SRN NEWS

NOVI SAD, Serbia (AP) — Thousands of people rallied on Saturday in Serbia as university students announced a new stage in their struggle against President Aleksandar Vucic’s tenure after leading more than a year of mass demonstrations that shook his autocratic government in the Balkan country. Protesters in Novi Sad, chanting “thieves,” accused the government of rampant corruption that they believe also led to a November 2024 train station disaster in the northern city that killed 16 people and triggered the nationwide movement for change. Vucic has refused to schedule an immediate early election that students have demanded. Hundreds of people have been detained, or reported losing their jobs or facing pressure for opposing the government. University students told the crowd in Novi Sad on Saturday that after last year’s protests, they will now offer solutions to Vucic’s government. They proposed banning corrupt officials from politics and investigating their wealth as first steps. The protest was dubbed “What victory will mean.” Last month, students said that they collected around 400,000 signatures in support of their election bid. Vucic came to power more than a decade ago, promising to take Serbia into the European Union. But he has since strengthened ties with Russia and China, while facing accusations of curbing democratic freedoms in Serbia and allowing corruption and organized crime to flourish. The student movement has garnered big support among Serbs who are largely disillusioned with mainstream politicians. Vucic has accused the students of working under unspecified Western orders to “destroy Serbia.” Brought to you by www.srnnews.com

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. forces have fully withdrawn from an air base in western Iraq in implementation of an agreement with the Iraqi government, Iraqi officials said Saturday. Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind down a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq by September 2025, with U.S. forces departing bases where they had been stationed. However, a small unit of U.S. military advisers and support personnel remained. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in October told journalists that the agreement originally stipulated a full pullout of U.S. forces from the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq by September. But “developments in Syria” since then required maintaining a “small unit” of between 250 and 350 advisers and security personnel at the base. Now all U.S. personnel have departed. Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah oversaw the assignment of tasks and duties to various military units at the base on Saturday following the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the Iraqi Army’s full assumption of control over the base, the military said in a statement. The statement added that Yarallah “instructed relevant authorities to intensify efforts, enhance joint work, and coordinate between all units stationed at the base, while making full use of its capabilities and strategic location.” A Ministry of Defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly confirmed that all U.S. forces had departed the base and had also removed all American equipment from it. There was no statement from the U.S. military on the withdrawal. U.S. forces have retained a presence in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq and in neighboring Syria. The departure of U.S. forces may strengthen the hand of the government in discussions around disarmament of non-state armed groups in the country, some of which have used the presence of U.S. troops as justification for keeping their own weapons. Al-Sudani said in a July interview with The Associated Press that once the coalition withdrawal is complete, “there will be no need or no justification for any group to carry weapons outside the scope of the state.” Brought to you by www.srnnews.com

UK Issues High-Level Travel Advisory for Turkey and Gulf States Amid Rising Regional Tensions   By The Media Line Staff   The United Kingdom has placed Turkey alongside the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and several other Middle Eastern countries under a high-level travel advisory, citing rising regional tensions, security threats, and tighter identity enforcement measures, according to guidance issued January 16.   British officials warned that travelers could face heightened risks linked to terrorism, civil unrest, and rapidly shifting security conditions across the region. UK nationals were urged to reconsider non-essential travel, closely monitor official updates, and be prepared for increased security screening, including stricter identification checks at borders and within host countries.   Turkey’s inclusion reflects growing concern over instability along its southern frontier, where cross-border threats linked to the Syrian conflict continue to pose security risks. The advisory cautions against travel near the Syrian border and warns of the potential for attacks in major cities, particularly in crowded public areas or near sensitive sites.   In the Gulf, the advisory applies to countries long considered stable travel hubs, including the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. British officials pointed to the possibility of regional spillover from ongoing conflicts, warning that diplomatic facilities, transportation hubs,s and large public gatherings could become flashpoints. Travelers were advised to exercise vigilance and follow local authorities’ instructions at all times.   Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were also flagged, with warnings focused on border regions and areas with heightened security sensitivity. In Saudi Arabia, officials advised caution near the Yemen border and in major urban centers, while in Kuwait the advisory highlighted risks linked to regional tensions despite the country’s low crime rate.   Across the affected countries, the UK emphasized newly enforced identity requirements. Travelers may be subject to frequent document checks and are expected to carry valid photo identification at all times. Passports should remain valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure, and visitors were advised to confirm visa and entry requirements before traveling.   The advisory also noted the potential for sudden disruptions caused by protests or security incidents, urging British nationals to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Officials stressed that conditions could change quickly and without warning.   The UK said the guidance was issued to help travelers make informed decisions as instability persists across parts of the Middle East. British nationals already in the region were advised to remain alert, comply with local laws, and maintain close awareness of official travel updates as the situation evolves.  Brought to you by www.srnnews.com

