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September 29, 2023 - No U.S. Injuries After Iranian Patrol Craft Shone Laser At U.S. Attack Helicopter. IRGCN vessels shone a laser multiple times at the aircraft while in flight. Read more

September 27, 2023 - Three Bahraini Soldiers Killed In Houthi Drone Attack. The incident risks escalating conflict in the region nearly a year and a half after Saudi Arabia agreed to a truce with the Houthi rebels. Read more

September 27, 2023 - Iran Reports Successful Imaging Satellite Launch. U.S. intelligence community’s 2022 threat assessment said that Iran obtaining launch vehicles for satellites "shortens the timeline," for the country to develop an ICBM. Read more

September 26, 2023 - Israel Attacking Hamas In Gaza Strip With Unmanned Aircraft, Helicopter, Tank: "A short time ago, the IDF attacked, using a remotely manned aircraft, a military position of the terrorist organization Hamas". Read more

September 25, 2023 - Israel Defense Force (IDF): "The IDF attacked a military position of the terrorist organization Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip". Read more

September 25, 2023 - U.S. Central Command forces successfully conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria. Read more

September 22, 2023 - Israel Carrying Out Strikes On Hamas Terrorist Organization In Gaza Strip. The IDF reported using a remotely manned aircraft and a tank, while the Israeli Air Force reported using a remotely manned aircraft. Read more

September 20, 2023 - Small Arms Fire Near US Embassy In Lebanon. Beirut Embassy: Small arms fire has been reported near the United States embassy in Lebanon "in the vicinity of the entrance to the US embassy". Read more

September 18, 2023 - Russia: Pro-American Coalition MQ-9 Drone Dangerously Approached A Russian Su-35 Aircraft In Syria. A Russian Ministry of Defense statement said that the incident occurred on a scheduled flight along the northern Syrian border to control the airspace of the Syrian Arab Republic. Read more

September 16, 2023 - IAEA: Iran Has Removed A Third Of The Inspectors Designated For Iran. Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanani claimed that "The United States, Great Britain, Germany, and France politicized the IAEA Board of Governors for their own interests". Read more

September 14, 2023 - Syrian state media has reported an attack on "some sites" located within the countryside of Tartous and Hama, which it attributed to airstrikes by Israel. Read more

September 12, 2023 - US waives Sanctions On Iran, Gives $6 Billion In Frozen Funds In Exchange For Prisoner Swap. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the deal between the United States and Iran, saying that it would only give Iran more funds to fund Iranian-backed terrorist organizations. Read more

September 11, 2023 - Six New Members To Join BRICS, Move Towards Establishing A Single Currency. Countries set to join the economic alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024. Read more

August 29, 2023 - Global Wildfire Update: North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe. Wildfires continue to burn across the world. Read more

August 28, 2023 - Syria Reports Israeli Strike Damaging Aleppo Airport Runway. Syrian state media said that there was material damage to the airport and that it "went out of service" as a result of the attack. Read more

August 23, 2023 - Iran Claims New Mohajer-10 Has Enough Range To Reach Israel. Iranian state news reported that the drone has a maximum payload of 300 kilograms (661 pounds) and can carry "different kinds of ammunition and bombs". Read more

August 21, 2023 - Global Wildfire Locations For Last 24 Hours - August 21st, 2023. Fires are still burning across the globe, maps included below show wildfires in Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and North America. There are relatively few fires in Russia. Read more

August 20, 2023 - Iron Dome Intercepts Unmanned Drone Flying Toward Israel. The unmanned aircraft did not cross over into Israel and was followed by the Israeli Air Force before it was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Read more

August 18, 2023 - Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Nicosia, Cyprus. Due to the escalation of events in the Pyla area, U.S. citizens are encouraged to reconsider plans to travel north, specifically to stay away from the Pyla area until the de-escalation of the situation. Read more

August 18, 2023 - Saudi Arabia Discusses Reviving Bilateral Cooperation With Iran, US, UK. Saudi Arabia and Iran talked about the implementation of terms agreed upon by the two countries, as well as touching upon activating agreements that Saudi Arabia had previously signed with Iran. Read more

August 17, 2023 - Iraqi F-16 fighter jets targeted suspected ISIS combatants in the Kurkuk province on Wednesday, marking the second day of attacks on ISIS by the Iraqi military. Read more

August 13, 2023 - United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) advisory issued: "Increased Threat" - UKMTO have been made aware of an increased threat within the vicinity of Strait Of Hormuz. Read more

August 13, 2023 - US Military May Put "Armed Personnel" On Commercial Ships In Strait Of Hormuz In Response To Iranian Seizures. CENTCOM: “U.S. Central Command is committed to defending freedom of navigation within our area of responsibility which includes some of the most important waterways in the world". Read more

