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August 23, 2024 - Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant On Verge Of Blackout. Russia: Rostov NPP Power Unit In Russia Turned Off Due To Defect. Energoatom: "Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is again on the verge of blackout". Read more

August 23, 2024 - German NATO Air Base Raises Alert Level Due To "Potential Threat", Lowers It Again. NATO: "The security level at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen has returned to Bravo+. The temporary rise to Charlie was a precautionary measure to minimize potential risk to our organization and personnel". Read more

August 16, 2024 - Data Breach Exposes 2.7 Billion Public Records On Nearly 3 Billion People To Dark Web. The alleged data stolen included: Full names, phone numbers, home addresses, physical address history (up to 3 decades), and social security numbers. Read more

August 15, 2024 - Belarus: Use Of Nuclear Weapons Possible If Enemies Breach Border, US Considers Sending Longer-Range Missiles To Kyiv. Although Belarus has stated repeatedly that it has control of the nuclear weapons placed within its territory, Moscow has stated that Minsk does not. Read more

August 14, 2024 - Belgorod Governor Declares Regional State Of Emergency After Ukraine Invasion, Russian Railway Facing "Transport Collapse": The Governor of Belgorod Vyacheslav Gladkov: State of emergency declared on a regional level as Ukraine advances within Russian territory. Read more

August 13, 2024 - Ukraine Advances On Kursk, Belarus Lodges Complaint Against Ukraine, IAEA Warns Of Nuclear Incident In Russia. The IAEA has given a warning of fighting taking place in Russia around the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) which could create a nuclear incident in the region. Read more

August 11, 2024 - Fire Burning Within Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Ukrainian President: "The radiation levels are currently normal, but the situation is not normal". Read more

August 11, 2024 - Belarus: Tanks, Iskander Missile Systems Deployed To Border After Claiming Ukrainian Drones Violated Airspace. Lukashenko: The air defense forces were put on full alert to intercept targets. Read more

August 10, 2024 - Belarus Says It Shot Down Ukrainian Targets Over Its Territory, Air Defense Forces On High Readiness Alert. Lukashenko: "The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces were put on high alert yesterday at 18:10. We call it readiness condition 1". Read more

July 26, 2024 - Russian, Chinese Aircraft Enter Alaskan ADIZ Amid Increased Military Cooperation, US 2024 Arctic Strategy. The Pentagon addressed China's growing military presence in the Arctic, demonstrating its ability to operate in the Arctic by conducting operations with the Russian Navy in the region. Read more

July 19, 2024 - Services Affected Worldwide Traced To Microsoft And A CrowdStrike Update. An update is reported to have affected Windows operating systems globally, with many systems showing a "Blue Screen of Death" or BSOD on systems worldwide. Read more

July 11, 2024 - Russia: US Plans To Deploy Long-Range Missiles In Germany In 2026 May Trigger Uncontrollable Escalation. Moscow says the plans by the United States to deploy long-range missiles in Europe could trigger an "uncontrollable escalation" and a new missile arms race. Read more

July 5, 2024 - Russia Carries Out Planned Nuclear Exercises With Yars Land-Based Mobile Missile Systems. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense: "A similar exercise will soon be carried out in other missile formations". Read more

July 3, 2024 - China, Russia Bolster Influence In Latin America. New satellite photo shows additions to space-monitoring sites in Bejcual and Calabazar, which a report said is "notable" since Cuba does not currently possess its own satellite or space program. Read more

July 3, 2024 - BRICS Looks To Expand, De-Dollarize, De-weaponize Western Sanctions. Dollar Remains Strong. Read more

July 1, 2024 - Pentagon Statement: US Bases In Europe Under Heightened Alert. US Officials Warn Of Possible Terrorist Attacks, ISIS-Affiliated Networks Smuggling Illegals Into US. Read more

June 30, 2024 - US Bases In Europe Put On Heightened Alert. A U.S. official stationed at a base in Europe said they haven't seen the level this high (at its second highest state) in "at least 10 years". Read more

June 26, 2024 - Russia's Nuclear Forces Carry Out "Planned" Yars Land-Based Mobile Missile System Training. Russian Ministry of Defense: "During planned drills of Russian Strategic Missile Forces in Irkutsk region, Yars land-based mobile missile system perform intensive maneuvering". Read more

June 25, 2024 - Russia Revises Nuclear Doctrine, ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Two Russian Military Officials. On June 5th, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the West was wrong to assume that Moscow would never use nuclear weapons. Read more

June 24, 2024 - Russia Summons US Ambassador After It Says US-Made Missiles Launched By Ukraine Killed Civilians After Missile Coordinates Set By US Specialists. Russian Ambassador: "Cluster munitions in ATACMS missiles cannot be launched without the participation of American specialists and support from US intelligence". Read more

June 21, 2024 - South Korea Considers Providing Ukraine With Weapons. Putin Says It Would Be "A Big Mistake". Russia and North Korea has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, with each country pledging mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either country. Read more

June 19, 2024 - Russia, North Korea Agree To Defend One Another In The Event Of Aggression From Another Country. The two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, with each country pledging mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either country. Read more

June 14, 2024 - US Submarine Arrives In Guantanamo Bay, Near US Base In Cuba. The Department of Defense said the Pentagon has been tracking Russia's plans for carrying the exercises in the region and that the visit wasn't a surprise. Read more

June 12, 2024 - Russian Navy Docks In Cuba, Moscow Carries Out Nuclear Exercise With Belarus To Send "A Message To Washington" (Report): Russian state-run media reported that the purpose of the visit to Havana, Cuba, and the nuclear drills was to send a message to Washington. Read more

June 12, 2024 - Russia Begins "Second Stage" Of Non-Strategic Nuclear Forces Exercise. Russian Ministry of Defense: "In accordance with the decision of the President of the Russian Federation, the second stage of the non-strategic nuclear forces exercise has begun". Read more

June 12, 2024 - Poland Warns Of Increased Polish, Allied Aircraft Activity Amid Russian Missile, Drone Strikes In Western Ukraine. Polish Armed Forces: "All necessary procedures to ensure the safety of Polish airspace have been launched, and the RSZ Operational Command is monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis". Read more

June 11, 2024 - US Destroyers Shadow Russian Nuclear-Powered Submarine, 3 Other Vessels During Planned Visit To Cuba, Ahead Of Military Exercises. The Russian vessels are being shadowed by American Navy destroyers as they transit to Cuba. Read more

June 9, 2024 - Tensions Escalate Between North And South Korea, US Worried About Increase In Nuclear Threats, Cooperation Between Adversaries. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the United States is worried about the rising nuclear threat, including the increase in cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. Read more

June 9, 2024 - US Begins Withdrawal From Niger Amid Reports Iran Buying 300 Tons Of Uranium From Niger. French media reported that the uranium Tehran was negotiating to purchase from Niger belonged to the French company Orano. Read more

June 7, 2024 - Netherlands: 2 Chinese Fighter Jets Circled Naval Vessel, Military Aircraft Approached Combat Helicopter During Patrol. One of its NH90 maritime combat helicopters was approached by two Chinese fighter jets, and a Chinese helicopter while the Netherlands carried out a patrol in international airspace. Read more

June 7, 2024 - Pentagon Announces $225 Additional Security Assistance For Ukraine. $51.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine committed since the beginning of the Biden Administration. $75 Billion in aid, including humanitarian, financial, and security assistance, weapons and equipment, grants, and loans. Read more

June 5, 2024 - Iran: Mossad Agent Arrested, Vows Revenge For Killing Of Military Advisor. Israel/Sweden: Iran Using Criminal Networks To Target Locations In Europe. In a rare statement Israel’s national intelligence agency, Mossad said that Iran is using local criminal networks to target Israeli targets, such as embassies located within Europe. Read more

