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March 28, 2023 - North Korean state media reports Kim Jong Un guided the mounting of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27th. The North's Academy of Defense Science conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25th to 27th. Read more

March 27, 2023 - UPDATES (1) North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, according to the Japanese Prime Minister's office. Read more

March 24, 2023 - PYONGYANG - North Korea has claimed that it tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone with the ability to create a radioactive wave, or "tsunami" capable of taking out naval strike groups and ports. Read more

March 22, 2023 - North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday from the Hamhung region of North Korea's east coast, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Read more

March 19, 2023 - North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile on Sunday as the United States and South Korea carry out joint military drills. Read more

March 18, 2023 - MINNESOTA, USA - 400,000 gallons of radioactive water leaked from a nuclear power plant at the Xcel Energy plant in Monticello, Minnesota last fall, but was not disclosed to the public because the plant said that it posed no health or safety risk to the public. Read more

March 16, 2023 - North Korean state media claims that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test that the country carried out on Thursday was a Hwasong-17. Read more

March 16, 2023 - The Japanese Ministry of Defense now says that the missile launched by North Korea was a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and that the details are "currently under analysis". Read more

March 16, 2023 - Inspections carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have found that 2.5 tons of natural uranium are missing from an unnamed Libyan site that is not under the control of the Libyan government. Read more

March 15, 2023 - The Japanese Prime Minister's office released a statement that said that North Korea has launched a "suspected ballistic missile". The Japanese Ministry of Defense then released a statement confirming that a ballistic missile was launched from the west coast of North Korea, toward the east. Read more

March 15, 2023 - The Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said that Russia views the U.S. drone flight in the Black Sea as a "real provocation" and said that it was flying with its "transponders off" and "entered into the zone of the special military operation" which is the term Russia uses for its war in Ukraine. Read more

March 14, 2023 - Two Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted an unsafe and unprofessional intercept with a U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace over the Black Sea today. Read more

March 14, 2023 - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea a day after the United States and South Korea began carrying out a combined military exercise. Read more

March 14, 2023 - The United States and South Korea began carrying out another combined military exercise in the Indo-Pacific called "Freedom Shield" that was announced on March 2nd by the United States Forces Korea after North Korea launched two cruise missiles from a submarine the day before. Read more

March 13, 2023 - North Korea announced that they launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine underwater on Sunday. The missiles flew about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) for about 125 minutes (7,563 to 7,575 seconds). Read more

March 09, 2023 - DOD: Russia Reportedly Supplying Enriched Plutonium to China: Various open-source outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors. Read more

March 09, 2023 - There was a fake nuclear alert that went out alerting Russians about a nuclear strike. The Russian Emergencies Ministry said that the message was due to a false alarm as a result of a cyberattack. Read more

March 09, 2023 - SEOUL - North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Read more

March 08, 2023 - A U.S. intelligence report on Wednesday reiterated earlier warnings, as well as a warning in the 2023 Annual Threat Assessment that North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test. South Korea has said that it could be carried out at any time. Read more

March 6, 2023 - A statement released by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the United States and South Korea are carrying out simulations of nuclear strikes and are planning a "surprise strike" against "major deep strategic [North Korean] bases". Read more

March 6, 2023 - NEW YORK - A "hazmat incident" has occurred in Midtown Manhattan, New York on the corner of East 56th Street and Sutton. Read more

March 06, 2023 - The North Korean National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) said that it has made "steady progress" regarding the development of its satellite program, and has "succeeded" in developing a high-thrust engine carrier rocket in order to launch it into space. Read more

February 25, 2023 - Chinese fishing vessels have been linked to the severing of multiple Taiwanese undersea cables in February according to Chunghwa Telecom, a telecommunications firm that handles Taiwan's undersea cables. Read more

February 24, 2023 - North Korea launched "four strategic" Arrow-2 type cruise missiles from the area of Kimchaek City, North Hamgyong Province to the East Sea of Korea, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA. Read more

February 22, 2023 - Russia suspends the New START nuclear treaty, which is the only nuclear treaty in effect between the US and #Russia, saying that the U.S. is "weakening" the security of the Russian Federation. Read more

February 20, 2023 - North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea in response to the joint "flight training" by the United States and South Korea the previous day. Read more

February 20, 2023 - International nuclear inspectors have detected 84% enriched uranium in Iran, "just below" the level needed to manufacture a nuclear weapon. Read more