August 10, 2023 - July 2023 CENTCOM Month in Review: The Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria. CENTCOM and partners conducted "a total of 31 D-ISIS operations, resulting in 5 ISIS operatives killed and 30 detained". Read more

August 7, 2023 - Syria Reports Four Syrian Soldiers Dead After "Israeli Airstrike" In Damascus. Syria: Attack led to the death of four Syrian soldiers, and the wounding of four others, with some material losses. Read more

July 28, 2023 - Russia: US Coalition MQ-9 UAV "Dangerously Approached" Russian Su-34 Military Aircraft. A Russian Rear Admiral said a US-led coalition MQ-9 UAV "once again" dangerously approached the Russian aircraft at an altitude of around 5,000 meters (3.1 miles) near Nafla in the Raqqa province. Read more

July 28, 2023 - CENTCOM: Multinational Task Force Completes Exercise in P-8 Flight over Arabian Gulf, F-35s Arrive In Region. As part of a pre-announced Department of Defense deployment, a squadron of U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs has also arrived in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Read more

July 25, 2023 - US Air Force Central: "On July 23 Russian military aircraft deployed flares, damaging a U.S. MQ-9 while conducting a defeat-ISIS mission". Read more

July 21, 2023 - U.S. Central Command Increases Forces in the Middle Eastern Region. Iran has attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations in the past two years. Read more

July 15, 2023 - The United States is sending F-16 fighter jets to the Gulf in order to protect vessels in the region from Iranian seizures. Read more

July 9, 2023 - U.S. Airstrike Targets ISIS Leader in Eastern Syria. The strike on Friday was conducted by the same MQ-9s that had, earlier in the day, been harassed by Russian aircraft in an encounter that had lasted almost two hours. Read more

July 8, 2023 - Department of Defense: Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today that the U.S. mission to defeat ISIS remains undeterred by Russia's recent harassment of U.S. aircraft operating in Syria after third day of Russian "unprofessional behavior" and harassment by Russia over Syria. Read more

July 5, 2023 - U.S. forces prevented two attempted commercial tanker seizures by the Iranian Navy after the Iranians had opened fire in one of the incidents near the coast of Oman. Read more

July 2, 2023 - Israel Defense forces: "An anti-aircraft rocket was launched from Syria towards Israel. The rocket appears to have exploded in mid-air above Israeli territory. Read more

June 26, 2023 - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says that one of its drones fell into Lebanese territory, while the Hezbollah terrorist organization claims that it shot the drone down. Read more

June 19, 2023 - Two Palestinians were killed and 29 were wounded, 6 seriously, during an IDF retaliatory attack on gunmen in Jenin located in the West Bank. Multiple Israeli soldiers were also wounded in the fighting according to Israeli media. Read more

June 18, 2023 - CENTCOM Week In Review: F-22s Deployed, Eagle Resolve 23, BTF Integration. "F-22s deployed to the CENTCOM area of responsibility, Exercise Eagle Resolve 23 concluded, and Bomber Task Force Partner Nation integration mission People Partners Innovation". Read more

June 14, 2023 - U.S. Central Command: U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility as part of a multifaceted show of U.S. support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region. Read more

June 13, 2023 - Updates: (2) - Syrian state media is reporting air defenses have been activated in Damascus to confront an "air attack" from Israel. Read more

June 13, 2023 - Central Command has reported a helicopter mishap leading to the injury of 22 United States service members. The cause of the incident is under investigation, although no enemy fire was reported. Read more

June 12, 2023 - A senior Israeli official was cited by an Israeli news agency that Iran knows that if it reaches 90% uranium enrichment purity, it will result in an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities. Read more

June 11, 2023 - Two people were killed when ISIS terrorists targeted an Iraqi army barracks in northern Iraq on Saturday, killing two Iraqi officers and wounding three soldiers, according to a statement by Iraq's Joint Operations Command (JOC). Read more

June 11, 2023 - Syrian state media claimed that an American airdrop in Syria was "accompanied by heavy and indiscriminate shooting" toward the homes of the locals, killing one civilian and wounding others. As always, take state-run or government-controlled media with a grain of salt. Read more

June 11, 2023 - Iran: West Cannot Stop Us If We Want To Become A Nuclear State. The IRGC has repeatedly threatened to wipe out Israel if it makes any 'mistakes', and also threatened to turn locations within the United States into "hellish ruins". Read more

June 7, 2023 - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that if the Hezbollah terrorist organization starts a war against Israel, it will hit them hard and send Lebanon back into the Stone Age, a comment that appears to be a response to Iran revealing its new hypersonic missile. Read more

No U.S. Injuries Following IRGC Navy Lazing Incident at Sea - U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet: "IRGCN patrol craft acted unsafe & unprofessional when they shone a laser light at a [26 MEU(SOC)] helo flying in the Arabian Gulf last night. No injuries & no equipment were damaged. U.S. forces will continue to operate anywhere int'l law allows".