June 3, 2024 - NCSC: Russia Continuing To Employ "Array Of Tools" To Advance Its Own Interests And Undermine US, Allies. Office of the Director of National Intelligence: "Moscow continues to employ an array of tools to advance what it sees as its own interests and undermine those of the United States and its allies". Read more

May 22, 2024 - Pentagon: Russia Launched Likely Counter-Space Weapon In The Same Low-Earth Orbit As US Government Satellite This Month. In 2021 Russia carried out an anti-satellite (ASAT) test on one of its own satellites and created thousands of pieces of dangerous space debris. Read more

May 21, 2024 - Russia Carries Out Tactical Nuclear Drills In Response To "Threats" By "Western Officials" Against Russia. Russia also reported the United States carried out a “subcritical” experiment at a specialized underground laboratory on the nuclear test site in Nevada on May 14th. Read more

May 16, 2024 - Slovakian Prime Minister Shot, Is No Longer In "Life-Threatening" Condition. The country's Deputy Prime Minister says that he is no longer in life-threatening condition after surgery, the operation went well and he should survive. Read more

May 15, 2024 - Slovakian Prime Minister Shot, Is In "Life-Threatening" Condition. "At this moment he is transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica, because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of an acute procedure. The next few hours will decide." Read more

May 14, 2024 - Russia Continues Push On Kharkiv In Northeastern Ukraine. Putin has appointed economist Andrei Belousov as the country's new Defense Minister, in place of Sergei Shoigu. Ukraine says it indicates Russia is building a war economy. Read more

May 11, 2024 - US Announces $400 Million Aid To Ukraine, Along With Possible Emergency Foreign Military Sale As Kyiv Says It Repelled Russian Attempt To Open A New Front. Ukraine said Russia's attempts to break through the defensive lines Russia did not succeed, and added that "not a single meter has been lost". Read more

May 8, 2024 - After a report surfaced China had hacked the British Ministry of Defense, the UK government released a statement saying that a "Malign Actor" gained access to the British Armed Forces payment network. Read more

May 8, 2024 - Russian Soldier Detained After Crossing Into Poland From Belarus. Polish Border Guard: "The question is whether we are dealing here with someone who was carrying out tasks for Russian (secret) services". Read more

May 8, 2024 - UK Border Force Experiencing Nationwide Issue Affecting Its E-Gates. The British Border Force is currently down and has caused long queues at the airports. Read more

May 6, 2024 - Russian Military Increases Readiness Of Nuclear Forces In Response To "Threats" Made Against Russia, Including Testing Ability To Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons. Read more

May 2, 2024 - US State Department List Of Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisories and latest list of recent global travel advisories: Read more

Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant On Verge Of Blackout, Rostov NPP Power Unit Also Turned Off Due To Defect - Energoatom: "Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is again on the verge of blackout".

KYIV - Energoatom, Ukraine's national nuclear energy company claimed on August 23rd that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which is currently occupied by Russia, is on the verge of a blackout due to Russian shelling, though Russia's own state-owned energy group Rosatom claimed it was due to "nuclear terrorism" by Ukraine after one of the cooling towers caught fire earlier this month.

"Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is again on the verge of blackout," the latest statement by Energoatom said.

The statement added, "Currently, the ZNPP is connected to the Ukrainian power grid by only one power transmission line – 750 kV “Dniprovska”. In the event of its damage, an emergency will occur due to the loss of external power to the pumps that cool the reactor cores and spent fuel ponds of the ZNPP."

It also said, "In addition to the recent fire, when one of the two existing cooling towers of the nuclear power plant completely burned down due to negligence or deliberate incendiary fire, the threat of losing the plant’s external power supply has been added now." Russia: Rostov Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Switched Off Due To Detected Defect. Full Statements, Reports, Updates: Read more.

German NATO Air Base Raises Alert Level Due To "Potential Threat", Lowers It Again - NATO: "The security level at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen has returned to Bravo+. The temporary rise to Charlie was a precautionary measure to minimize potential risk to our organization and personnel".

BERLIN - The NATO Air Base located in Geilenkirchen, Germany raised its alert level to Charlie "based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat," the Air Base said Thursday before lowering it again to Bravo.

NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (AWACS) said, "The NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force has raised the security level at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen to Charlie. NATO: Alert Level Raised Due To Intelligence Indicating Potential Threat: Read more.

Data Breach Exposes 2.7 Billion Public Records On Nearly 3 Billion People To Dark Web - The alleged data stolen included: Full names, phone numbers, home addresses, physical address history (up to 3 decades), and social security numbers. Read Full Report.

CYBER - The "USDoD" hacking group claims to have stolen 2.7 billion records on around 2.9 billion people after a data breach on National Public Data (NPD) database containing personal data on virtually all American citizens and released most of it in a dark web marketplace where stolen data is sold off for $3.5 million USD.

Those who used data opt-out services did not show up in the database, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale. Records offered by the hackers in an online forum included data from citizens from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The breach was detailed in a class action complaint that was filed in Florida against the NPD background-checking agency, alleging that the agency was exposed to a data breach around April of 2024.

National Public Data's website says that they obtain "information from various public record databases, court records, state and national databases, and other repositories nationwide".

The information allegedly leaked by NPD had been scraped from sources that were not public and the one who filed the complaint alleged this was done without their permission, or the permission of billions of others whose data was exposed during the breach. Read more

Belarus: Use Of Nuclear Weapons Possible If Enemies Breach Border, US Considers Sending Longer-Range Missiles To Kyiv - Although Belarus has stated repeatedly that it has control of the nuclear weapons placed within its territory, Moscow has stated that Minsk does not.

MINSK/MOSCOW - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday during an interview with a Russian state-run television program that while Belarus refrains from using nuclear weapons, it could use them if its borders are breached by an adversary, adding that it warned its adversaries of this fact when Russia moved nuclear weapons to Belarus in 2023.

Ukraine has also begun receiving American-made F-16 fighter jets from Europe, and a new report says that the Biden Administration is working out the details on sending Ukraine longer-range cruise missiles that could be capable of hitting Moscow from Ukrainian territory. Russia has stated that providing longer-range missiles to Ukraine would be crossing a red line. Read Full Report.

Belgorod Governor Declares Regional State Of Emergency After Ukraine Invasion, Russian Railway Facing "Transport Collapse" - The Governor of Belgorod Vyacheslav Gladkov: State of emergency declared on a regional level as Ukraine advances within Russian territory.

MOSCOW - Due to the current invasion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on regions located within Russia, namely the Kursk region, the Moscow Times reports that Russian railways have faced a "transport collapse" in regions bordering Ukraine.

The paper cites the Community of Railway Workers of Belarus (SZB) as saying that Russian railways have stopped accepting trains from Belarus "in the direction of Kursk and Smolensk regions".

Noteworthy: President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko recently claimed Ukrainian drones passed into Belarusian airspace, after which the country's Ministry of Defense said it was deploying tanks along its border with Ukraine via rail to the Gomel and Mozyr regions along the Ukrainian border.

The reason for the decision made by Russian Railways was due to the overcrowding of stations, the paper went on to say, adding that abandoned trains and lack of locomotives and drivers to remove them were also factors. Railway Collapse, Belgorod Declares State Of Emergency: Read more.

Ukraine Advances On Kursk, Belarus Lodges Complaint Against Ukraine, IAEA Warns Of Nuclear Incident In Russia - The IAEA has given a warning of fighting taking place in Russia around the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) which could create a nuclear incident in the region.

RUSSIA - Ukraine continues to advance on Kursk, Russia as Moscow pulls a "relatively small" amount of troops from Ukraine to defend against the incursion within its territory. The IAEA is warning of a possible nuclear incident as a result of fighting around the Kursk nuclear power plant.

