case next year.
The abductions are linked to President Daniel Noboa’s deployment of the army to policing duties, allegedly to suppress soaring violence.

ISRAEL: The Knesset has extended war powers allowing the government to shut down foreign media outlets for a further two years.
The powers have most famously been used to shut down Al Jazeera’s channels and block its reportage across Israel and occupied Palestine in May 2024.

SOUTH-EAST ASIA: Thailand and Cambodia will resume ceasefire talks this week, following renewed border clashes.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said a previous deal signed in October was a rushed job timed for the convenience of US President Donald Trump, who wanted credit for ending the war, and lacked sufficient detail to actually do that.

UNITED STATES: New foreign-built drones will now be banned, the government said on Monday.
The move was justified by allegations that Chinese drones, which are considered better and cheaper than those of other countries, pose a security risk, and by Washington’s aim to on-shore drone production to compete with its global rival.