U.S. Navy: MANAMA, Bahrain - Statement from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Spokesman Cmdr. Rick Chernitzer:

“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner with a U.S. AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as the aircraft was conducting routine operations in the international airspace of the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 27. Read More.

Three Bahraini Soldiers Killed In Houthi Drone Attack - The incident risks escalating conflict in the region nearly a year and a half after Saudi Arabia agreed to a truce with the Houthi rebels.

MANAMA, BAHRAIN - Three Bahraini soldiers were killed at the border separating Yemen and Saudia Arabia as a result of a Houthi drone attack according to a Bahraini military official in a statement.

Initially, two Bahraini soldiers were killed in the attack, after which one other service member died after succumbing to wounds sustained during the attack. Read More.

Iran Reports Successful Imaging Satellite Launch - U.S. intelligence community’s 2022 threat assessment said that Iran obtaining launch vehicles for satellites "shortens the timeline," for the country to develop an ICBM.

TEHRAN - Iran has claimed that the country has launched an imaging satellite dubbed Noor-3 into orbit 450 kilometers (280 miles) above the Earth, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA, which reported that it used a homemade Ghassed launch vehicle.

Iran’s Communication Minister Isa Zarepour posted on social media, “I congratulate this success to the people, those working hard in the country’s aerospace sector and experts at the IRGC Aerospace Force". Iran Says It Intends To Expand Its Aerospace Sector: Read More

Israel Attacking Hamas In Gaza Strip With Unmanned Aircraft, Helicopter, Tank - Israel Defense Force (IDF): "The IDF is now attacking the Gaza Strip, more details below: A short time ago, the IDF attacked, using a remotely manned aircraft, a military position of the terrorist organization Hamas".

The statement continued, "The position is in the Rafah hotspot where violent disorder is taking place near the border fence in the Gaza Strip". Read More.

IDF Reports Attacking Hamas Terrorist Organization Position In Gaza - Israel Defense Force (IDF): "IDF spokesperson: The IDF attacked a military position of the terrorist organization Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip".

Israel Defense Forces: "A short time ago, the IDF attacked, using a remotely manned aircraft, a military position of the terrorist organization Hamas. Near this position, a terrorist fired at our forces today (Monday) during a violent disturbance that took place in the Karni area.” Read More

Helicopter Raid in Northern Syria Targets ISIS Official - Central Command: "TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command forces successfully conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria, on Sept. 23, 2023".

"Abu Halil al-Fad’ani, an ISIS Syria Operational and Facilitation official, was captured during the raid. Al-Fad’ani was assessed to have relationships throughout the ISIS network in the region". Details On The Helicopter Raid: Read More.

Israel Carrying Out Strikes On Hamas Terrorist Organization In Gaza Strip - The IDF reported using a remotely manned aircraft and a tank, while the Israeli Air Force reported using a remotely manned aircraft.

GAZA - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Air Force reported carrying out strikes in the Gaza Strip on the Hamas terrorist organization. The IDF reported using a remotely manned aircraft and a tank, while the Israeli Air Force reported using a remotely manned aircraft.

Israel Defense Forces statement: "The IDF is currently striking in Gaza. The IDF attacked three military positions of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip". Read IDF And IAF Statements

Small Arms Fire Near US Embassy In Lebanon - Beirut Embassy: Small arms fire has been reported near the United States embassy in Lebanon "in the vicinity of the entrance to the US embassy".

BEIRUT- Small arms fire has been reported near the United States embassy in Lebanon "in the vicinity of the entrance to the US embassy," according to a statement by embassy spokesperson Jake Nelson. Statement By The U.S. Embassy Regarding The Incident: Read More.

Russia: Pro-American Coalition MQ-9 Drone Dangerously Approached A Russian Su-35 Aircraft In Syria - A Russian Ministry of Defense statement said that the incident occurred on a scheduled flight along the northern Syrian border to control the airspace of the Syrian Arab Republic.

MOSCOW - The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that a pro-American MQ-9 reconnaissance drone came "dangerously close" to a Russian Su-35 aircraft over Syria.

The statement said that the incident occurred at a little over 4-mile altitude on a scheduled flight along the northern Syrian border to control the airspace of the Syrian Arab Republic, during which it said that the pilot "promptly took measures to prevent a collision". Statement By The Russian Ministry of Defense Regarding The Alleged Incident: Read More.

IAEA: Iran Has Removed A Third Of The Inspectors Designated For Iran - Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanani claimed that "The United States, Great Britain, Germany, and France politicized the IAEA Board of Governors for their own interests". .