By David Shepardson DETROIT, Jan 17 – The Trump administration’s top auto policy officials on Saturday touted federal efforts to lower car prices by eliminating vehicle emissions regulations, as affordability remains a key concern among Americans. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer toured the annual Detroit Auto Show to wrap up a two-day Midwestern swing that included stops at a Ford truck factory and Stellantis Jeep plant in Ohio on Friday. The administration has aggressively rolled back electric vehicle rules from former President Joe Biden’s administration. Duffy said the rules “will bring car prices down and allow car companies to offer products that Americans want to buy.” He added, “this is not a war on EVs at all … We shouldn’t use government policy to encourage EV purchases all the while penalizing combustion engines.” INFLATION A TOP CONCERN AHEAD OF MIDTERMS President Donald Trump is grappling with economic headwinds a year after taking office and ahead of November’s midterm ⁠elections, having campaigned on quickly fixing higher prices for American consumers. Average new car transaction prices hit a record $50,326 in December as Americans bought more pricey trucks and SUVs, research firm Cox Automotive said, while automakers are offering fewer entry-level vehicles. Trump signed legislation last year eliminating a $7,500 EV tax credit, rescinding California’s EV rules and cancelling penalties for automakers not meeting fuel efficiency requirements. Zeldin said the government “should not be forcing, requiring, mandating that the market go in a direction other than what the American consumer is demanding.” Automakers also face steep tariffs imposed by Trump on imported vehicles and parts. Despite the EV policy changes and new tariffs, new U.S. vehicle sales rose 2.4% in 2025 to 16.2 million vehicles. Democrats say auto tariffs and efforts to eliminate EV incentives will harm consumers. But Greer said car prices are trending down and “whatever effects those tariffs may have on various parts of the supply chain, they’re not really getting down to the consumer.” Kathy Harris, director of clean vehicles at environmental activist group NRDC, criticized the administration’s auto policies. “The oil industry will rake in billions more from cash-strapped Americans who can’t afford to spend more to fuel up their car or truck.” In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed rolling back Biden-era fuel efficiency standards that had prodded auto companies to build more EVs to comply. The EPA is also expected to finalize a rule in the coming weeks eliminating vehicle tailpipe emissions requirements. USDOT estimates its proposal would reduce average up-front vehicle costs by $930, but increase fuel consumption by as much as 100 billion gallons through 2050, and cost Americans up to another $185 billion for fuel. (Reporting by David Shepardson in DetroitEditing by Rod Nickel) Brought to you by www.srnnews.com

It is now six podiums in seven races for Lindsey Vonn after she finished in third place Saturday in a World Cup downhill at Tarvisio, Italy. That also marked Vonn’s fifth consecutive top-three finish overall. Nicol Delago of Italy was first with a time of 1:46.28, and Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann finished in second place at +0.20. Vonn, 41, was third at +0.26. “Today I’m surprised that I’m on the podium, but in general, that was the plan,” Vonn told NBC. “I work hard for a reason. I don’t come here to participate. I come here to ski fast. I think everyone questioned my intentions last year. I don’t think they’re questioning them now, but I knew what was coming.” If recent success hadn’t been a predictor, history might have been. Vonn won the last time the event was staged at Tarvisio, as a 24-year-old in 2011. She’s expected to compete in the super-G on Sunday, as she seeks her 85th World Cup win. Several other Americans performed well on Saturday. Breezy Johnson, the defending downhill champ, finished in sixth, putting her in strong standing to make the Olympic team. Jackie Wiles is in a similarly strong position after her 13th place showing. Allison Mollin continued to improve her standing in every race, rising to 19th on Saturday. Haley Cutler (23rd), Bella Wright (29th) and Keely Cashman (43rd) rounded out the American group. –Field Level Media Brought to you by www.srnnews.com