Rapid Alerts

East Africa: The Somali National Armed Forces and Jubbaland Security Forces killed 81 al-Shabaab militants across multiple southern regions over April 14 to 15, Somalia’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated in two press releases. International partner airstrikes supported the ground operations.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) separately said it conducted a strike targeting al-Shabaab on April 9 “in the vicinity of Qalay, approximately 131 km northwest of Kismayo.”

UKRAINE, The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on April 14 that Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) “lost all off site power this morning after the disconnection of its last remaining external power line.” The IAEA stated this is the 13th time the plant has lost all off-site power during the military conflict.

“The plant’s emergency diesel generators immediately started operating to provide the power needed for essential safety functions,” the IAEA announced. The agency’s on-site team is monitoring the situation.

Eastern Pacific, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) conducted three lethal kinetic strikes on narco-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific on April 11 and April 13, killing a total of seven.

All three strikes were carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear “at the direction of the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan,” according to SOUTHCOM. SOUTHCOM said the operations were “applying total systemic friction on the cartels.”

Middle East, A skiff carrying 10 to 12 individuals, four to five of whom were armed with automatic weapons, approached a sailing vessel approximately 54 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, on 12 April, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Warning 034-26.

The vessel’s master (the commanding officer) refused to stop and deployed a flare. The skiff turned away and departed to the southeast without boarding.

Middle East, The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) hit more than 200 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon over a 24-hour period on April 10 and 11, reporting it killed 180 or more Hezbollah operatives in three simultaneous operations on April 10.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported 357 people killed and 700 wounded. Operations continued through April 12 in both southern Lebanon and Tulkarem in the West Bank.

Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an immediate U.S. Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 12 after 21 hours of direct talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement on the nuclear issue.

Trump stated, “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.”

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on April 10 that it conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on April 6-7 in the Golis Mountains, 55-75 km southeast of Bossaso in Puntland.

The operation occurred in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces.

MIDDLE EAST — Kuwait’s armed forces reported engaging seven Iranian UAVs within Kuwaiti airspace during the past 24 hours. All were handled according to established procedures. The strikes targeted several vital facilities affiliated with the National Guard, resulting in injuries to some members who are receiving treatment in stable condition and causing significant material damage.

Since late February, Kuwaiti air defenses have cumulatively engaged 15 cruise missiles, 354 ballistic missiles, and 852 UAVs from Iranian forces. Japan’s Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu issued a separate statement on April 10 expressing deep concern over escalation between Israel and Lebanon.

UAE — United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense: "Skies Clear of Any Aerial Threats in Recent Hours The Ministry of Defense announced that on April 9, 2026, the UAE air defenses detected no ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, or incoming drones originating from Iran."

Korean Peninsula, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday, April 8, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported, marking the second launch in two days after an apparent failed attempt on Tuesday.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) stated the launches “do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies.”

Middle East, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on April 8 that “the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, Effective Immediately.”

The announcement followed a White House statement from President Donald Trump agreeing to suspend U.S. strikes on Iran for two weeks, conditional on Iran “agreeing to the Complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Middle East, U.S. forces extracted a weapons systems officer from inside Iran on April 5 after the crew member evaded capture for approximately two days following the shootdown of an F-15E Strike Eagle on April 3, according to Air and Space Forces Magazine. President Trump announced the rescue on Truth Social, calling it “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History” and stating the crew member was “now SAFE and SOUND.”

The rescue operation involved dozens of aircraft, with U.S. Air Force fighters striking Iranian forces during the extraction, according to the same reporting. No Americans were killed in the operation, according to Trump.

GLOBAL, The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) published an operational call in Al-Naba Issue 541 on April 3 ordering followers to set fire to synagogues across the United States, Europe, Russia, and India.

The call coincides with both Easter (April 20) and Passover (April 12 to 20), placing Jewish congregations at elevated risk during the highest-attendance worship period of the year.

IRAN, An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, was shot down over Khuzestan Province, approximately 290 miles (467 km) south of Tehran, on Friday, marking the first U.S. aircraft loss since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. Both crew members ejected; one was recovered alive by U.S. forces. A search for the second crew member is ongoing.