February 19, 2023 - An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC), near Hokkaido according to Japan's Prime Minister, and the NHK news agency. Read more

February 15, 2023 - The U.S. military had been tracking the first balloon that it shot down for about a week as it left China on a heading toward Guam and Hawaii, before making a sharp turn north towards Alaska. Read more

February 15, 2023 - United States Central Command reports shooting down Iranian-man unmanned aerial vehicle conducting a reconnaissance of Mission Support Site Conoco in Northeast Syria. Read more

February 13, 2023 - AFRICOM: A U.S. Airstrike has killed at least 12 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia. The airstrike was carried out around 28 miles from northeast Mogadishu, according to U.S. Africa Command. Read more

February 13, 2023 - Statement by the Department of Defense on the "successful" shoot down of an "airborne object" flying at about 20,000 feet in altitude in U.S. airspace over Lake Huron in the state of Michigan. Read more

February 13, 2023 - WASHINGTON - The latest "object" that was shot down on Sunday over Lake Huron, which is located close to the Canadian border was "octagonal shape" with "no discernable payload". Read more

February 13, 2023 - The Michigan state representative Jack Bergman released a statement saying that he has been in contact with the Department of Defense, and that the U.S. military has "decommissioned" another "object" over Lake Huron. Read more

February 12, 2023 - NORAD And NORTHCOM Statement: "With the cooperation of the Federal Aviation Administration, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) implemented a temporary flight restriction airspace in central Montana on Feb. 11, 2023, to ensure the safety of air traffic in the area during NORAD operations. Read more

February 12, 2023 - NORAD: “NORAD detected a radar anomaly and sent fighter aircraft to investigate. Those aircraft did not identify any object to correlate to the radar hits. NORAD will continue to monitor the situation.” Read more

February 12, 2023 - Representative Matt Rosendale statement: "Airspace is reopened – I will remain in contact with defense officials and share more information as it becomes available. Montanans deserve answers". Read more

February 12, 2023 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a NOTAM over Havre, Montana, near the Canadian border, and declared the region “National Defense Airspace”. Read more

February 12, 2023 - NORAD shoots down an unidentified object violating Canadian airspace over the Yukon with an F-22. Read more

February 12, 2023 - NORAD Statement on Alaskan high-altitude airborne object Shootdown: "February 11, 2023 U.S. Northern Command Update on Recovery Operations At the direction of the President of the United States, fighter aircraft assigned to U.S. Norther Command successfully took down a high altitude airborne object off the northern coast of Alaska. Read more

February 12, 2023 - NORAD is monitoring "what appear to be" one or two objects that "appear to be spy balloons" over Canada according to a report by the Canadian Global Television Network. Read more

February 11, 2023 - Department of Defense Press Secretary brigadier general Pat Ryder releases a statement regarding the object shot down over Alaska. Read more

February 11, 2023 - The U.S. just shot down an object that was flying around Alaska around one hour ago, according to John Kirby. Read more

February 10, 2023 - Romania releases a statement regarding the Missile Launched By Russia, Crossing Into Moldova. Read more

February 10, 2023 - The Moldovan Ministry of Defense released the following statement on their official Facebook account regarding the "rocket" that flew over its territory and "strongly condemned" the "violation" of its airspace. Read more

February 10, 2023 - General Valery Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine put out a statement claiming that Russian missiles flew over Romania and Moldova during a missile strike on Ukraine, crossing into NATO-allied airspace. Read more

February 09, 2023 - Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder says that the Pentagon is aware of four previous balloons having gone over the United States, and that they are a part of a "larger Chinese surveillance balloon program". Read more

February 05, 2023 - After the United States Air Force carried out the operation to shoot down the Chinese surveillance balloon, efforts are underway to study and scrutinize both the balloon and its payload. Read more

February 05, 2023 - Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the "US claim" that it shot down a Chinese unmanned airship. Read more

February 04, 2023 - DoD: "An F-22 Raptor fighter from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fired one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at the balloon.The balloon fell approximately six miles off the coast in about 47 feet of water. No one was hurt". Read more

February 04, 2023 - Department of Defense: A U.S. fighter aircraft assigned to U.S. Northern Command successfully brought down the Chinese high altitude surveillance balloon over the water off the coast of South Carolina in U.S. airspace. Read more

February 04, 2023 - Statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry regarding the balloon spotted above mainland United States. Read more

February 04, 2023 - A specialist in surveillance balloons says that balloons are difficult to shoot down and that the one over the United States flying over U.S. military sites looks to have been equipped with an advanced AI guidance system. Read more