The IAEA has also released multiple assessments regarding the fire that was reported to be at the base of the base of one of the cooling towers at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

According to the IAEA: “Based on the observations, the team assessed that it was unlikely that the primary source of the fire began at the base of the cooling tower, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. During the team’s visit to the cooling tower, it determined that the damage was most likely concentrated on the interior of the tower at the water nozzle distribution level”.

Zelensky: Our Forces Continue To Advance On Kursk. IAEA Issues Nuclear Warnings, Gives Assessments On ZNPP Incident: Read more.

Fire Burning Within Territory Of The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant - Ukrainian President: "The radiation levels are currently normal, but the situation is not normal".

UKRAINE - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posted a video showing smoke billowing out of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant location and claiming that Russian troops have started a fire within the territory of the plant. Russia, however, claims that Ukrainian shelling started the fire.

Zelensky went on to say that the radiation levels are currently normal, but the situation is not normal and that Ukraine is “waiting for the world to react, waiting for the IAEA to react”.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): "IAEA experts witnessed strong dark smoke coming from ZNPP’s northern area following multiple explosions heard in the evening.

Team was told by ZNPP of an alleged drone attack today on one of the cooling towers located at the site. No impact has been reported for nuclear safety." Full Report.

Belarus: Tanks, Iskander Missile Systems Deployed To Border After Claiming Ukrainian Drones Violated Airspace - Lukashenko: The air defense forces were put on full alert to intercept targets. , helicopter. And also the MLRS weapons were put on high alert.

BELARUS/UKRAINE - The Belarusian Ministry of Defense says that Belarus is deploying tanks along the country's border with Ukraine after its leader Alexander Lukashenko said that several Ukrainian drones were shot down over the country's airspace, putting its air defense forces on high alert.

The Ministry added that parts of its mechanized forces have been put on alert and that tanks and other vehicles will be sent via rail to the Gomel and Mozyr regions along the Ukrainian border after "about a dozen" targets were intercepted and shot down over Belarusian and Russian airspace. Lukashenko Declares High Readiness, Transports Tanks And Iskander Missile Systems To Border With Ukraine: Read Full Report.

Belarus Says It Shot Down Ukrainian Targets Over Its Territory, Air Defense Forces On High Readiness Alert - Lukashenko: "The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces were put on high alert yesterday [9 August] at 18:10. We call it readiness condition 1".

EUROPE - Belarus on high alert, says it destroyed several targets from Ukraine over Belarusian territory and has put its air defenses on high alert, according to the country's President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko said, "The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces were put on high alert yesterday [9 August] at 18:10. We call it readiness condition 1". Special Operations Forces, Ground Forces, Rocket Units And Islander Missile Systems Being Moved: Read more.

Russian, Chinese Aircraft Enter Alaskan ADIZ Amid Increased Military Cooperation, US 2024 Arctic Strategy - The Pentagon addressed China's growing military presence in the Arctic, demonstrating its ability to operate in the Arctic by conducting operations with the Russian Navy in the region.

PENTAGON - While speaking to reporters on Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the appearance of Russian and Chinese aircraft within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) was "not a surprise" and that the nuclear-capable bombers at no time posed a threat to the United States.

"We have very good surveillance capabilities," Austin said. "We closely monitored these aircraft, tracked the aircraft, intercepted the aircraft, which demonstrates that our forces are at the ready all the time."

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported, "During the flight, Russian and Chinese crews cooperated in the new area of joint operations during all stages of the air patrol".

A spokesperson for the Chinese military said that the exercises are meant to improve coordination between the Russian and Chinese militaries, and was the 8th joint air patrol since 2019, although Washington said it was the first time the joint patrols had reached the Alaskan ADIZ.

While speaking to reporters, Austin said "This is the first time we've seen those two countries fly together like that".

The State Department and the Pentagon also addressed the new 2024 Arctic Strategy released by the Department of Defense. The Pentagon also addressed China's growing military presence in the Arctic, demonstrating its ability to operate in the Arctic by conducting operations with the Russian Navy in the region. Increased Military Cooperation Between Russia and China, The New 2024 Arctic Strategy: Read Exhaustive Report.

Services Affected Worldwide Traced To Microsoft And A CrowdStrike Update - An update is reported to have affected Windows operating systems globally, with many systems showing a "Blue Screen of Death" or BSOD on systems worldwide.

WORLDWIDE - The Microsoft service status page says all services are up and running after CrowdStrike issued an update reported to have affected Windows operating systems globally, with many systems showing a "Blue Screen of Death" or BSOD on systems worldwide.

Microsoft says that the systems have been restored and CrowdStrike says they are rolling their update back globally.

Microsoft also said it is "investigating an issue" after companies worldwide began reporting issues with its services.

Thus far, the attack does not look to be the result of a cyberattack, but rather a consequence of an update that had been rolled out on systems worldwide. What Is CrowdStrike? Effects Of The Outage Worldwide, More Information: Read more.

Russia: US Plans To Deploy Long-Range Missiles In Germany In 2026 May Trigger Uncontrollable Escalation - Moscow says the plans by the United States to deploy long-range missiles in Europe could trigger an "uncontrollable escalation" and a new missile arms race.

MOSCOW - After the White House released a joint statement with Germany ahead of the NATO Summit revealing plans for the US to deploy long-range missiles to Germany in 2026, Russia said the action could trigger an "uncontrollable escalation" and a new missile arms race.

The White House released a joint statement on July 10th, 2024 just before the NATO Summit that said the following:

"The United States will begin episodic deployments of the long-range fires capabilities of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these capabilities in the future.

When fully developed, these conventional long-range fires units will include SM-6, Tomahawk, and developmental hypersonic weapons, which have significantly longer range than current land-based fires in Europe.

Exercising these advanced capabilities will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to NATO and its contributions to European integrated deterrence." Russia: Deployment Directly Threatens International Security, Americans Increasing Risk Of Missile Arms Race: Read more.

Russia Carries Out Planned Nuclear Exercises With Yars Land-Based Mobile Missile Systems - According to the Russian Ministry of Defense: "A similar exercise will soon be carried out in other missile formations".

MOSCOW - Russian strategic missile forces carried out planned nuclear exercises with Yars land-based mobile missile systems. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense: "A similar exercise will soon be carried out in other missile formations". Full Video, Statements, Information On Exercise: Read Report.

Pentagon Announces Over $2.3 Billion In Security Assistance To Ukraine: $2.2 Billion From USAI Funds - This funding will be used to purchase interceptors for PATRIOT and NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine.

WASHINGTON - The United States has announced over $2.3 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, $2.2 billion of which will be taken from Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.

According to the Department of Defense, “This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package valued at up to $150 million to provide Ukraine with key capabilities, including: additional air defense interceptors; artillery and other fires, and anti-tank weapons”.

In addition to the $150 million, the statement said, “DoD is announcing a significant package of air defense interceptors using approximately $2.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.

This funding will be used to purchase interceptors for PATRIOT and NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine. As previously announced, the Biden Administration plans to accelerate delivery of these munitions by re-sequencing upcoming Foreign Military Sales deliveries for Ukraine.

As a result, Ukraine will be provided with the interceptors it urgently needs to protect its people and critical infrastructure against Russia's aerial attacks.”

It added, “The PDA package is the Biden Administration's sixtieth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021”. Statement Snapshots, Documentation, Other Information: Read Full Report | Ukraine Aid Timeline.

China, Russia Bolster Influence In Latin America - New satellite photo shows additions to space-monitoring sites in Bejcual and Calabazar, which the report said is "notable" since Cuba does not currently possess its own satellite or space program.

