Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Iran sending ‘suicide drones’ to Yemen that could reach Israel
Iran has recently sent its Houthi allies in Yemen unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives known as “suicide drones," which can reach and operate against a variety of targets including Israel, American outlet Newsweek reported.
China building ‘greatest expansion of a nuclear arsenal’ since Cold War, State Department warns
China has rapidly expanded its nuclear and conventional missile forces over the past decade, nearly tripling its ballistic missile production capability and deploying a wide array of nuclear and conventional missile systems, according to an intelligence assessment released by the State Department.
In further breach of nuclear deal, Iran to produce uranium metal for reactor fuel
The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Iranian foundations controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and their subsidies, saying the institutions enabled Iran's elite to sustain a "corrupt" system of ownership over large parts of the economy.
UN Atomic Agency: Iran possibly closer to building nuclear warhead
Iran may have moved significantly closer to actually building a nuclear weapon, the Wall Street Journal reports. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a confidential report Wednesday that Tehran has started work on an assembly line for producing a central component of nuclear warheads.
Both the US and Russia bolster military presence in Syria ahead of Biden inauguration
Both the US and Russia have sent military reinforcement to Syria in recent days, in separate moves apparently timed to coincide with the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden on January 20, AMN reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US House reintroduces bill to sanction global backers of Hamas, Islamic Jihad
Bipartisan American legislation directing the US president to sanction international individuals and agencies tied to the Gaza-based Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups was re-introduced in the House on Thursday.
Ex-Intel Chief Yadlin: Recent Israeli Airstrikes in Syria Broader, More Deadly
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday were “extensive, deep in Syrian territory, targeting a wide variety of targets connected to Iran and its proxies,” explained Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin on Twitter after the attacks.
At least 57 killed in airstrikes targeting Iran-backed forces in Syria
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed forces and killing at least 57 fighters and wounding many others, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Inside the United States
MS-13’s highest ranking leaders charged with terrorism offenses in US
Federal authorities have charged multiple leaders of the MS-13 criminal gang with terrorism offenses, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
In Secret Recording, Twitter CEO Promises Political Censorship Will Be ‘Much Bigger’ Than Just Trump’s Account
In a secret recording from Jan. 8, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey admitted that the big tech company is exploring a long-term political censorship campaign to purge and ban users the company deems unacceptable.
Space Force joins the intelligence community
The intelligence arm of the Space Force is an official part of the U.S. intelligence community.
Biden Unveiling $1.9T Plan to Stem Virus and Steady Economy
President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments and businesses struggling with the prolonged economic fallout.
National Guard DC presence will swell to 26,000 for Biden inauguration
U.S. officials say the number of National Guard troops who will pour into the nation’s capital to assist law enforcement with security surrounding the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden has grown to about 26,000.
National Guard at Capitol Authorized to Use Lethal Force in Aftermath of Mob
The 20,000 National Guard troops preparing for pro-Trump demonstrations this weekend in the nation's capital will be armed and permitted to use lethal force, the headquarters overseeing them says, marking a striking escalation in the way authorities there are preparing for repeat violence after last week's deadly mob.
Iran sending ‘suicide drones’ to Yemen that could reach Israel
Iran has recently sent its Houthi allies in Yemen unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives known as “suicide drones," which can reach and operate against a variety of targets including Israel, American outlet Newsweek reported.
China building ‘greatest expansion of a nuclear arsenal’ since Cold War, State Department warns
China has rapidly expanded its nuclear and conventional missile forces over the past decade, nearly tripling its ballistic missile production capability and deploying a wide array of nuclear and conventional missile systems, according to an intelligence assessment released by the State Department.
In further breach of nuclear deal, Iran to produce uranium metal for reactor fuel
The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Iranian foundations controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and their subsidies, saying the institutions enabled Iran's elite to sustain a "corrupt" system of ownership over large parts of the economy.
UN Atomic Agency: Iran possibly closer to building nuclear warhead
Iran may have moved significantly closer to actually building a nuclear weapon, the Wall Street Journal reports. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a confidential report Wednesday that Tehran has started work on an assembly line for producing a central component of nuclear warheads.
Both the US and Russia bolster military presence in Syria ahead of Biden inauguration
Both the US and Russia have sent military reinforcement to Syria in recent days, in separate moves apparently timed to coincide with the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden on January 20, AMN reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US House reintroduces bill to sanction global backers of Hamas, Islamic Jihad
Bipartisan American legislation directing the US president to sanction international individuals and agencies tied to the Gaza-based Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups was re-introduced in the House on Thursday.