The White House stated President Trump was briefed on the incident. U.S. Central Command notified the House Armed Services Committee. CENTCOM had not issued a formal press release at publication time.

MIDDLE EAST — Two deadlines now bracket the next phase of Operation Epic Fury. President Trump’s self-imposed April 6 pause on Iranian power grid strikes expires in three days.

The 60-day War Powers Resolution statutory clock, with no congressional authorization granted, expires around April 28–29, 2026.

BAGHDAD, The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on April 2 stating that Iran-aligned Iraqi militia groups may intend to carry out attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24-48 hours.

Iraqi airspace is closed and commercial flights are not operating out of Iraq. The Embassy directed all U.S. citizens in Iraq to leave immediately via available overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Türkiye.

Middle East, The Pentagon is assembling plans for weeks of ground operations in Iran, including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the Pentagon was providing the president “maximum optionality.”

Major General Brandon Tegtmeier and the 82nd Airborne Division’s full headquarters staff have been ordered to the region to establish forward command and control for potential joint forcible-entry missions.

Middle East – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and approximately 3,500 sailors and Marines arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility on March 27. The amphibious assault ship brings F-35B strike fighters, tiltrotor aircraft, and ground combat Marines into the theater.

The arrival coincided with the departure of three guided-missile destroyers from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 from East Coast ports, positioning a second carrier strike group to enter the theater within days.

Middle East, Iran formally rejected the United States’ 15-point ceasefire proposal on March 25 and issued five counterdemands, including a claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The rejection came as a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, approximately 2,000 paratroopers, are deploying to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on March 26 that Pakistan is serving as the primary intermediary between Washington and Tehran, conveying messages between the parties. Dar noted that “the US has presented 15 points which Iran is currently reviewing,” with Turkey and Egypt providing supporting roles.

Middle East, Iran’s selective enforcement blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has reduced transit traffic by more than 95 percent, trapping more than 130 container ships inside the Persian Gulf and stranding approximately 40,000 sailors, according to vessel tracking data compiled by maritime intelligence firms.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) assessed the disruption as the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, with Persian Gulf production flows collapsing from roughly 20 million barrels per day to a fraction of prewar volume.

Middle East, President Donald Trump threatened on March 22 to “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest, if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours. Iran’s military responded that the strait would be “completely closed” if the United States carries out the threat, setting up a direct collision over the waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil transits.

The ultimatum followed two days of nuclear-adjacent escalation on both sides. On March 21, U.S.-Israeli forces struck Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility for the second time since Operation Epic Fury began.

PACIFIC, The Oahu Department of Emergency Management issued an evacuation order on Thursday for more than 4,000 residents downstream of Wahiawa Dam after the 120-year-old structure reached imminent risk of failure. The alert, issued at 8:34 a.m. local time, warned of potential life-threatening flooding and catastrophic amounts of fast-moving water in the downstream areas of Haleiwa and Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore.

The dam has not breached as of Thursday morning, but water was pouring over the spillway at approximately 1,500 gallons per second after a second Kona low weather system dropped over 13 inches of rain in approximately 12 hours beginning Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a Flash Flood Emergency, its highest-tier alert, covering approximately 138,000 people across northern Oahu.

Middle East, Iranian air defenses struck a U.S. F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter during a combat mission over Iran on March 19, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing at a U.S. air base in the region.

The incident marks the first confirmed damage to a fifth-generation stealth aircraft by Iranian fire since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. Separately, the Israeli Air Force struck Iranian naval infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, opening a new geographic front in the conflict, while Iran retaliated against Qatar's Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex after Israeli jets hit Iran's South Pars gas field.

Middle East, The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on March 18 that a projectile struck and destroyed a structure 350 meters from the reactor at Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday evening.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported no damage to the reactor itself, no injuries to staff, and no elevation of radiation levels, but warned that “any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict.”

Persian Gulf / Red Sea / Iran At least 18 vessels have been struck in 17 separate attacks by Iranian weapons across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Iraqi territorial waters since Operation Epic Fury began on 28 February. On 18 March, CENTCOM struck hardened Iranian anti-ship cruise missile installations along the Strait of Hormuz coastline using multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions, targeting the coastal infrastructure that enables Iran’s de facto maritime blockade.