February 04, 2023 - EDITS (1) An explosion has been reported over Billings, Montana. The city of Billings, Montana says PD fire and airport have not been called to any incidents". Read more

February 04, 2023 - The Chinese "spy balloon" has altered its flight path and is now moving east at about 60,000 feet over the "central" United States, which demonstrates its ability to maneuver, according to a statement by the U.S. military Friday. Read more

February 03, 2023 - Canadian Ministry of Defense: "A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD. Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident". Read more

February 03, 2023 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE transcript of a background briefing regarding the high-altitude surveillance balloon spotted hovering over mainland United States, having come from Alaska, through Canada and into the space United States from Canada. Read more

February 03, 2023 - NORAD: "NORAD and U.S. Northern Command statement on the high-altitude surveillance balloon. The United States government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now. Read more

February 03, 2023 - UPDATED (1) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The United States Government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now". Read more

February 02, 2023 - The U.S. government is currently tracking a balloon that has been in space U.S. airspace for a few days now, and U.S. officials say they are confident it is a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon. Read more

February 01, 2023 - BAGHDAD - At least 8, some reports say 20 rockets were fired at a Turkish Zilkan military base in space Iraq Wednesday. Two of the rockets that were fired landed on the inside of the base, wounding an Iraqi contractor. Read more

February 01, 2023 - A U.S. drone strike using blade-based AGM-114 R9X Hellfire missile is suspected to have killed three suspected al-Qaeda militants in Yemen’s Marib province. Read more

January 30, 2023 - An airstrike targeted a truck convoy on the Syria-Iraq border that consisted of 25 trucks crossing over the border from Iraq into Syria via a crossing that the Hezbollah currently controls. Read more

January 29, 2023 - Israel reported to be behind the attack on the Iranian weapons factory. The Pentagon has stated that no U.S. military forces were involved in strikes, despite claims by Saudi media that the United States Air Force was involved. Read more

January 28, 2023 - An Admiral serving as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee says that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is ready for a direct confrontation with Russia. Read more

January 27, 2023 - ISRAEL - Two rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Both were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Israel has carried out an airstrike within Gaza following the rocket launches. Read more

January 27, 2023 - DOD: "Today marks the conclusion of exercise Juniper Oak 23.2. This exercise was the largest U.S-Israel partnered exercise in history, said Deputy Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh, who held a news conference today. Read more

January 27, 2023 - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Airmen and Sailors from Kadena Air Base teamed up in the skies near Okinawa with Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel during the latest iteration of the bilateral Southern Beach exercise. Read more

January 27, 2023 - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "PHILIPPINE SEA -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) fired a RIM-116 rolling airframe missile, during routine operations, while underway in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24. Read more

January 27, 2023 - RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE: "The crew of Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov's frigate, operating in areas of the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, conducted computer simulation exercises with hypersonic missile weapons. Read more

January 27, 2023 - The aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) carrier strike group joined the joint US/Israel Juniper Oak drills in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as the exercise wrapped up. Read more

January 27, 2023 - The U.S. Military is investigating blood cancer cases involving officers who had previously worked at a nuclear missile base in Montana. The Air Force says that they are "aware of concerns". Read more

January 26, 2023 - CENTRAL COMMAND: U.S. Central Command and the Israel Defense Forces carry out live-fire exercise Juniper Oak 23.2 in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Read more

January 23, 2022 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) put out a statement on Thursday that their preliminary review of the incident on January 10th found that contract personnel had "unintentionally deleted files" which disrupted a key computer system and led to planes across the nation to become grounded. Read more

January 23, 2023 - Israel's state-owned IAI Aerospace Industries has announced its new "Point Blank" electro-optically guided missile, capable of being stored in a soldier's backpack. It can take off and land back into the operator's hand. Read more

January 21, 2023 - TAMPA, Fla. – This morning, three one-way attack drones attacked the At Tanf Garrison in Syria. Two of the drones were shot down by Coalition Forces while one struck the compound, injuring two members of the Syrian Free Army partner force who received medical treatment. No US forces were injured. Read more

January 19, 2023 - While speaking of Russia's war in Ukraine, Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the "defeat of a nuclear power in a conventional war may trigger a nuclear war". Read more

January 19, 2023 - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Ryan: "If the Ukrainian military was having great success in the spring, and was chopping up the Russian military and was threatening to take back Crimea, then I think that the Russian military and leadership would use a nuclear weapon". Read more