LATAM - New satellite imagery posted by Maxar Technologies indicates that China has been bolstering its "space monitoring" and intelligence-gathering capabilities at multiple bases in Latin America as Moscow and Beijing continue to gain military and economic influence in South America.

As China bolsters its ability to gather intelligence in Latin America, two Russian navy vessels docked in Venezuela on Tuesday to maintain its naval presence in the region after three Russian ships and a nuclear submarine visited Cuba earlier in early June.

China Bolstering Cuban Bases, Russian Navy Docks In Venezuela

Satellite images captured in March and April of this year were released in a report on Tuesday by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that indicated that China has undergone new construction at three sites located near the American naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Sites that show additions or new construction include: Bejcual, Calabazar, Wajay, and El Salao.

The new construction shows additions to its space-monitoring sites in Bejcual and Calabazar, which the report said is "notable" since Cuba does not currently possess its own satellite or space program.

“Without access to classified materials, pinpointing the specific targets of these assets is nearly impossible,” the report said, adding, "Nonetheless, the growth of space-monitoring equipment at sites like Bejucal and Calabazar is notable given that Cuba lacks its own satellites or space program".

The largest of the four sites where new activity was discovered was Bejucal, the same base used by the Soviet Union to store nuclear weapons during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

Where it was once a base used to store nuclear weapons, it is now being used as an intelligence monitoring station, which is suspected of being used to monitor electronic communications for the Chinese government.

The Bejucal site has undergone a large amount of recent construction, including a new enclosure for its electronic antenna. The new construction at the Wajay and Calabazar sites also indicates the installation of a new antenna, radar dishes, and other satellite monitoring equipment.

The El Salao site, which is located near the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay close to the city of Santiago de Cuba looks to be currently under construction and poses a particular concern for the United States.

The CSIS report revealed that China appears to be building a 425 to 655-foot diameter antenna array, and added that other arrays with a similar diameter have been capable of tracking electronic signals up to 9,300 miles away. Antenna Array Of This Diameter Could Cover Entire North American Continent: Read Full Report.

BRICS Looks To Expand, De-Dollarize, De-weaponize Western Sanctions. Dollar Remains Strong - On January 1st, 2024 the organization, which previously only included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, added four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

WORLD - More countries are voicing their intention to join BRICS, a geopolitical bloc that Beijing has pushed to become a full-scale rival to the Western G7 bloc. BRICS is an intergovernmental organization that brings together the world's top developing countries.

On January 1st, 2024 the organization, which previously only included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, added four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Although Saudi Arabia was invited to join during the 15th BRICS summit, its approval has not yet been finalized.

BRICS To Become Larger, Seeks To Decouple From The US Dollar, De-Weaponize Sanctions

Russia and China have both called for the "reform of the global governance system", with Chinese President Xi Jinping voicing China's desire to lead the new system which reflects Beijing's values and goals.

The bloc has left the door open for future enlargement and has now seen dozens of new applications to join, with the latest being Malaysia and Thailand.

South African Ministry of Finance Enoch Godongwana said, "There is a second batch of countries that are going to be added [to] BRICS," indicating that it has left the door open for further expansion.

Beijing began pushing for the BRICS organization to establish itself more on the global stage in order to de-weaponize Western sanctions.

As the organization grows less dependent upon the U.S. dollar, the negative impact sanctions have on countries that are a part of it will decrease, making sanctions a less effective tool to urge compliance toward policy or diplomatic goals. Despite De-Dollarization Goal, US Dollar Continues To Dominate Foreign Reserve Holdings: Read more.

Pentagon Statement: US Bases In Europe Under Heightened Alert. US Officials Warn Of Possible Terrorist Attacks, ISIS-Affiliated Networks Smuggling Illegals Into US - The DHS reported that an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network aided over 400 illegal immigrants crossing the border to get into the United States illegally.

EUROPE - Many U.S. military bases located within Europe have been put on a heightened alert status ahead of possible terrorist attacks against facilities or personnel, according to U.S. defense officials who say the increase is due to several factors, and not related to a single threat alone.

U.S. counterterrorism officials have said that the Islamic State terrorist organization (IS, also known as ISIS, or ISIS-K) has been once again establishing itself in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, and has set its sights on Europe.

U.S. counterterrorism officials have also said that ISIS-K has been increasing their influence in “transnational” criminal networks and human smuggling rings in Europe and across the globe, which includes smuggling activities involving the U.S. borders.

The Department of Homeland Security said that an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network aided over 400 illegal immigrants crossing the border to get into the United States illegally over the last three years.

There has been increased concern by U.S. officials that the increased flow of illegal immigrants crossing over into the United States has caught the attention of the Islamic State terrorist group.

ISIS-K Gaining Foothold In Afghanistan As Foreign Counterterrorist Efforts No Longer Keeping Group At Bay, ISIS Affiliated Smuggling Network Aiding Illegals Over US Border, Raised Alerts At U.S. Bases In Europe: Read Alert | Read Full Report.

US Bases In Europe Put On Heightened Alert - A U.S. official stationed at a base in Europe said they haven't seen the level this high (at its second highest state) in "at least 10 years".

EUROPE - U.S. military bases in Europe have been put on a heightened alert status, with one U.S. official stationed at a base in Europe saying they haven't seen the level this high (at its second highest state) in "at least 10 years," and went on to say this usually means the U.S. military has received an “active-reliable threat".

Bases known to be on heightened alert: EUCOM Base In Stuttgart, Germany: Condition Charlie; Aviano Air Base in Italy: Condition Charlie; Other installations in Italy: Enhanced security measures; Rheinland-Pfalz garrison, including Baumholder and other installations in Romania and Bulgaria; Ramstein Air Base in Germany; Spangdahlem Air Base in West Germany: Prohibited from wearing uniforms off base, commuting in civilian clothing only. More Information On The Raised Alerts: Read Full Report On This.

Russia's Nuclear Forces Carry Out "Planned" Yars Land-Based Mobile Missile System Training - Russian Ministry of Defense: "During planned drills of Russian Strategic Missile Forces in Irkutsk region, Yars land-based mobile missile system perform intensive maneuvering".

MOSCOW - The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that its nuclear forces carried out "planned" Yars land-based mobile missile system training as its strategic missile forces in Irkutsk, Russia performed "intensive maneuvering". Statement By Russia On The Training Of Its Nuclear Forces On The Yars Land-Based Mobile Missile System In Irkutsk: Read more.

Russia Revises Nuclear Doctrine, ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Two Russian Military Officials - On June 5th, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the West was wrong to assume that Moscow would never use nuclear weapons. Read Report.

EUROPE - The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for former Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, and Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov for crimes alleged to have occurred during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The ICC statement said that the judge found that there were, "Reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023".

Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin is revising the country's nuclear doctrine in order to "bring the doctrine into line with current realities," according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday.

On June 25th, the ICC issued a statement on the arrests that said, "On 24 June 2024, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”), composed of Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Presiding, Judge Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godínez and Judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu and Mr Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov, in the context of the situation in Ukraine for alleged international crimes committed from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023."

The statement went on to say Sergei Shoigu, and Valery Gerasimov are, "Allegedly responsible for the war crime of directing attacks at civilian objects (article 8(2)(b)(ii) of the Rome Statute) and the war crime of causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects (article 8(2)(b)(iv) of the Rome Statute), and the crime against humanity of inhumane acts under article 7(1)(k) of the Rome Statute.

There are reasonable grounds to believe they bear individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes for (i) having committed the acts jointly and/or through others (article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute), (ii) ordering the commission of the crimes (article 25(3)(b) of the Rome Statute), and/or (iii) for their failure to exercise proper control over the forces under their command (article 28 of the Rome Statute)."

