𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮
As I watched the calendar turn to 2026, I was sincerely hoping for a peaceful and fresh start to the new year. Unfortunately, that hope has been overshadowed by the reality that we are starting the year with a world at war. Multiple armed conflicts, protests, maritime incidents, and humanitarian crises continue to persist globally, bringing with them a heavy toll of civilian casualties and displacement. Below, I have provided an overview of these key ongoing issues based on the most recent developments.
Occidental Mindoro Clash (Philippines): On New Year’s Day 2026, a clash broke out in Abra de Ilog between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People’s Army (NPA). The AFP stood by the operation, stating they responded to resident reports of armed rebels in the area. The encounter resulted in the death of an alleged NPA recruit and student from a Manila university. While the military describes the incident as a response to reports of armed presence, it highlights the tragic local reach of internal conflict as the new year begins.
Ukraine-Russia War: The conflict continues into its fourth year with ongoing Russian advances in some areas and Ukrainian defenses in others. Casualties remain high, with widespread displacement and damage to infrastructure affecting millions.
Aleppo, Syria Escalation: In early January 2026, intense fighting erupted in Aleppo between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The clashes, centered in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, have displaced over 46,000 people in just a few days, resulting in civilian deaths and the closure of several major hospitals.
Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: A fragile ceasefire agreed on December 27, 2025, holds after clashes that displaced over one million people. A January incident wounded a Thai soldier, described by Cambodia as an operational error. Travel advisories recommend avoiding areas within 50 kilometers of the border.
Iran Protests: Nationwide demonstrations, triggered by economic collapse including sharp currency depreciation and high inflation, have spread to over 110 cities. Security forces of the Islamic regime have conducted arrests and used force, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands detained.
Venezuela Crisis: On January 3, U.S. forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. Maduro faces U.S. charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, with a not guilty plea entered. The development has heightened regional tensions.
U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Bella 1/Marinera: On January 7, U.S. forces boarded and seized the oil tanker in the North Atlantic. The vessel, sanctioned for alleged involvement in illicit oil transport linked to Venezuela and Iran, had evaded earlier attempts near the Caribbean. Russia condemned the action as a violation of international maritime law.
U.S. Immigration Enforcement Operations in Minnesota: Large-scale ICE operations in Minneapolis escalated tensions after an agent fatally shot a 37-year-old woman on January 7. Local officials have activated emergency measures and National Guard preparations amid widespread protests.
Sudan Civil War: Fighting between rival forces persists for a third year, with famine impacting millions. Reports indicate over 150,000 deaths and 10 million displacements, alongside blocked humanitarian aid.
Middle East Tensions (Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon): Intermittent violence continues in Gaza and the West Bank. Syria faces post-Assad instability risks, while Lebanon deals with economic challenges and potential conflict escalation.
Myanmar Civil War: Resistance groups challenge junta control, with ethnic organizations advancing in some areas and high civilian displacement.
Sahel Insurgencies and Haiti Gang Violence: Armed groups expand influence in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso. In Haiti, gangs control significant areas, hindering aid and governance.
Looking at this list, it is heartbreaking to see how far we are from the peaceful 2026 I had envisioned. These aren’t just headlines; they represent a staggering amount of human suffering, from families in Sudan facing famine to a student in Mindoro whose life ended just as the year began. Beyond the front lines, I see how this “world at war” touches all of us.
When a tanker is seized or a region destabilizes, we feel it here at home as crude prices climb above $95 per barrel and our grocery bills rise because of disrupted supply chains.
My wish for this year remains the same, though it now feels more like a plea: I hope for a shift toward sustained dialogue and genuine international effort. We need to prioritize protecting lives and stabilizing the markets that ordinary people rely on to survive.
Peaceful outcomes benefit everyone—especially the families bearing the heaviest burdens of these crises—and I still choose to believe that a commitment to diplomacy can eventually turn the tide toward the stability we all deserve.