January 19, 2023 - A report released by the New York Times claims that "several anonymous US officials" spoke to the paper and told them that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Ukraine. Read more

January 18, 2023 - US forces intercepted a drone flying near Forward Operating Site Carroll, nearby Camp Carroll in Seongju County, which is equipped with a missile defense system. The incident happened about 130 miles from Seoul, in South Korea.  Read more

January 16, 2023 - GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - NATO prepares a deployment Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance planes to Bucharest, Romania.  Read more

January 16, 2023 - Israel: Iran has enough enriched uranium to produce four nuclear bombers, according to the Israeli military's outgoing Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. Read more

January 14, 2023 - The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 required the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to submit an annual report to Congress on unidentified aerial phenomena. Read more

January 11, 2023 - UK MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - "HMS Portland is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama as they sail in international waters close to the UK. Read more

January 11, 2023 - Normal air traffic operations are resuming gradually across the United States following an overnight outage to the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system that provides safety information to flight crews. The ground stop has been lifted. Read more

January 11, 2023 - *Updates (2)* - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an alert saying that it's working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System after it failed and caused an outage. Read more

January 09, 2023 - A drone was shot down over the Ain al-Asad Air Base that hosts U.S. Forces, according to Iraqi military sources on Sunday, after which the US-led military coalition said it had carried out "an operational exercise", contradicting reports by the Iraqi military that it may have been hostile. Read more

January 07, 2023 - After Israeli Prime Minister said that efforts were underway to revive the JCPOA nuclear deal, the Biden Administration put out a statement saying that claims that it was engaged in talks were "false". Read more

January 07, 2023 - A Russian hacker group called Cold River targeted three different nuclear research labs in the United States between the months of August and September of 2022. Read more

January 07, 2023 - The Norwegian Armed Forces has posted a statement saying that the Russian hypersonic missile boat, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov is sailing south, along the coast of Norway, in international waters. Read more

January 07, 2023 - Former Russian President Medvedev posted a message on the Twitter account to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that Russia should send its Zircon hypersonic missiles close to the Potomac River, which flows through Washington D.C. Read more

January 05, 2023 - South Korea has begun considering sharing real-time radar information along with missile tracking data with Japan. The United States, South Korea and Japan have begun "technical discussions" which involve the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Read more

January 04, 2023 - CENTCOM: "Two rockets targeted coalition forces at Mission Support Site Conoco, northeast Syria, today at approximately 9am local time in Syria (1 am Eastern Standard Time). Read more

January 03, 2023 - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported a rocket launch, but the rocket failed. No alert was activated "in accordance with standard operating procedures". Read more

January 03, 2023 - Israel carried out a missile strike on the Damascus International Airport, killing four people while boosting cooperation with the US, and preparing for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Read more

January 01, 2023 - North Korea fired another ballistic missile toward the east sea, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap. The North also ordered an "exponential expansion" of its nuclear arsenal. Read more

December 31, 2022 - Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Israel after previously holding the office from 1996 to 1999 and 2009 to 2021. He says the new government's first task will be to prevent Iran from destroying Israel with an atomic bomb. Read more

December 31, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD - "North Korea launched three ballistic missiles toward the northeast from the suburbs of Pyongyang at 8:00 today. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that they all fell near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Read more

December 31, 2022 - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read more

December 30, 2022 - North Korea has fired three ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff. Read more

December 29, 2022 - The Belarusian Ministry of Defense say they intercepted and destroyed a Ukrainian S-300 anti-air missile on Thursday. Read more

December 28, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has put out a warning to the United States against carrying out a decapitation strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more

December 26, 2022 - The Russian military says that it shot down a Ukrainian drone that it detected was on approach to the Engels Air Base located deep within Russian territory, and reported that three servicemen were killed due to the resulting falling debris from the wreckage. Read more

December 23, 2022 - North Korea has fired two short-range missiles off its east coast, according to the South Korean military, days after U.S. and South Korea carried out joint military exercises involving nuclear-capable bombers and jets. Read more

December 19, 2022 - The United States has killed 15 al-Shabab militants in Somalia after carrying out airstrikes at the request of the Somalian government. Read more

December 18, 2022 - North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles off of its east coast, according to both the South Korean and Japanese Ministry of Defense. Indo-Pacific Command releases statement regarding the launch. Read more

December 15, 2022 - The Russian Embassy to the United States has condemned the possible shipment of long-range Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by the US, saying that the move would be a provocative step. Read more

