Yemeni separatist leader reportedly flees ahead of Saudi meeting

Yemen’s separatist leader reportedly fled ahead of Saudi-hosted talks; Syria and Israel agreed to establish a de-escalation channel; fighting resumed in Aleppo; and Iran’s protest crackdown intensified.

Rosaleen Carroll
Rosaleen Carroll
Jan 7, 2026
A government soldier stands at a checkpoint outside a military base in the Arabian Sea port city of Mukalla, as the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government said it had retaken control of the key eastern port and capital of Hadramout province, from the southern separatists, Yemen January 4, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Welcome back to the Daily Briefing.

This is Rosaleen Carroll, filling in for Gabrielle.

In today’s edition:

  • Yemeni separatist leader reportedly flees ahead of Saudi meeting
  • Syria, Israel agree to establish communications center
  • Clashes in Aleppo continue as SDF, Syrian government trade blame
  • Iran's crackdown on protests escalates

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