Commercial transit remains at approximately 97 percent below its pre-conflict baseline, with only 21 tankers transiting since the conflict began versus a pre-war average of more than 100 daily crossings, according to Windward maritime tracking data. Approximately 22 vessels carrying crude, LPG, and LNG remain anchored in the strait awaiting safe passage confirmation. No credible ceasefire mechanism exists; both sides have publicly rejected diplomatic efforts.

Middle East / Persian Gulf, U.S. Central Command executed a large-scale precision strike against more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island overnight on March 13 to 14, destroying naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple additional military sites. CENTCOM confirmed that oil infrastructure on the island was preserved.

Kharg Island processes approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. President Trump characterized the operation as "one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East" and warned he would "immediately reconsider" restraint on the oil infrastructure if Iran interferes with Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Middle East / Europe. NATO air and missile defense systems intercepted a third Iranian ballistic missile in Turkish airspace on March 13, with debris falling in Hatay province. Hours later, an Israeli airstrike struck near central Tehran's Ferdowsi Square during a Quds Day rally attended by thousands, killing at least one person. Iran's president laid out three ceasefire conditions while Israel's defense minister stated the war would continue "without any time limit."

Threat Assessment

​Middle East. A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, killing all six crew members aboard. CENTCOM confirmed the loss occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury and stated the incident was "not due to hostile fire or friendly fire." A second KC-135 involved in the incident landed safely in Israel with significant structural damage.

Situation at a Glance

North America / Arctic - On March 4, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft operating in both the Alaskan and Canadian Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ).

Twelve U.S. and Canadian aircraft scrambled to monitor and escort the Russian planes, which remained in international airspace throughout.

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper announced on March 11 that U.S. forces have struck more than 5,500 targets inside Iran and destroyed over 60 Iranian naval vessels since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. Cooper confirmed the elimination of all four Soleimani-class guided missile catamarans, stating: “That’s an entire class of Iranian ships now out of the fight.”

The update came on a day of significant escalation across multiple fronts. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what Iranian state media Tasnim described as the heaviest wave of attacks since the war began, striking targets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Middle East / Indian Ocean - Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil transit choke-point carrying approximately 20% of global crude supply, according to U.S. intelligence reporting. The U.S. military responded by destroying 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait on March 10, according to CENTCOM.

​ The mine-laying campaign comes as Iranian retaliatory strikes have forced the shutdown of major energy infrastructure across the Gulf: Bahrain’s Bapco Sitra refinery (405,000 barrels per day) declared force majeure on March 9 after a drone attack, the UAE’s Ruwais refinery (922,000 bpd) was shut on March 10 following a drone-caused fire, and Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery (550,000 bpd) and Qatar’s LNG production facilities were halted earlier in the conflict.

Middle East / Eastern Mediterranean - North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) air and missile defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace on March 9, the second such incident in five days.

Debris from the intercepted munition fell on uninhabited land in Gaziantep province, according to Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense. No casualties or infrastructure damage were reported.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE — U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific on March 8, killing six people the military described as “narco-terrorists.”

The strike, ordered by SOUTHCOM Commander Marine General Francis L. Donovan, was carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear (JTF-SS) against what SOUTHCOM stated was a vessel “operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations” transiting known narco-trafficking routes.

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a safety warning to civilians in Iran on March 8, naming the cities of Dezful, Esfahan, and Shiraz as locations where Iranian forces are using populated areas to launch drones and ballistic missiles.

The warning, issued in English and Farsi, urged Iranian civilians to stay at home.

Middle East / Europe - Overnight Iranian drone strikes hit civilian infrastructure in Kuwait on March 8, targeting a social security headquarters and airport fuel storage. Separately, an explosion damaged the U.S. Embassy consular entrance in Oslo, Norway, where Norwegian media report a 13-year-old was apprehended; police stated they are not connecting the incident to the Iran conflict.

These incidents follow a day of escalation on March 7 in which Israel struck Tehran oil depots for the first time, Iran retaliated against the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa, and Gulf state air defenses intercepted over 130 Iranian projectiles despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s pledge to halt strikes on neighboring countries.