Ex-Intel Chief Yadlin: Recent Israeli Airstrikes in Syria Broader, More Deadly
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday were “extensive, deep in Syrian territory, targeting a wide variety of targets connected to Iran and its proxies,” explained Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin on Twitter after the attacks.
At least 57 killed in airstrikes targeting Iran-backed forces in Syria
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed forces and killing at least 57 fighters and wounding many others, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Inside the United States
MS-13’s highest ranking leaders charged with terrorism offenses in US
Federal authorities have charged multiple leaders of the MS-13 criminal gang with terrorism offenses, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
In Secret Recording, Twitter CEO Promises Political Censorship Will Be ‘Much Bigger’ Than Just Trump’s Account
In a secret recording from Jan. 8, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey admitted that the big tech company is exploring a long-term political censorship campaign to purge and ban users the company deems unacceptable.
Space Force joins the intelligence community
The intelligence arm of the Space Force is an official part of the U.S. intelligence community.
Biden Unveiling $1.9T Plan to Stem Virus and Steady Economy
President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments and businesses struggling with the prolonged economic fallout.
National Guard DC presence will swell to 26,000 for Biden inauguration
U.S. officials say the number of National Guard troops who will pour into the nation’s capital to assist law enforcement with security surrounding the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden has grown to about 26,000.
National Guard at Capitol Authorized to Use Lethal Force in Aftermath of Mob
The 20,000 National Guard troops preparing for pro-Trump demonstrations this weekend in the nation's capital will be armed and permitted to use lethal force, the headquarters overseeing them says, marking a striking escalation in the way authorities there are preparing for repeat violence after last week's deadly mob.
Around the World
China stages military activity near Taiwan before high level US official visit to Taipei
China has staged military activity near Taiwan ahead of a Jan. 13 official visit to Taipei by US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, Just the News reports.
Newly public document shows US has intensified spying operations against China
A formerly-secret National Security Council strategy document publicly confirms that the CIA and other US agencies have increased their intelligence and spying activity against China in an effort to counter Beijing’s global network of spying operations, the Washington Times (WT) reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: Jerusalem authorities approve plan for permanent US embassy
A key Jerusalem panel has approved the plans to expand the US diplomatic presence in the Israeli capital on Wednesday.
US official: Target of Syria airstrikes was used for Iran’s nuclear program
Airstrikes near the Syria-Iraq border early Wednesday targeted sites used for Iran's nuclear program, a senior US intelligence official told AlJazeera Wednesday.
Iranian lawmakers debate bill seeking destruction of Israel by 2041, “decisive act of revenge” against US
Iranian lawmakers have begun debating a bill which includes the goal of destroying Israel in 20 years. Introduced to Iran’s parliament on Dec.30 2020, the bill describes Israel as the "aggressor Zionist regime" and states the Jewish nation constitutes a threat to Iran.
Inside the United States
Washington Bracing For Huge Military Operation
Thousands of troops are stationed in Washington D.C. amid mounting tensions ahead of Joe Biden's "virtual" inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.
Trump Denies True Supporters Among Rioters Storming Capitol
U.S. President Donald J. Trump urged his supporters to remain peaceful after being impeached by the House for a record second time with Republican voters.
Federal deficit up more than 60% in first fiscal quarter
The federal deficit is up more than 60% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the same period last year, rising to a record-breaking $572.9 billion amid increased spending and declines in revenues.
McConnell: Trump impeachment trial to start after Biden sworn in
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday that President Trump's second impeachment trial will not start until at least next week, formally rejecting calls to return the Senate to Washington early.
Trump Is 1st US President Impeached Twice
Donald J. Trump became the first president in US history to be impeached twice and is now facing a Senate trial over the Capitol riots that sparked outrage across America.
McConnell will not reconvene Senate early to vote on impeachment
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell made clear Wednesday that he will not be reconvening his chamber early to accept the article of impeachment on President Trump.
Trump Denies Wrongdoing In Deadly Assault; Condemns Impeachment
In his first public comments since last week’s deadly assault on the US Congress, President Donald J. Trump condemned those seeking to impeach him over the violence.
Christian News
Muslim gang attack Uganda pastor and his wife, destroy church building
Incited by local mosque leaders, a gang of Muslims in eastern Uganda beat up a pastor and his wife because they offered help to an Imam who recently came to faith in Christ, Morning Start News reports.