TEHRAN - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has withdrawn "several experienced Agency inspectors assigned to conduct verification activities in Iran," and reports that Iran has "effectively removed" about one-third of the core group of the "Agency’s most experienced inspectors designated for Iran". What The IAEA Said, And How Iran And Israel Responded: Read More.

Syria Reports Two Soldiers Killed, Six Injured As A Result Of Attacks In Tartous And Hama - TARTOUS/HAMA - Syrian state media has reported an attack on "some sites" located within the countryside of Tartous and Hama, which it attributed to airstrikes by Israel.

State media cited a military source as saying "At exactly 5:22 this afternoon, the Israeli enemy carried out an aggression with bursts of missiles from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, targeting some of our air defense sites in Tartous". Read More.

US Waves Sanctions On Iran, Gives $6 Billion In Frozen Funds In Exchange For Prisoner Swap - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the deal between the United States and Iran, saying that it would only give Iran more funds to fund Iranian-backed terrorist organizations.

WASHINGTON - The Biden administration has agreed to issue a blanket waiver to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds from international banks and release five Iranian citizens currently being held in the United States in exchange for releasing five U.S. citizens currently being detained by Iran.

According to a document sent to the U.S. congressional committees, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that waving sanctions on Iran for the prisoner swap is within the national security interests of the United States. What The Statement Said, Israel's Reaction To The Deal: Read More.

Six New Members To Join BRICS, Move Towards Establishing A Single Currency - Countries set to join the economic alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024.

JOHANNESBURG - After six new members were announced to be added to BRICS, Russia says that the emerging economic Bloc is moving towards establishing a single currency, adding that it will be a "long and difficult process" to get there.

According to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, the BRICS members decided to invite the following countries to join the economic Bloc: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024.

The new additions will cause the BRICS economic alliance to grow to cover 37% of the world's combined GDP, and contain 46% of the global population: Read More.

Global Wildfire Update: North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe - North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe. Wildfires continue to burn across the world.

Wildfire maps for each country: See Current Wildfire Maps.

Syria Reports Israeli Strike Damaging Aleppo Airport Runway - Syrian state media said that there was material damage to the airport and that it "went out of service" as a result of the attack.

DAMASCUS - Syrian state media has reported that an Israeli airstrike damaged the runway at the Aleppo airport at dawn, putting it out of service. Read More

Iran Claims New Mohajer-10 Has Enough Range To Reach Israel - Iranian state news reported that the drone has a maximum payload of 300 kilograms (661 pounds) and can carry "different kinds of ammunition and bombs".

TEHRAN - Iran has released footage of the new Mohajer-10 drone that closely resembles the United State's MQ-9 Reaper, and says that it can stay in the air for 24 hours, and has an operational range of over 1,200 miles, which would give it plenty of range to reach Israel.

The shortest distance from the Iranian border to Jerusalem, Israel is a little over 600 miles as the crow flies. Iran’s claims have not been verified.

From Tehran, the Capital of Iran the distance grows to over 950 miles as the crow flies, to Jerusalem, Israel. Still plenty of available flight time to reach Israel, if Iran's claims about the drone are accurate.

New Mohajer-10 Drone Video And Specifications: Read Full Report.

Global Wildfire Locations For Last 24 Hours - August 21st, 2023 - National Weather Service Seattle: "Air quality remains poor across most of Washington this morning, though improvement can be seen along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca as onshore flow is beginning to mix smoke out of the area".

Fires are still burning across the globe, maps included below show wildfires in Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and North America. There are relatively few fires in Russia. Whether that is due to a lack of sensors in the region is unknown. See Global Wildfire Maps.

Iron Dome Intercepts Unmanned Drone Flying Toward Israel - The unmanned aircraft did not cross over into Israel and was followed by the Israeli Air Force before it was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.

IDF - The Israeli Defense Forces intercepted an unmanned aircraft over the Gaza Strip towards Israel. The aircraft did not cross over into Israel and was followed by the Israeli Air Force. Israel's Air Defense fighters intercepted the unmanned aircraft using the Iron Dome Missile Defense System.

The aircraft did not pose any threat to residents of the Gaza Strip, and no alerts were activated, according to the statement by the IDF. Read Full Statement/Video.

Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Nicosia, Cyprus (August 18, 2023) - "When TC security forces moved into the Buffer Zone, assaulting UN military staff, damaging vehicles, and physically removing equipment and UN personnel from the roadblock."

U.S. Embassy in Cyprus: "Cyprus: Due to the escalation of events in the Pyla area, U.S. citizens are encouraged to reconsider plans to travel north, specifically to stay away from the Pyla area until the de-escalation of the situation."