Persian Gulf / Gulf of Oman / Arabian Sea: Hundreds of vessels remain stranded on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz for a seventh consecutive day as of March 7, with at least 200 tankers, LNG carriers, and cargo ships anchored off Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Qatar.

A UAE salvage tug was struck by two missiles on March 6 while heading to assist a disabled container ship, with all 8 crew feared dead.

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper announced on March 5 that American forces struck the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) drone carrier IRIS Shahid Bagheri. The 42,000-ton converted container vessel is now on fire, according to Cooper. “U.S. forces aren’t holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy,”

Cooper stated during a press conference at CENTCOM headquarters. “Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire.”

MIDDLE EAST — The IAEA released updated satellite imagery on March 4 confirming no damage to facilities containing nuclear material in Iran and no radiological release risk. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck what they say was a covert Minzadehei nuclear weapons development compound, claiming to have removed a key component of Iran's nuclear capability.

Near the Isfahan nuclear site, the IAEA identified damage at two buildings. No additional impact occurred at Natanz beyond previously reported entrance damage, and no impact at other nuclear sites including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Alert level: High

Indian Ocean - a U.S. Navy fast attack submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena approximately 40 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka, on March 4, using a single Mark 48 (Mk-48) heavyweight torpedo, according to the Department of War.

Alert level: High

Middle east / Eastern Mediterranean - NATO air and missile defense units intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading toward Turkish airspace on Wednesday, according to Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense.​

LEBANON — The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon will be closed until further notice, according to the Embassy.

The UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that UAE air defence systems intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones today, while one missile landed within the country’s territory without causing any human casualties.

"The Ministry stated that since the beginning of what it described as the blatant Iranian aggression, a total of 186 ballistic missiles have been detected as launched towards the UAE. Of these, 172 missiles were destroyed, 13 fell into the sea, and one missile landed on the country’s territory.

EAST AFRICA — According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, Somali National Army forces secured Darasalaam and Mubaarak in Lower Shabelle on March 2. The ministry reported destruction of several Al-Shabaab command positions, weapons depots, and military equipment caches during the operation. Clearance and verification efforts continue to pursue remaining elements.

The Somali Ministry of Defense launched Operation Rolling Thunder on March 1 in Lower Shabelle to target Al-Shabaab strongholds and cut terrorist routes.

MIDDLE EAST — Operation Epic Fury has escalated into a multi-front regional war. Israel is conducting independent strikes on Tehran. Qatar’s air force shot down two Iranian Su-24 attack aircraft and intercepted missiles and drones. Blanket air raid sirens are sounding across all of Israel as Iranian ballistic missiles reach Israeli territory.

​Six U.S. service members are now confirmed killed in action. Iran’s entire Gulf of Oman naval presence has been destroyed. The State Department has ordered U.S. citizens to “Depart Now” from 14 countries.

KUWAIT — Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were downed by Kuwaiti air defenses in a friendly fire incident during Operation Epic Fury on March 1. All six aircrew ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.

The jets were engaged at 11:03 p.m. ET while supporting strikes against Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. Ejection occurred for all six crew members, with Kuwaiti authorities initiating immediate search and rescue procedures.

Statement from the Metropolitan Police Department.

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command initiated Operation Epic Fury on February 28 to target Iranian ballistic missile capabilities, according to U.S. Central Command. The efforts included strikes on missile facilities, naval assets, and proxy networks, with over 1,000 targets engaged in the initial 24 hours. Three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded as of March 1, with minor injuries among others.

Claims By Iranian State-run Media Regarding Strikes, Damage To Gandhi Hospital and Girl’s School

MIDDLE EAST — Iran conducted missile and drone strikes on civilian locations across Gulf states on March 2, including airports in Dubai, Kuwait, and Erbil, along with hotels and residential areas, according to U.S. Central Command. The strikes resulted in at least 88 injuries - 58 in the UAE and more than 30 in Kuwait - and at least four killed, all foreign nationals, with additional injuries reported in Bahrain and Qatar. Bahrain confirmed a maritime facility near Mina Salman was attacked, with the fire contained.