It added that, "The two warrants of arrest were issued following applications filed by the Prosecution. Pre-Trial Chamber II considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023.

During this time-frame, a large number of strikes against numerous electric power plants and sub-stations were carried out by the Russian armed forces in multiple locations in Ukraine."

.. "There are reasonable grounds to believe that the alleged strikes were directed against civilian objects, and for those installations that may have qualified as military objectives at the relevant time, the expected incidental civilian harm and damage would have been clearly excessive to the anticipated military advantage."

The ICC added it, "Also determined that the alleged campaign of strikes constitutes a course of conduct involving the multiple commission of acts against a civilian population, carried out pursuant to a State policy, within the meaning of article 7 of the Statute.

Therefore, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the suspects intentionally caused great suffering or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health, thus bearing criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of other inhumane acts, as defined in article 7(1)(k) of the Rome Statute".

"Considering that the key factual allegations are duly supported by evidence and other relevant material submitted at this stage of the proceedings by the Prosecution, the Chamber considered that the statutory requirements are met to issue the sought warrants of arrest."

Russia's 2020 Nuclear Doctrine, Putin Said West Is Wrong To Assume Moscow Wouldn't Use Nuclear Weapons Just Before Visit To Havana, Cuba: Read Full Report.

Russia Summons US Ambassador After It Says US-Made Missiles Launched By Ukraine Killed Civilians After Missile Coordinates Set By US Specialists - Russian Ambassador: "Cluster munitions in ATACMS missiles cannot be launched without the participation of American specialists and support from US intelligence". Read Full Report.

UKRAINE - Russia has summoned the U.S. Ambassador to Moscow after it says Ukraine launched American-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles that it says killed at least four people, including two children, and injured 151 others.

According to Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, the missile attack hit Uchkuyevka where beaches and hotels are located.

Sevastopol was Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia in 2014 and contains an occupied naval base that is regularly under attack by the Ukrainian military.

In a separate attack, one person was killed and three injured in Belgorod, Russia which borders Ukraine after three Ukrainian drones attacked the city of Grayvoron.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that it intercepted and shot down four of the ATACMS missiles and that they were equipped with cluster warheads, reporting that a 5th missile detonated in the air above the city of Sevastopol in Crimea. It added that it "will not go unanswered". Read Full Report.

South Korea Considers Providing Ukraine With Weapons. Putin Says It Would Be "A Big Mistake" - Russia and North Korea has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, with each country pledging mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either country. Read more.

SEOUL/MOSCOW - After Seoul said that the new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to South Korea's security and said it would reconsider its policy of limiting support to Ukraine to only non-lethal aid, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by saying that South Korea would be making "a big mistake" if it arms Ukraine.

The new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea pledging assistance in the event of an attack on either country requires each country not to take actions that harm the other's core interests.

The treaty states, "If one of the two sides is placed under war situations due to an armed invasion from an individual country or several nations, the other side provides military and other assistance without delay by mobilizing all means in its possession in line with the Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and the laws of the DPRK and the Russian Federation".

So far, although South Korea has sent humanitarian aid and equipment to Ukraine, it has not yet agreed to send lethal weapons to the country.

The new military cooperation brewing between Russia and North Korea has given South Korea cause to rethink its position on sending lethal aid. Furthermore, North Korea itself has also pledged its own "full support" for Russia's war on Ukraine.

Putin Responds To South Korea, Says If US, Allies Keep Arming Ukraine Moscow May Arm North Korea. US, Allies Weigh Out New Agreement Between Russia, North Korea: If Seoul decides to give arms to Ukraine during its war with Russia, Putin said to reporters on Thursday, Moscow "will... [make] decisions which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea".

The Russian President also said that if the United States and its allies keep giving Ukraine weaponry, Moscow may also arm North Korea. Read more.

Russia, North Korea Agree To Defend One Another In The Event Of Aggression From Another Country - The two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, with each country pledging mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either country.

PYONGYANG/MOSCOW - After summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Wednesday during a press conference, Putin announced that both Moscow and Pyongyang have agreed to assist one another if either country comes under attack.

The comments by Putin also came after the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, with each country pledging mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either country. He added that Russia doesn't rule out military-technical cooperation between the two countries.

"Relations between our two nations rose to a new high of [the] alliance," Kim Jong Un said, adding, "It is greatly satisfying to conclude a great treaty that befits a changed international situation and the strategic nature of new DPRK-Russia relations."

The leaders of the two countries met in North Korea 9 months after a previous meeting was held in Russia. Putin’s Visit To North Korea: Read more.

US Submarine Arrives In Guantanamo Bay, Near US Base In Cuba - The Department of Defense said the Pentagon has been tracking Russia's plans for carrying the exercises in the region and that the visit wasn't a surprise.

CUBA - A U.S. Navy nuclear-powered fast attack submarine has arrived in Guantanamo Bay, near the American base in Cuba as part of what U.S. Southern Command says is a "routine visit", but coincides with a visit by four Russian naval vessels, including one of its nuclear-powered submarines, which Moscow says is intended to send a message to Washington, along with its recent joint nuclear exercises with Belarus.

U.S. Southern Command released a statement that said, "The fast-attack submarine USS Helena is in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as part of a routine port visit as it transits the U.S. Southern Command geographic area of responsibility while conducting its global maritime security and national defense mission. The vessel's location and transit were previously planned."

Although the United States stated that the Russian visit to Cuba did not pose a threat to the U.S. and that none of the vessels appeared to be carrying nuclear weapons, the ships were shadowed and tracked by the U.S. forces during their voyage to the port in Havana, Cuba. Pentagon Addresses Russian Arrival In Havana, Cuba: Read More.

Russian Navy Docks In Cuba, Moscow Carries Out Nuclear Exercise With Belarus To Send "A Message To Washington" (Report) - Russian state-run media reported that the purpose of the visit to Havana, Cuba, and the nuclear drills was to send a message to Washington.

RUSSIA/CUBA - Russian vessels have docked in Havana, Cuba for a planned visit, while Russian nuclear forces carry out joint exercises with Belarus to send “a message to Washington”.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said the purpose of the joint nuclear drills with Belarus was to maintain the readiness of the armed forces of Belarus and Russia, as well as to ensure its territorial integrity.

The Ministry of Defense stated, “During the exercise, issues of joint training of units of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons will be worked out”.

Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti reported that the purpose of the visit to Havana, Cuba, and the nuclear drills was to send a message to Washington. It said, “The fact is that tactical nuclear weapons, unlike strategic ones, have not been the subject of international agreements in which Russia participates, so the number of such ammunition in arsenals is not known for certain”.

It also claimed that the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which can carry both a conventional or a nuclear warhead are invulnerable to air defense systems and have been used “more than once” to strike Ukrainian military targets. Read more.

Russia Begins "Second Stage" Of Non-Strategic Nuclear Forces Exercise -Russian Ministry of Defense: "In accordance with the decision of the President of the Russian Federation, the second stage of the non-strategic nuclear forces exercise has begun".

"In the course of the second phase of the non-strategic nuclear forces drills, personnel of the Leningrad MD's missile formation train to receive special training warheads for the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, equip launchers with it, and covertly advance to the designated position area for preparation for missile launches.

The Russian Navy ship crews involved in the exercise will equip sea-based cruise missiles with special training warheads and move to designated patrol areas."

Poland Warns Of Increased Polish, Allied Aircraft Activity Amid Russian Missile, Drone Strikes In Western Ukraine - Polish Armed Forces: "All necessary procedures to ensure the safety of Polish airspace have been launched, and the RSZ Operational Command is monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis". Read more.

Polish Operational Command: "Please note that in the south-eastern part of the country there may be increased noise levels associated with the commencement of Polish and allied aircraft operating in our airspace.