Event: On August 17, Turkish Cypriots (TC) announced plans to begin paving the dirt road from the TC village of Arsos into the UN Buffer Zone to the bi-communal village of Pyla. The construction project was not authorized by the UN, and its commencement constituted a major encroachment on the Buffer Zone.

While UN efforts have halted the construction, the situation escalated the morning of Friday, August 18, when TC security forces moved into the Buffer Zone, assaulting UN military staff, damaging vehicles, and physically removing equipment and UN personnel from the roadblock.

The UN, United States, and other nations have strongly condemned the actions of the Turkish Cypriots.

Due to the escalation of events in the Pyla area, U.S. Embassy in Nicosia is strongly encouraging U.S. citizens in the Republic of Cyprus to reconsider any plans to travel north this weekend, or until further notice of de-escalation of the situation. All U.S. citizens are specifically advised to stay away from the Pyla area.

We encourage U.S. citizens in the area to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, particularly around large crowds or gatherings. You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information about the situation and activities, demonstrations, and areas to avoid.

Monitor local media for updates. Read Full Alert.

Saudi Arabia Discusses Reviving Bilateral Cooperation With Iran, US, UK - Saudi Arabia and Iran talked about the implementation of terms agreed upon by the two countries, as well as touching upon activating agreements that Saudi Arabia had previously signed with Iran.

Riyadh - Saudi Arabia met with Iran in order to enhance the two country's bilateral relations and took steps to resume diplomatic relations.

They discussed the implementation of terms agreed upon by the two countries, as well as touching upon activating agreements that Saudi Arabia had previously signed with Iran, such as economic and security agreements.

The U.S. Secretary of State and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also met with the Saudi Crown Prince, and Prime Minister to talk about reviving cooperation and other bilateral and regional issues.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also released a statement saying, "Spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister [Faisal bin Farhan] to thank Saudi Arabia for convening over 40 countries last month to discuss peace in Ukraine. We also discussed the need to end the devastating conflict in Sudan and the next steps to support lasting peace in Yemen".

A statement by the Secretary of State said, "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. Secretary Blinken thanked Saudi Arabia for bringing together over 40 countries in Jeddah earlier this month to discuss the principles of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister resolved to continue to work together to end the devastating conflict in Sudan. They also committed to redouble efforts to secure a lasting peace in Yemen through a UN-mediated Yemeni-Yemeni peace process".

Statement: Saudi Arabia, Iran Look Forward to Enhancing Bilateral Relations in Various Fields: Read Full Report.

Iraqi F-16 Fighter Jets Target Suspected ISIS Combatants Second Day In A Row - ERBIL, IRAQ - Iraqi F-16 fighter jets targeted suspected ISIS combatants in the Kurkuk province on Wednesday, marking the second day of attacks on ISIS by the Iraqi military.

Iraqi Military Targets ISIS Hideouts In Zghaitoun Valley, Wadi Shay: According to Kurdistan 24, the Iraqi fighter jets targeted an ISIS hideout located in Zghaitoun Valley, killing "a number of suspected militants," citing a statement by the Iraqi Military Intelligence which was then shared by state media. Read Full Report.

UKMTO Issues "Increased Threat" Advisory For Strait Of Hormuz - UKMTO has been made aware of an increased threat within the vicinity of Strait Of Hormuz.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) advisory issued: "Increased Threat" - UKMTO has been made aware of an increased threat within the vicinity of Strait Of Hormuz. All vessels transiting are advised to exercise caution and report suspicious activity to UKMTO". Read Advisory

US Military May Put "Armed Personnel" On Commercial Ships In Strait Of Hormuz In Response To Iranian Seizures - CENTCOM: “U.S. Central Command is committed to defending freedom of navigation within our area of responsibility which includes some of the most important waterways in the world".

A report by AP news citing "American officials" said that the sources did not reveal much regarding the details of the plan, but the report did say placing soldiers on commercial ships in the region could aid in deterring Iran from continuing to seize ships in international waters, and may stop escalations from increasing further.

American forces have been building up in the region as U.S. Central Command reported that Iin the past two years Iran has attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations.

“These additional forces provide unique capabilities, which alongside our partners nations in the region, further safeguard the free flow of international commerce and uphold the rules based international order, and deter Iranian destabilizing activities in the region," he added. Read Full Report

July 2023 CENTCOM Month in Review: The Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria - CENTCOM and partners conducted "a total of 31 D-ISIS operations, resulting in 5 ISIS operatives killed and 30 detained".

TAMPA, Fla. – During the month of July 2023, U.S. Central Command, along with coalition and other partners, conducted a total of 31 D-ISIS operations, resulting in 5 ISIS operatives killed and 30 detained.

