Syria, North Korea, South Sudan.

Today's three stories you should know.

Jan 06, 2023

Syria

The UN Security Council is set to vote on whether to extend a deal that allows aid to be brought from Turkey into the last opposition-held parts of Syria - the only route through which it can now enter. Western officials fear Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, may veto the extension. Local officials said today that a failure to renew the agreement for six months would have a catastrophic impact, with a surge in cholera cases causing further problems for the Idlib region and parts of Aleppo province. Humanitarian agencies say four million people rely on the aid to survive.

North Korea

South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers in Seoul today that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent public appearances with his daughter are intended as a signal that his children will inherit power. Kim has taken his daughter to three military events in recent months, including a missile launch and a photo session with weapons scientists. State media called Ju Ae, who is believed to be about 10 years old and one of three children, Kim’s “most beloved child.” Kim is the third generation of his family to have successively ruled North Korea since its foundation in 1948.

South Sudan

Six South Sudanese journalists have been detained in connection with a viral video that appeared to show 71-year-old President Salva Kiir wetting himself at an event, according to a journalists’ union. Kiir was standing for the national anthem when footage showed what appeared to be a spreading urine stain before the camera panned away. The Union of Journalists of South Sudan called for a “fair, transparent” investigation into any accusations of misconduct made against the journalists.