Tonight we are observing the activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, carrying out strikes using cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles of the SHAHED type against objects located, among others, in the western territory of Ukraine.

The last such intensified activity of Russian aviation, during which there were strikes in western Ukraine, was recorded on the night of June 6-7 this year.

All necessary procedures to ensure the safety of Polish airspace have been launched, and the RSZ Operational Command is monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis."

US Destroyers Shadow Russian Nuclear-Powered Submarine, 3 Other Vessels During Planned Visit To Cuba, Ahead Of Military Exercises - The Russian vessels are being shadowed by American Navy destroyers as they transit to Cuba.

HAVANA - Four Russian vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine, a fleet sea tanker, a salvage tug, and a frigate will be docking in Havana, Cuba for a planned visit from June 12th, to June 17th, 2024.

The Cuban government reports none of the vessels will be carrying nuclear weapons, and says that the visit does not pose a regional threat, Cuba is located about 90 miles from its closest point to the United States.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that there is no indication that nuclear weapons will be involved in the military exercises, or deployed on any of the participating vessels.

Of the Russian vessels the Cuban government says will be visiting Havana are: The Admiral Gorshkov Frigate; Kazan Nuclear-powered Submarine; Pashin Fleet Sea Tanker; Nikolai Chiker Salvage Tug.

Although none of the Russian vessels is expected to be armed with nuclear missiles, Admiral Gorshkov is armed with Russia's new Zircon hypersonic missiles which can be used to target both ground targets and vessels. Russian Vessels Carry Out Drills In Atlantic On The Way To Havana, Cuba: Read More.

Tensions Escalate Between North And South Korea, US Worried About Increase In Nuclear Threats, Cooperation Between Adversaries - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the United States is worried about the rising nuclear threat, including the increase in cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.

SEOUL - The South Korean Presidential Office said that the country is set to begin broadcasting propaganda over the country’s border with North Korea in response to the recent launches of trash and feces-filled balloons into South Korea, adding that it may be difficult for North Korea to endure, but will deliver “messages of light and hope to the North Korean military and citizens”.

"We make it clear that the responsibility for any escalation of tension between the two Koreas will lie entirely with North Korea," the Presidential Office added.

During an emergency meeting by the South Korean National Security Council (NSC), the members stated that attempts by Pyongyang to raise public concerns and instigate confusion are “unacceptable”. The council agreed to take “corresponding measures” against the recent escalatory actions by North Korea

“The government will maintain a firm and thorough state of readiness against any provocations from North Korea to ensure public safety and national security," it stated.

330 More Trash-Filled Balloons Spotted By South Korea On Saturday

Since Saturday, 330 more trash-filled balloons were detected by the South Korean military with over 80 of the balloons landing within South Korea, according to South Korean media.

Last month, and last week North Korea immediately began sending over 1,000 trash and feces-filled balloons into South Korea.

North Korea began sending the balloons over its border with South Korea after it announced “tit-for-tat action” in response to anti-Pyongyang propaganda pamphlets that have been sent to North Korea by South Korean activists, which South Korean media says are mainly from North Korean defectors and “conservative activists” to help encourage North Koreans to rise against the North Korean leadership.

First Time Since 2017 South Korea Broadcasts Propaganda Over Its Border To The North

This will be the first time since 2017 that South Korea blared propaganda over its border with the North. The last time the South resumed its propaganda campaign over its border was after Pyongyang carried out its 6th nuclear test on September 3rd, 2017, which North Korea said was a hydrogen bomb.

There was an incident in 2014 that occurred after North Korean forces fired anti-aircraft rounds at propaganda balloons carrying leaflets criticizing Pyongyang. The balloons were launched from Paju.

After North Korea fired at the balloons, which were sent by South Korean activists, and included North Korean defectors, South Korea returned fire after warning the North of its intentions.

“Our military first broadcast a warning and then fired 40 machine-gun rounds toward a North Korean guard post,” a spokesman stated at the time, adding, “We remain vigilant, carefully watching the situation.” North Korean Leader’s Sister Warns Of “New Responses” Against South Korea, US Worried About Rising Nuclear Threats And Cooperation Between Russia, China, North Korea, Iran: Read more | See All Reports.

US Begins Withdrawal From Niger Amid Reports Iran Buying 300 Tons Of Uranium From Niger - French media reported that the uranium Tehran was negotiating to purchase from Niger belonged to the French company Orano.

NIGER - U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from Niger, Africa after being ordered out of the country by its Junta leadership amid reports that Iran and Niger have secretly agreed on a $56 million deal to sell Tehran 300 tons of refined yellowcake uranium to be used for its nuclear weapons program in exchange for surface-to-air missiles and drones, allegations that although have been widely reported, have been denied by Niger's Junta government.

Regarding the troop withdrawal from Niger, U.S. Africa Command released a statement that said, "The U.S. Department of Defense and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Niger announce that the withdrawal of U.S. forces and assets from Niger has progressed from initial preparations to redeployment.

This significant transition began with the departure of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Air Base 101 in Niamey on June 7, 2024."

Russian forces have been moving into the country as U.S. forces move out, with Russian troops even moving into Air Base 101 housing U.S. forces at the same time, though Russian and American troops were not mingling with U.S. forces, but stationed in separate wings of the base.

In March a Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing Posture of the United States Central Command and United States Africa Command statement said, “Violent extremist organizations have expanded across the region and are now threatening to push down into the lateral states IN the Gulf of Guinea. Partner nations are working hard to address these challenges, and AFRICOM is working in collaboration with many security forces in the region to enhance their capabilities to respond effectively.

At the same time, military coups in places like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have required the cessation of U.S. training and advising in those countries.”

It also said, “AFRICOM remains an important theater in the United States strategic competition with China and Russia. Many African countries have longstanding military ties with Russia and even deeper economic ties with China.

As the United States manages relationships across the continent, we must be mindful of these preexisting ties and avoid taking a with us or against us approach, or we will risk alienating the very nations we seek to engage with.

I would welcome your thoughts on how best to calibrate the U.S. approach to the region in light of these factors. Over the past year, the security situation in West Africa has continued to decline.” Talks Between Niger's Junta And Tehran Regarding The Delivery Of Yellowcake Uranium, Troop Withdrawal: Read On Defcon Alerts | Read Full Report On SJ.

Netherlands: 2 Chinese Fighter Jets Circled Naval Vessel, Military Aircraft Approached Combat Helicopter During Patrol - One of its NH90 maritime combat helicopters was approached by two Chinese fighter jets, and a Chinese helicopter while the Netherlands carried out a patrol in international airspace.

NETHERLANDS - The Netherlands Ministry of Defense has reported two Chinese fighter jets circled one of its naval vessels: HNLMS Tromp several times, and that one of its NH90 maritime combat helicopters was approached by two Chinese fighter jets, and a Chinese helicopter while the Netherlands carried out a patrol in international airspace.

The statement said that the "HNLMS Tromp continues its journey as part of 'Pacific Archer '24' as planned and is now on its way to Japan".

The Netherlands is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). If any NATO country is attacked it could trigger Article 5 which states that an attack on one NATO member is seen as an attack on all members of the alliance.

NATO’s Article 5:

"The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security."

Pentagon Announces $225 Additional Security Assistance For Ukraine - Pentagon Announces $225 Additional Security Assistance For Ukraine. $51.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine committed since the beginning of the Biden Administration. $75 Billion in aid, including humanitarian, financial, and security assistance, weapons and equipment, grants, and loans.

PENTAGON - The U.S. Department of Defense (Dod) announced $225 million in additional security assistance to Ukraine today in the Biden Administration's 59th tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August of 2021.