“Thanks to the efforts of our Coalition-supported partners, we have seen a dramatic reduction in ISIS activity and effectiveness across our area of operations,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, CJTF-OIR Commanding General. “We remain committed to advising, assisting, and enabling our partners in the lead toward an enduring defeat of ISIS.”

Syria Reports Four Syrian Soldiers Dead After "Israeli Airstrike" In Damascus - Syria: Attack led to the death of four Syrian soldiers, and the wounding of four others, with some material losses.

DAMASCUS - Syrian state media has reported four Syrian soldiers killed and four others wounded in an "Israeli air strike" that targeted "some points in the vicinity of Damascus". Read Full Article

Russia: US Coalition MQ-9 UAV "Dangerously Approached" Russian Su-34 Military Aircraft - A Russian Rear Admiral said a US-led coalition MQ-9 UAV "once again" dangerously approached the Russian aircraft at an altitude of around 5,000 meters (3.1 miles) near Nafla in the Raqqa province. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

MOSCOW - Russian state media has reported that a United States coalition MQ-9 unmanned aerial aircraft (UAV) "dangerously approached" one of their Su-34 supersonic fighter bombers on July 28th over Syria.

Russian Rear Admiral Oleg Gurinov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria was cited by TASS as saying that the US-led coalition MQ-9 UAV "once again" dangerously approached the Russian aircraft at an altitude of around 5,000 meters (3.1 miles) near Nafla in the Raqqa province

The incident occurred just days after the U.S. Air Force reported that a Russian military aircraft had flown dangerously close to an American MQ-9 UAV and released flares directly under the aircraft, severely damaging its propeller, and was not the first time the incident was reported to have occurred.

CENTCOM: Multinational Task Force Completes Exercise in P-8 Flight over Arabian Gulf, F-35s Arrive In Region - As part of a pre-announced Department of Defense deployment, a squadron of U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs has also arrived in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

Central Command: Manama, Bahrain – A multinational naval coalition that monitors and patrols key waterways in the Middle East completed a naval exercise over the Arabian Gulf, on July 26, with representatives from Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The 11-nation coalition, International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), conducted exercise Sentinel Shield aboard a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft that patrolled waters near the Strait of Hormuz.

As part of a pre-announced Department of Defense deployment, a squadron of U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs has arrived in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

While deployed in support of Air Forces Central missions, the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Hill AFB, Utah will help defend interests, promote regional security and safeguard freedom of navigation in the region.

In coordination with our regional allies, partners, and the U.S. Navy, the F-35s will partner with A-10 and F-16s already in the theater helping monitor the Strait of Hormuz. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

Russian Aircraft Harasses & Releases Flares, Damaging US MQ-9 Propeller - US Air Force Central: "On July 23 Russian military aircraft deployed flares, damaging a U.S. MQ-9 while conducting a defeat-ISIS mission". Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - “On 23 July, 2023 at 12:23 a.m. (EST) Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission, harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few meters of separation between aircraft.

One of the Russian flares struck the U.S. MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller. Fortunately, the MQ-9 crew was able to maintain flight and safely recover the aircraft to its home base.

U.S. Central Command Increases Forces in the Middle Eastern Region - Iran has attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations in the past two years. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) TAMPA, Fla. – In response to recent attempts by Iran to seize commercial ships in the CENTCOM area of operations, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the CENTCOM area of responsibility, in addition to the recently approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116).

The ARG/MEU brings additional aviation, maritime assets, and U.S. Marines, providing even greater flexibility and maritime capability in the region.

Iran has attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations in the past two years.

Through these actions, the United States is demonstrating a commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring Iranian destabilization activities in the region. Raised Alert Status.

US Sending F-16s To Gulf Region To Protect Vessels From Iranian Seizures - WASHINGTON - The United States is sending F-16 fighter jets to the Gulf in order to protect vessels in the region from Iranian seizures. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

The deployment will augment the A-10 attack aircraft currently patrolling the Gulf region for the last week.

The decision to send F-16s to the Gulf was made after Iran attempted the seizure of two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and opened fire on one of them.

The F-16s will provide cover for vessels and increase the visibility of the U.S. military in the region.

U.S. Airstrike Targets ISIS Leader in Eastern Syria - The strike on Friday was conducted by the same MQ-9s that had, earlier in the day, been harassed by Russian aircraft in an encounter that had lasted almost two hours. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

US Central Command: TAMPA, Fla. – On July 7, U.S. Central Command conducted a strike in Syria that resulted in the death of Usamah al-Muhajir, an ISIS leader in eastern Syria.

“We have made it clear that we remain committed to the defeat of ISIS throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “ISIS remains a threat, not only to the region but well beyond.”

There are no indications that any civilians were killed in this strike, and the coalition is assessing reports of a civilian injury.