A statement by U.S. President Donald Trump said that U.S. forces sank an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette in the Gulf of Oman and destroyed nine naval ships in total.

MIDDLE EAST — On February 28, the United States and Israel conducted joint airstrikes on Iranian targets, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan confirmed his death.

Iranian state media also acknowledged the death, declaring 40 days of national mourning and seven public holidays. The strikes targeted nuclear facilities, military sites, and leadership compounds, with US officials framing the operation as dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.

MIDDLE EAST — Iranian state media confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death following US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Khamenei, 86, was killed in strikes on his Tehran compound. The confirmation came after initial denials by Iranian officials.

US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death on Truth Social, stating it “is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted growing signs of Khamenei’s demise. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially denied the claim.

MIDDLE EAST — US and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets February 28, including leadership compounds in Tehran and military facilities across multiple cities. Israeli officials stated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, with his body recovered, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied the claim.

Iran responded with missile launches toward Israel and US bases in the Gulf region. Explosions occurred in Tehran near government structures, with satellite imagery from Planet Labs showing damage to associated buildings.

Israel Defense Forces: "To those in or near military industries and military infrastructure throughout Iran: You are located near weapons and infrastructure that pose a danger to you, dear Iranian citizens. For your safety, we ask you to evacuate those areas immediately and move out of the area until further notice."​

MIDDLE EAST — The Israeli Defense Forces announced a broad and joint operation with the U.S. Army to deliver a deep strike against Iran. The operation, code-named Roar of the Lion, began by attacking dozens of military targets.

It came as part of a coordinated assault to remove threats to Israel for a long period. The announcement was made by Avichay Adraee, the IDF Arabic Spokesperson.

​Israel Defense Forces (IDF): "Missiles were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat."​

MIDDLE EAST — Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran on February 28, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the action removed threats to Israel. A nationwide state of emergency was declared in Israel, closing airspace and directing citizens to shelters in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. Sirens sounded across the country as officials warned of imminent missile and drone attacks.

The operation follows the failure of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva on February 26. U.S. officials presented demands for dismantling facilities and halting proxy support, which Iran rejected while seeking sanctions relief.

WEST COAST — An operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is set for a designated window from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This event, managed by Space Launch Delta 30, focuses on validating the weapon system’s effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy. The test forms part of routine evaluations scheduled years ahead, according to the U.S. Space Force.

Launch Schedule and Objectives

EUROPE — On February 27, the Swedish Armed Forces announced that a Russian drone had been observed launching from the signals intelligence vessel Zhigulevsk while transiting the Öresund Strait.

The incident took place during the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle’s port call in Malmö, prompting immediate action from a Swedish Navy patrol vessel to disrupt the drone’s operations. The Zhigulevsk, which had entered Swedish territorial waters under international transit rules, was escorted out and proceeded into the Baltic Sea.

SOUTHWEST BORDER — The U.S. military employed a high-energy laser-based counter-unmanned aircraft system that accidentally shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone in the vicinity of Fort Hancock, Texas, on February 26.

​Congressional aides briefed on the matter stated the incident occurred in an area frequently used by drug-cartel drones crossing from Mexico.

GLOBAL — U.S. officials have publicly detailed intelligence assessing a seismic event near China’s Lop Nur nuclear test site on June 22, 2020, as a low-yield nuclear explosion. The assessment relies on waveform data from Primary Seismic Station 23 (PS-23) at Makanchi, Kazakhstan, part of the International Monitoring System, a global network of sensors designed to detect nuclear tests.

A magnitude 2.75 event was recorded at 09:18 Greenwich Mean Time. Seismic signals showed a short, sharp pressure wave (Pn) - the kind produced by a sudden energy release like an explosion - and no side-to-side shaking energy (Lg) that natural earthquakes normally produce at the expected time.

South Asia/Middle East - Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Kabul and targets in Kandahar and Paktia provinces early on February 27 as part of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.

The strikes came hours after the Afghan Taliban launched a cross-border offensive on February 26. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Pakistani forces are delivering “a befitting and effective response […] that will continue to do so.”