China stages military activity near Taiwan before high level US official visit to Taipei
China has staged military activity near Taiwan ahead of a Jan. 13 official visit to Taipei by US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, Just the News reports.
Newly public document shows US has intensified spying operations against China
A formerly-secret National Security Council strategy document publicly confirms that the CIA and other US agencies have increased their intelligence and spying activity against China in an effort to counter Beijing’s global network of spying operations, the Washington Times (WT) reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: Jerusalem authorities approve plan for permanent US embassy
A key Jerusalem panel has approved the plans to expand the US diplomatic presence in the Israeli capital on Wednesday.
US official: Target of Syria airstrikes was used for Iran’s nuclear program
Airstrikes near the Syria-Iraq border early Wednesday targeted sites used for Iran's nuclear program, a senior US intelligence official told AlJazeera Wednesday.
Iranian lawmakers debate bill seeking destruction of Israel by 2041, “decisive act of revenge” against US
Iranian lawmakers have begun debating a bill which includes the goal of destroying Israel in 20 years. Introduced to Iran’s parliament on Dec.30 2020, the bill describes Israel as the "aggressor Zionist regime" and states the Jewish nation constitutes a threat to Iran.
Inside the United States
Washington Bracing For Huge Military Operation
Thousands of troops are stationed in Washington D.C. amid mounting tensions ahead of Joe Biden's "virtual" inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.
Trump Denies True Supporters Among Rioters Storming Capitol
U.S. President Donald J. Trump urged his supporters to remain peaceful after being impeached by the House for a record second time with Republican voters.
Federal deficit up more than 60% in first fiscal quarter
The federal deficit is up more than 60% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the same period last year, rising to a record-breaking $572.9 billion amid increased spending and declines in revenues.
McConnell: Trump impeachment trial to start after Biden sworn in
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday that President Trump's second impeachment trial will not start until at least next week, formally rejecting calls to return the Senate to Washington early.
Trump Is 1st US President Impeached Twice
Donald J. Trump became the first president in US history to be impeached twice and is now facing a Senate trial over the Capitol riots that sparked outrage across America.
McConnell will not reconvene Senate early to vote on impeachment
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell made clear Wednesday that he will not be reconvening his chamber early to accept the article of impeachment on President Trump.
Trump Denies Wrongdoing In Deadly Assault; Condemns Impeachment
In his first public comments since last week’s deadly assault on the US Congress, President Donald J. Trump condemned those seeking to impeach him over the violence.
Christian News
Muslim gang attack Uganda pastor and his wife, destroy church building
Incited by local mosque leaders, a gang of Muslims in eastern Uganda beat up a pastor and his wife because they offered help to an Imam who recently came to faith in Christ, Morning Start News reports.
Around the World
EU Concerned About Iran’s Ambitions
The European Union has warned Iran that its decision to increase uranium enrichment could undermine efforts to keep a nuclear deal alive. The warning comes amid diplomatic efforts to bring the United States back on board under a new administration.
Pompeo: Al-Qaeda has new home base in Iran, threatening region, Abraham Accords
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday accused Iran of harboring al-Qaeda, saying the country has become a “home base” for the terror group.
Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks on reopening regional transportation routes
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the Kremlin Monday, to discuss the reopening of transportation routes that were shut down amid the decades-long regional conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Associated Press reports. The meeting follows the November 10, 2020 peace deal brokered by Russia which ended 44 days of renewed hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Facebook shuts down “fake accounts” allegedly linked to Ugandan Ministry of Information
Facebook has closed the accounts of a network connected to Uganda’s Ministry of Information on the grounds that the network has been using fake accounts to promote Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the country’s December 14 presidential elections, Voice of America (VOA) reports.
WHO team set to arrive in Wuhan to investigate origins of pandemic
A World Health Organization (WHO) team of international experts will fly from Singapore to Wuhan, China on Thursday in order to try and investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reports. This mission has been relaunched following a setback last month when China denied entry to two investigators who were then forced to return home.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syria says Israeli airstrikes hit sites near Iraq border
Israeli airstrikes after midnight Tuesday targeted a number of sites near the Iraqi border, Syrian media reported.
Report: IDF Dropped Warning Leaflets Addressed to Syrian Officer Ahead of Strike
One day after Syrian state media outlets reported Israeli airstrikes in the south of the country, a website aligned with Syrian opposition forces published an image of a warning leaflet ostensibly dropped by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court renews requirement for women to obtain abortion pills in person
The Supreme Court on Tuesday renewed a requirement for women to obtain abortion pills at medical facilities, following a request from the Trump administration.