Department Of Defense Reports Third Day Of Repeated Russian "Unprofessional Behavior" Over Syria - Department of Defense: Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today that the U.S. mission to defeat ISIS remains undeterred by Russia's recent harassment of U.S. aircraft operating in Syria after third day of Russian "unprofessional behavior" and harassment by Russia over Syria. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

His remarks were in response to an unsafe engagement on Wednesday in which Russian SU-35 fighter aircraft harassed three U.S. MQ-9 drones conducting a mission against ISIS targets.

Ryder condemned the interaction as "clearly unprofessional and unsafe behavior on the part of the Russians."

U.S. Prevents Iran from Seizing Two Merchant Tankers in Gulf of Oman - On July 5, U.S. forces prevented two attempted commercial tanker seizures by the Iranian Navy after the Iranians had opened fire in one of the incidents near the coast of Oman. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

Both of these incidents occurred in international waters. At 1 a.m. local time, one Iranian naval vessel approached the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker TRF Moss in international waters in the Gulf of Oman.

Israel: Anti-Aircraft Rocket Launched From Syria Towards Israel - Israel Defense forces: "An anti-aircraft rocket was launched from Syria towards Israel. The rocket appears to have exploded in mid-air above Israeli territory. Read Full Story On Patreon | Read Full Story On Defcon Alerts.

No special instructions have been issued to Israeli civilians at this time. Details are under review.

In response to the launch of an anti-aircraft rocket from Syria into Israeli territory, Israeli army fighter jets struck an anti-aircraft battery in Syria. Additionally, the fighter jets also struck other targets in the area".

IDF Says Its Drone Fell In Lebanese Territory, Hezbollah Claims It Shot It Down - LEBANON - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says that one of its drones fell into Lebanese territory, while the Hezbollah terrorist organization claims that it shot the drone down. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

A Hezbollah-affiliated media channel claimed on Monday that it shot the Israeli drone down after it flew into Lebanese airspace near Zibqin in southern Lebanon.

A statement by the IDF said that there is no risk of intelligence being harvested from the downed drone.

Two Palestinians Killed, 29 Wounded During IDF Retaliatory Attack On Gunmen In Jenin - JENIN - Two Palestinians were killed and 29 were wounded, 6 seriously, during an IDF retaliatory attack on gunmen in Jenin located in the West Bank. The attack happened as the IDF attempted to carry out a raid in order to make arrests. Multiple Israeli soldiers were also wounded in the fighting according to Israeli media. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.

The Israel Defense Forces released a statement that said, “During the activity, there was a massive exchange of fire with armed men, and many charges were thrown at the forces who responded by firing. Vulnerabilities have been detected. During the departure of the troops, a military vehicle was hit by a bomb and damaged. The exchange of fire continues”.

Another update from the IDF said, “Combat helicopters fired in the area of ​​the city of Jenin after identifying armed men in the area. Earlier in the morning, soldiers of the IOS, the Special Forces, and a paratrooper patrol operated to arrest two wanted persons in the city of Jenin”.

A third update said, “IDF forces continue to operate in the city of Jenin. Exchanges of fire are taking place there, more details below”.

F-22 Raptors Demonstrate Air Superiority in CENTCOM - U.S. Central Command statement: "TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility as part of a multifaceted show of U.S. support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region. Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On Patreon.

The F-22's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and mission systems make it the best fifth-generation fighter in the world.

While in the CENTCOM area, the 94th Fighter Squadron will integrate with coalition forces on the ground and in the air.

"Russian Forces' unsafe and unprofessional behavior is not what we expect from a professional air force. Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation," said Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. "Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region."

Syrian State Media Reports Air Defenses Activated Around Damascus - DAMASCUS - Syrian state media is reporting air defenses have been activated in Damascus to confront "hostile targets". Read On Defcon Alerts | Read On Patreon.

A translated statement by the Syrian state news agency SANA said, "Our air defenses are confronting hostile targets in the sky around Damascus”.

An update said, "Military source: At about 01:05 in the morning today, the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting some points southwest of Damascus".

A second update said, "A soldier was wounded and material damage occurred as a result of an Israeli missile attack that targeted points in the countryside of Damascus, while our defenses shot down a number of the aggression's missiles". See the Defcon Alerts platform for more on this.

CENTCOM: Helicopter Mishap Injures 22 US Service members - Central Command has reported a helicopter mishap leading to the injury of 22 United States service members. The cause of the incident is under investigation, although no enemy fire was reported. Read On Defcon Alerts | Read On Patreon.

U.S. Central Command: "U.S. Service Members Injured in Helicopter Mishap TAMPA, Fla. - June 11th, a helicopter mishap in northeastern Syria resulted in injuries of various degrees to 22 U.S. service members.