The additional security assistance for Ukraine includes: Air Defense interceptors; Artillery/Mortar systems; Additional munition rounds; Air defense system missiles; Tube-launched TOW missiles; Armored Personnel Carriers; Coastal and riverine patrol boats; Heavy equipment trailer transports; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor system; Demolition munitions; Night vision equipment; Spare parts and maintenance equipment.

According to the Pentagon, the United States has committed over $51.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, and over $51.2 billion since the beginning of Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2024. Additional Information, Statements, Fact Sheets: Read Full Report | Ukraine Aid Timeline.

Iran: Mossad Agent Arrested, Vows Revenge For Killing Of Military Advisor. Israel/Sweden: Iran Using Criminal Networks To Target Locations In Europe - In a rare statement Israel’s national intelligence agency, Mossad said that Iran is using local criminal networks to target Israeli targets, such as embassies located within Europe. Read Full Report | See Read All Reports.

TEHRAN - Iran says it arrested a Mossad agent from southern Iran who traveled to several provinces attempting to hide while collecting information on the country. Iranian state-run media reported the agent was in contact with "high-ranking Mossad officers" via social media and was operating under the guise of carrying out an editorial activity.

State-run media said the agent was wanted by the country's Intelligence Ministry and was arrested by the Prosecutor's Office of Ardabil Province. "The arrested spy is from southern Iran, whose user accounts and related information were removed by Mossad immediately after the arrest took place," IRNA stated.

Iran: Israel Will Be Punished For Killing Of IRGC Military Advisor On Sunday. Mossad: Iran Using Criminal Networks To Target Israeli Embassies In Europe

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami said "Israel will be punished for shedding holy blood" after Iran alleged that Israel "martyred" IRGC military advisor Saeed Abiar during an attack on Aleppo on Sunday.

On May 30th in a rare statement Israel’s national intelligence agency, Mossad said that Iran is using local criminal networks to target Israeli targets, such as embassies located within Europe.

The Mossad statement was later confirmed in a statement by the Swedish Säpo security service which says there is a significant risk that Iran may once again target Sweden according to a statement by Daniel Stenling, head of Säpo counterintelligence. Two crime rings mentioned are the Foxtrot and Rumba crime rings.

Sweden Raised Terrorist Threat Level To High Last Year, Decided To Keep It High This Year

In 2023, the Swedish Security Service raised its terrorist threat level to High. In January of this year, it announced that the threat level would remain High due to an “increased terrorist threat from violent Islamism”.

Charlotte von Essen, Head of the Swedish Security Service said, “The picture that has been painted of Sweden as an Islamophobic country has strongly contributed to the increased terrorist threat from violent Islamism. Sweden continues to be considered a prioritized target. The threat is posed by both lone actors and groups that can be directed by actors abroad.”

The Mossad, along with European intelligence agencies opened up an investigation into the activities after an explosive device was found at the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden in January, which Israeli media says was a hand grenade that was then destroyed by the Swedish bomb squad. Mossad Findings After Suspects Interrogated, Sweden Raises Terror Threat Level To High: Read Full Report | See Read All Reports.

NCSC: Russia Continuing To Employ "Array Of Tools" To Advance Its Own Interests And Undermine US, Allies - Office of the Director of National Intelligence: "Moscow continues to employ an array of tools to advance what it sees as its own interests and undermine those of the United States and its allies.

Office of the Director of National Intelligence: "Moscow continues to employ an array of tools to advance what it sees as its own interests and undermine those of the United States and its allies.

For U.S. companies in the crosshairs, see the joint bulletin from FBI & NCSC for mitigation".

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s 2023 Annual Threat Assessment states that “…Russia will remain a top cyber threat as it refines and employs its espionage, influence, and attack capabilities” and that, “…Russia is particularly focused on improving its ability to target critical infrastructure, including underwater cables and industrial control systems, in the United States as well as in allied and partner countries, because compromising such infrastructure improves and demonstrates its ability to damage infrastructure during a crisis.”

Recent Russian state-sponsored activity has included destructive malware and ransomware operations. Prioritizing patching of known exploited vulnerabilities is key to strengthening operational resilience against this threat.

Organizations should also take the following three steps to strengthen operational resilience against Russian state-sponsored cyber activity: Implement and enforce the use of multifactor authentication (MFA), Secure and monitor instances of remote desktop protocol (RDP) and other potentially risky services, and Provide end-user cybersecurity awareness and training. Russian Cyber Threat Overview: Read More.

Pentagon: Russia Launched Likely Counter-Space Weapon In The Same Low-Earth Orbit As US Government Satellite This Month - In 2021 Russia carried out an anti-satellite (ASAT) test on one of its own satellites and created thousands of pieces of dangerous space debris. Read Alert | Read Full Report On SJ.

PENTAGON - Russia has launched a low-orbit satellite that the Department of Defense assesses is likely a counter-space weapon which it says it presumes has the purpose of attacking other satellites in low orbit around the earth.

Furthermore, the orbit of the device launched by Russia has been placed within the same orbit as a U.S. Government satellite, according to the Pentagon, which says it's currently monitoring the device.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a briefing, "we have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the domain - the space domain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the Joint and Combined Force.

And we'll continue to balance the need to protect our interests in space with our desire to preserve a stable and sustainable space environment."

Ryder said during the briefing, "What I'm tracking here is on May 16th, as you highlight, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that we - that we assess is likely a counter-space weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.

Russia deployed this new counter-space weapon into the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite. And so assessments further indicate characteristics resembling previously deployed counter-space payloads from 2019 and 2022. And so, you know, obviously that's something that we'll continue to monitor.

Certainly, we would say that we have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the domain - the space domain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the Joint and Combined Force. And we'll continue to balance the need to protect our interests in space with our desire to preserve a stable and sustainable space environment."

When Ryder was asked whether it posed a threat to the U.S. Government satellite right now, he replied and said, "Well, it's a counter-space weapon in the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite, so.."

When asked if the Pentagon knew there was a launch by Russia into space he said, "Typically when there - when there are launches into space, there are requirements in terms of notifications - international notifications, notifications to airmen, things like that.

So the question is did we have advanced notice of that launch? As it relates to payloads and - and what we know about and what we don't know about, i.e. intelligence, that - that is not something I can get into."

During a United Nations Security Council meeting on a resolution on the prevention of an arms race in outer space & outer space security, Robert Wood, U.S. representative in the UN, highlighted Russia's actions in space & how the U.S. will continue to demonstrate safe space activities.

During the meeting, he addressed the launch by Russia, saying that the United States will continue to put a "bright spotlight" on Russia's "troubling actions in space", and how the actions "diverge from its statements here in the Security Council".

He told the Security Council, "On March 16th Russia launched a satellite into low-earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counter-space weapon that is presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low-earth orbit.

Russia deployed this new counter-space weapon in the same orbit as a U.S. Government satellite. Russia's May 16 launch follows prior Russian satellite launches likely of counter-space systems into low-earth orbit in 2019 and 2022".

In 2021 Russia Conducted An Anti-Satellite Test Creating Thousands Of Pieces Of Space Debris. Pentagon: In The Last Few Years Counterspace Threats Have Increased Significantly: Read Alert | Read Full Report On SJ.

Russia Carries Out Tactical Nuclear Drills In Response To "Threats" By "Western Officials" Against Russia - Russia also reported the United States carried out a “subcritical” experiment at a specialized underground laboratory on the nuclear test site in Nevada on May 14th.

MOSCOW - Russia has begun carrying out tactical nuclear drills in the southern military district to test the use of "non-strategic nuclear weapons" in response to what it says are "threats" that have been made by "individual Western officials" against Russia, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense and state-run media.

The Russian military said, "In accordance with the instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the first stage of the exercise with practical testing of the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons began in the Southern Military District under the leadership of the General Staff of the Armed Forces".