McConnell said pleased with Trump impeachment as 3 Republicans vow to back move
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell — a crucial ally of US President Donald Trump over four years who defended him during his first impeachment — is pleased about new efforts to impeach him, the New York Times reported Tuesday as several House Republicans said they would vote to remove the president.
Pence rejects invoking 25th Amendment to oust Trump
US Vice President Mike Pence told House leaders Tuesday he does not support invoking the 25th Amendment process to remove Donald Trump, all but guaranteeing an impeachment vote against the besieged president.
Supreme Court Hears Case Over Christian Student Silenced From Sharing Faith at GA College Campus
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a Georgia college student who was silenced, more than once, from sharing his Christian faith with fellow students on campus.
US military leaders blast ‘insurrection’ at Capitol
The highest-ranking military general in the US, Mark Milly, along with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, released a statement on Tuesday condemning the violence in the Capitol on Wednesday.
New report shows a decrease in surgical abortion clinics, an increase in abortion pill distribution facilities
A new report by a leading pro-life organization shows there has been an over 35% decline in the number of surgical abortion clinics in the US since 2009, Christian Headlines reports. However, the report shows, the number of facilities where abortion-inducing pills are distributed went up during the same period.
EU Concerned About Iran’s Ambitions
The European Union has warned Iran that its decision to increase uranium enrichment could undermine efforts to keep a nuclear deal alive. The warning comes amid diplomatic efforts to bring the United States back on board under a new administration.
Pompeo: Al-Qaeda has new home base in Iran, threatening region, Abraham Accords
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday accused Iran of harboring al-Qaeda, saying the country has become a “home base” for the terror group.
Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks on reopening regional transportation routes
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the Kremlin Monday, to discuss the reopening of transportation routes that were shut down amid the decades-long regional conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Associated Press reports. The meeting follows the November 10, 2020 peace deal brokered by Russia which ended 44 days of renewed hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Facebook shuts down “fake accounts” allegedly linked to Ugandan Ministry of Information
Facebook has closed the accounts of a network connected to Uganda’s Ministry of Information on the grounds that the network has been using fake accounts to promote Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the country’s December 14 presidential elections, Voice of America (VOA) reports.
WHO team set to arrive in Wuhan to investigate origins of pandemic
A World Health Organization (WHO) team of international experts will fly from Singapore to Wuhan, China on Thursday in order to try and investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reports. This mission has been relaunched following a setback last month when China denied entry to two investigators who were then forced to return home.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syria says Israeli airstrikes hit sites near Iraq border
Israeli airstrikes after midnight Tuesday targeted a number of sites near the Iraqi border, Syrian media reported.
Report: IDF Dropped Warning Leaflets Addressed to Syrian Officer Ahead of Strike
One day after Syrian state media outlets reported Israeli airstrikes in the south of the country, a website aligned with Syrian opposition forces published an image of a warning leaflet ostensibly dropped by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court renews requirement for women to obtain abortion pills in person
The Supreme Court on Tuesday renewed a requirement for women to obtain abortion pills at medical facilities, following a request from the Trump administration.
McConnell said pleased with Trump impeachment as 3 Republicans vow to back move
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell — a crucial ally of US President Donald Trump over four years who defended him during his first impeachment — is pleased about new efforts to impeach him, the New York Times reported Tuesday as several House Republicans said they would vote to remove the president.
Pence rejects invoking 25th Amendment to oust Trump
US Vice President Mike Pence told House leaders Tuesday he does not support invoking the 25th Amendment process to remove Donald Trump, all but guaranteeing an impeachment vote against the besieged president.
Supreme Court Hears Case Over Christian Student Silenced From Sharing Faith at GA College Campus
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a Georgia college student who was silenced, more than once, from sharing his Christian faith with fellow students on campus.
US military leaders blast ‘insurrection’ at Capitol
The highest-ranking military general in the US, Mark Milly, along with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, released a statement on Tuesday condemning the violence in the Capitol on Wednesday.
New report shows a decrease in surgical abortion clinics, an increase in abortion pill distribution facilities
A new report by a leading pro-life organization shows there has been an over 35% decline in the number of surgical abortion clinics in the US since 2009, Christian Headlines reports. However, the report shows, the number of facilities where abortion-inducing pills are distributed went up during the same period.