Israel: Iran Knows If It Reaches 90% Uranium Purity It Will Result In Israeli Strike - JERUSALEM - A senior Israeli official was cited by an Israeli news agency that Iran knows that if it reaches 90% uranium enrichment purity, it will result in an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities. Read On SJ | Read On Patreon.

The official told Israel Hayom that "Iran knows that breaking out to 90% purity in uranium enrichment will result in an Israeli strike".

The official also told the news agency that the United States and other Western countries are aware that Israel has set this "threshold" and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "made it clear" that this is Jerusalem's "red line" when he recently visited Europe.

ISIS Targets Military Barracks In Iraq, Kills 2 Iraqi Officers, Wounds Others - IRAQ - Two people were killed when ISIS terrorists targeted an Iraqi army barracks in northern Iraq on Saturday, killing two Iraqi officers and wounding three soldiers, according to a statement by Iraq's Joint Operations Command (JOC). Read On SJ | Read On Patreon.

The statement said, "At 10pm yesterday, terrorist elements attacked with light and medium weapons a military barracks".

Syria: 1 Killed, Others Wounded By Bullets From "American Forces" During US Air Drop - SANA claimed that the airdrop was "accompanied by heavy and indiscriminate shooting" toward the homes of the locals. As always, take state-run or government-controlled media with a grain of salt. Read On Defcon Alerts | Read On Patreon.

Syrian state media SANA cited local sources as saying that "American occupation planes carried out a massive airdrop operation today, with the support of the militants of the “Qasd” militia associated with it, in the village of Salham, southeast of Al-Shadadi, in the southern countryside of Hasakah, along the Syrian-Iraqi border".

Iran: West Cannot Stop Us If We Want To Become A Nuclear State - The IRGC has repeatedly threatened to wipe out Israel if it makes any 'mistakes', and also threatened to turn locations within the United States into "hellish ruins". Read On SJ | Read On Patreon.

TEHRAN - During a meeting with Iran’s nuclear workers, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that although whoever says that Iran wants nuclear weapons is lying, if Iran wants to become a nuclear state, the West will not be able to prevent it.

Iran has unveiled its new hypersonic missile that Tehran has dubbed “Fattah”, which means “Conquerer” in Farsi, though Iranian state television claimed that the missile is intended to be used as a deterrent, and an “anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries”.

Despite Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is not intended to be used to pursue nuclear weapons technology, but only to enhance civilian programs, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has a history of issuing threats to destroy not only Israel but has also threatened to turn U.S. states into “hellish ruins”.

Last year, the IRGC said that it could move its "peaceful nuclear program to a nuclear weapons program" in a rapid amount of time, and turn New York into “hellish ruins”, "if the US or the Zionist regime make any stupid mistakes".

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also unveiled a surface-to-surface ballistic missile situated within a missile launcher in Isfahan, displaying the words "Death to Israel" on it last year which had specifically been written in Hebrew, shown in a post by the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim.

In his first address after being reinstated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in March of this year that the world will break out in a "horrible nuclear war" if it does not stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

International nuclear inspectors detected 84% enriched uranium in Iran, "just below" the level needed to manufacture a nuclear weapon, according to a report by Bloomberg in February of this year.

In March, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during his visit to Israel that "The United States will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon," and spoke of Iran's "destabilizing actions". Israel also said at the time that "all possible means" are on the table in order to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

In January, the Israeli defense establishment requested an additional 10 billion Israeli New Shekels (Nearly $3 billion USD) for the country's defense budget for 2023 in order to prepare for a military operation in Iran and to deal with the effects of inflation.

In December, Outgoing Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz spoke to air force graduates that were graduating on Wednesday and told them that Israel is preparing for the possibility of an attack on Iran and that they may take part in attacking Iranian nuclear sites within two to three years time.

In November of last year, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) and United States Air Force (USAF) held large joint air drill exercises simulating an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Israel: Will Set Lebanon Back To Stone Age If Hezbollah Starts A War - JERUSALEM - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that if the Hezbollah terrorist organization starts a war against Israel, it will hit them hard and send Lebanon back into the Stone Age, a comment that appears to be a response to Iran revealing its new hypersonic missile. Read More On SJ | Read More On Patreon.

“I hear our enemies boasting about weapons they are developing. For any such development, we have a superior response – by air, by sea, and on land and in both defense and offense,” he said while touring the IDF’s Northern Command during a Joint Chiefs of Staff exercise.

He continued by saying, “After observing the forces in the command, the divisions, and the brigades, I want to assure the public in Israel – we have excellent fighters”.

“If Hezbollah makes a mistake and starts a war against Israel, we will hit them hard and send Lebanon back to the Stone Age.”