Image Credentials: Image Title: Global News Brief: Key Events and Developments for February 13, 2026 Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
Middle East
Gaza ceasefire violations, Rafah restrictions tighten
Israeli forces continue to report violations of the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, as limited movement resumes through the Rafah crossing under strict Israeli controls. The partial reopening of the crossing, linking Gaza and Egypt, comes amid heightened humanitarian concerns and mounting scrutiny over access restrictions.
UN Security Council to discuss Syria
The United Nations Security Council will hold its monthly open briefing and closed consultations on Syria’s political and humanitarian situation. Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya are expected to brief members on developments on the ground and diplomatic efforts to revive a stalled political process.
Europe
Munich Security Conference opens
The 62nd Munich Security Conference begins today with an opening address by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Around 60 heads of state and government are attending the three-day gathering in Munich, where discussions will focus on European defense, transatlantic ties, Ukraine, and the Middle East. EU leaders are expected to outline policy priorities on the conference’s final day.
Zelenskyy’s possible visit to Germany
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Germany to attend the conference, contingent on the security situation at home. If confirmed, he is likely to participate in high-level panels and bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
China’s top diplomat to address conference
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will speak during a dedicated China session at the Munich forum, offering Beijing’s perspective on global security, multipolarity, and relations with Europe and the United States.
United States and the Americas
Trump to meet special forces after Venezuela operation
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to meet special forces involved in last month’s military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Trump is scheduled to address military families before traveling to Palm Beach for a private engagement.
Canada’s premier attends vigil after mass shooting
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend a community vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, following Tuesday’s deadly school shooting. The visit comes amid renewed debate over public safety and gun control.
Protests in Argentina over labor reforms
Demonstrations continue in Buenos Aires against proposed labor reforms by President Javier Milei. Critics argue the legislation would weaken worker protections and curb union power, as lawmakers debate the contentious measures in Congress.
Cuba faces a deepening humanitarian and energy crisis
Cuba is grappling with a worsening humanitarian and energy crunch amid ongoing US oil restrictions and geopolitical fallout from Venezuela’s upheaval. Rolling blackouts and supply shortages are straining public services, while Havana intensifies diplomatic outreach to key partners.
Africa
UN deploys forces in eastern DR Congo
The UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO is deploying forces to Uvira in South Kivu province to monitor a ceasefire between Congolese government forces and the AFC M23 rebels. The mission’s interim head, Vivian van de Perre, has arrived in Goma as monitoring operations resume following the reopening of the city’s airport.
Cyclone Gezani aftermath in Madagascar
Madagascar is assessing the damage from Cyclone Gezani, which has left at least 36 dead, hundreds injured, and thousands of homes damaged, according to national disaster authorities. Emergency teams continue search, rescue, and relief operations.
Ethiopia hosts the second Italy-Africa summit
Addis Ababa is hosting the second Italy-Africa summit alongside the African Union summit, marking the first time the gathering takes place on African soil. Leaders will review progress under Italy’s Mattei Plan and explore expanded political and economic cooperation.
Asia
Bangladesh to announce general election results
Bangladesh’s electoral authorities are set to announce official results from the country’s first general election since the 2024 political transition that ended 15 years of Awami League rule. Voters chose 300 lawmakers and weighed in on proposed constitutional reforms, with opposition alliances emerging as key contenders.
Japan’s opposition holds leadership vote
Japan’s main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance is holding a leadership election after suffering heavy losses in recent general elections, which handed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party a commanding lower house majority.
Tajik premier visits Kyrgyzstan
Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda is conducting an official visit to Kyrgyzstan for the first meeting of the Kyrgyz Tajik Intergovernmental Council. The talks signal a thaw in relations after years of violent border clashes, with several cooperation agreements expected to be signed.
Russia and Ukraine
Third round of peace talks expected
Developments in Moscow and Kyiv are being closely monitored ahead of a potential third round of US mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Following previous rounds in January and Abu Dhabi, officials are expected to announce a date and venue for the next phase of negotiations.
Economy
US inflation data due
The United States will release the January consumer price index data today. Annual inflation eased to 2.7 percent in December, with markets anticipating a further slowdown to 2.5 percent, a key indicator for Federal Reserve policy expectations.