The Russian Foreign Ministry also reported the United States carried out a “subcritical” experiment at a specialized underground laboratory on the nuclear test site in Nevada on May 14th.

Russian state-run media reported that missile formation personnel of the Southern Military District are "practicing combat training tasks of obtaining special ammunition for the Iskander tactical missile system, equipping launch vehicles with them and covertly moving to positions in preparation for launches".

Aerospace Forces aviation units, it says, are training to install "special combat units of aviation weapons," including the Kinzhal aeroballistic hypersonic missiles, and conducting sorties to "designated patrol areas" according to Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, "The ongoing exercise is aimed at maintaining the readiness of personnel and equipment of units for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons to respond and in order to unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state in response to provocative statements and threats of individual Western officials against the Russian Federation".

Russian Foreign Ministry: Drills Being Carried Out In Response To Recent Statements By Western Officials, Destabilizing Actions By NATO. The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement that said the drills are being carried out in response to recent statements by Western officials, as well as what it calls destabilizing actions by NATO. Read Full Report | Russia Increases Readiness Of Nuclear Forces.

Slovakian Prime Minister Shot, Is No Longer In "Life-Threatening" Condition - The country's Deputy Prime Minister says that he is no longer in life-threatening condition, the operation went well and he should survive.

SLOVAKIA - Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times and was considered in a "life-threatening condition" according to the Slovakian government and his own Facebook page. Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba has now said that he is no longer in life-threatening condition, the operation went well and he should survive.

The Prime Minister was hit in the stomach after four shots were fired outside of Handlova’s House of Culture where he was meeting with his supporters, according to local media reports. The suspect has been detained according to the local media station TA3. Read Report | Read All Reports.

Slovakian Prime Minister Shot, Is In "Life-Threatening" Condition - "At this moment he is transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica, because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of an acute procedure. The next few hours will decide."

SLOVAKIA - Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot multiple times and is considered in "life-threatening condition" according to the Slovakian government and his own Facebook page.

The Prime Minister was hit in the stomach after four shots were fired outside of Handlova’s House of Culture where he was meeting with his supporters, according to local media reports. The suspect has been detained according to the local media station TA3. Read Report | Read All Reports.

Russia Continues Push On Kharkiv In Northeastern Ukraine - Russia Continues Push On Kharkiv In Northeastern Ukraine. Putin has appointed economist Andrei Belousov as the country's new Defense Minister, in place of Sergei Shoigu. Ukraine says it indicates Russia is building a war economy.

KYIV/MOSCOW - The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a statement claiming to have advanced deeper into Ukraine and claimed to have taken full control of the village of Bugrovatka in Kharkiv. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Kyiv to discuss the latest $61 billion aid package going to Ukraine.

“We know this is a challenging time, but we also know that in the near-term the assistance is now on the way,” Blinken stated, adding, “Some of it has already arrived, more of it will be arriving, and that’s going to make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield.”

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that Blinken would be discussing “discuss battlefield updates, the impact of new U.S. security and economic assistance, long-term security and other commitments, and ongoing work to bolster Ukraine’s economic recovery".

The White House said on Monday that it's doing everything possible to rush weapons out to Ukraine to help Kyiv against the Russian ground offensive in Kharkiv.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to reporters and said, "We're doing everything humanly possible, both ourselves and our allies," and added that another aid package will be announced, "just in the coming days".

Russia's Push On Kharkiv, Updates From Ukrainian And Russian Armed Forces: On Tuesday the Ukrainian Air Force reported that it destroyed 18 Russian drones that were launched overnight over Cherkasy, Donetsk, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Read Full Report | Read All Reports.

US Announces $400 Million Aid To Ukraine, Along With Possible Emergency Foreign Military Sale As Kyiv Says It Repelled Russian Attempt To Open A New Front - Ukraine said Russia's attempts to break through the defensive lines Russia did not succeed, and added that "not a single meter has been lost".

KYIV/KHARKIV- The United States has announced $400 million in aid to Ukraine as Kyiv announced that it has repelled an attempt by Russia to open up a new front in north-eastern Kharkiv by penetrating the front lines via a large-scale ground offensive.

The Russian armed forces also reported that it "wiped out" Ukrainian power infrastructure, military industry enterprises and rail road infrastructure, claiming that it was in response to attempts by Kyiv to damage Russian power infrastructure and its Armed Forces defense industry enterprises.

Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said that reconnaissance groups by Russia had attempted to penetrate the border in order to break through the front-lines, but added that "not a single meter has been lost".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Russia has launched a new wave of counteroffensive operations in the Kharkiv sector". Ukrainian Military: Defensive Battles Ongoing In Kharkiv. Current Air Alarms And Situation: Read Report | Read All Reports.

Reports: China Hacked British Ministry Of Defense Systems. British Government: Malign Actor Hacked Armed Forces Payment Network - After a report surfaced China had hacked the British Ministry of Defense, the UK government released a statement saying that a "Malign Actor" gained access to the British Armed Forces payment network.

UK - Sky News reported that China has hacked the British Ministry of Defense, targeting service personnel belonging to the Ministry. The British government later released a statement saying that a "Malign Actor" gained access to the British Armed Forces payment network.

The news agency reported that the attack occurred on a payroll system which targeted service personnel, officials, and some veterans.

The attack is said by the news agency to have exposed the names of the personnel, and their bank details. It should be noted that the system reported to have been attacked is not connected to the main computer systems for the British Ministry of Defense. Statement Transcript Released By British Government: Read Report | Read All Reports

Russian Soldier Detained After Crossing Into Poland From Belarus - Polish Border Guard: "The question is whether we are dealing here with someone who was carrying out tasks for Russian (secret) services".

WARSAW - An unarmed 41-year-old Russian man wearing civilian clothing has been detained in Poland and held for questioning after he crossed over into the country from Russia's neighboring country, Belarus. The Polish border guard said that the man was a "deserter" from the Russian army.

Polish broadcaster RMF first reported the incident on Wednesday, reporting that a Russian soldier had been detained by Polish border guards in the Podlasie province in Poland.

RMF reported, "Everything indicates that he tried to illegally enter our country through Belarus, straight from the Ukrainian front".

Soon after the report surfaced, the Polish Border Guard released a statement that said, "The Border Guard confirms the detention of a deserter from Russia. He is a 41-year-old man who illegally crossed the border from Belarus to Poland. Further actions are being taken against him". Read Full Report | Read All Reports.

UK Border Force Experiencing Nationwide Issue Affecting Its E-Gates - The British Border Force is currently down and has caused long queues at the airports.

BRITAIN - The UK Border Force is currently experiencing a "nationwide issue" affecting its gates at British airports. The British Border Force is currently down and has caused long queues at the airports. Airport Announcements Regarding The Nationwide Issue: Read Report | Read All Reports

Russian Military Increases Readiness Of Nuclear Forces In Response To "Threats" Made Against Russia - The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed "They are deliberately leading the situation towards a further escalation of the Ukrainian crisis towards an open military clash between NATO countries and Russia"

MOSCOW - The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that it is increasing the readiness of its nuclear forces and plans to hold aviation and naval drills involving the country's missile formations, and to test its ability to deploy tactical nuclear weapons.

The MOD said that the drills will be carried out to ensure Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty in light of what it calls "provocative statements and threats made by certain Western officials against the Russian Federation".

Another statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense said that the simulated nuclear drills will be carried out in response to "Provocative statements and threats from France, Britain and the United States regarding the Russian Federation". Read Full Report | Read All Reports On Europe.

US State Department List Of Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisories - U.S. State Department/Travel: Level 4: Do Not Travel advisories: Read Report | Read All Reports.