December 15, 2022 - Russia has loaded its RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into a missile silo in the Kaluga Region in central Russia at the Kozelsk missile formation according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Read more

December 14, 2022 - The US is currently deciding on whether to send a Patriot long-range missile system to Ukraine, after receiving a request from Ukraine for more powerful and longer-range missile systems. Read more

December 14, 2022 - Poland To Deploy German Patriot Missile Systems On Border With Ukraine - Polish President Andrzej Duda announced on Monday that Poland will be working with Germany to deploy German Patriot missile systems on its border with Ukraine in the coming days. Read more

December 14, 2022 - Ukraine has requested cluster bombs from the United States. Both Russia and Ukraine have used cluster munitions in the war, mostly in populated areas. Read more

December 13, 2022 - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has threatened Greece with a missile strike on Athens. Both countries are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. Read more

December 12, 2022 - Belarusian army says that they have deployed tactical battalion groups on the borders between Belarus and the countries where NATO had deployed forces. Skies above Belarus Empty. Read more

December 09, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has put out a statement saying that any country that dares attack Russia with nuclear weapons will be wiped from the face of the earth, considers adding Russia to nuclear first strike strategy. Read more

December 08, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said the special military operation in Ukraine is taking longer than expected and addressed the usage of nuclear weapons. Read more

December 06, 2022 - Russia has deployed the Bastion coastal missile system on Kuril island of Paramushir, Russia which is an island also claimed by Japan, known by the Japanese as the Northern Territories. Read more

December 06, 2022 - Russia claims that Ukraine hit two of its air bases located on Russian soil before Russia carried out a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine. Read more

December 05, 2022 - RAYTHEON - The United States is currently working with countries in the Middle East to move some of the U.S. air defense systems to Ukraine. Read more

November 28, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the ultimate goal for North Korea is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear strategic force and eventually build the world's strongest army. Read more

November 28, 2022 - China has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2028 and then land astronauts several years later. The base will likely be powered by a nuclear reactor. Read more

November 23, 2022 - Iran has reached 60 percent uranium enrichment purity at its Fordow nuclear plant, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday. Read more

November 21, 2022 - The South Korean military has put out a statement saying that they do not have any new information on the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea recently launched. The North claims that it was a Hwasong-17 missile, but thus far the South Korean military have not been able to verify the claim. Read more

November 20, 2022 - A 2.0 earthquake hit near North Korea's Pungye-ri nuclear test site, but was found to be likely a naturally occurring earthquake, and not that of nuclear testing, according to South Korea's weather agency. Read more

November 19, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the latest ICBM test, vowed that if enemies continue to pose threats, the North Korean government will react with nukes. Read more

November 18, 2022 - North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (#ICBM) that flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 kilometers (3790 miles) at a speed of Mach 22. Read more

November 17, 2022 - The South Korean military has reported that the North launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) towards its eastern waters after threatening to respond with 'fiercer military responses' to the United States as a result of efforts by the United States to increase military presence on and near the Korean Peninsula. Read more

November 16, 2022 - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the missile strike in Poland only proves that the West is "approaching a world war," and that the West wants to "wage war on Russia by all means against Russia", and that talking about Russian missiles falling into Poland is a "provocation" with the intent on escalating the conflict. Read more

November 16, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that although the missile that landed in Poland and killed two people was "likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile" that it was "not Ukraine's fault". Read more

November 16, 2022 - Reuters reported that U.S. President Joe Biden told the G7 and NATO partners that "a missile blast in Poland was caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile", according to a NATO source who reportedly spoke to Reuters. Read more

November 16, 2022 - Article 5 is not automatic, it needs to be agreed upon. It is unlikely alliance members will agree on article 5 if it was accidental, which thus far it looks to be. If it is found that it was intentional, however, the likelihood of article 5 will increase tremendously. Read more

November 07, 2022 - The United States is able to respond quickly to a North Korean nuclear test if necessary, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said on Friday. Read more

November 07, 2022 - On Saturday, November 5th the Iranian Revolutionary Guard tested a satellite launch vehicle that Washington has speculated could also launch nuclear warheads. Read more

November 06, 2022 - China launched its third and last component for its Tiangong space station on October 31st, completing construction of the station. Read more

November 06, 2022 - Both Finland and Sweden say they will be deciding issues on nuclear weapons only after they are officially accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but that they do not seek any opt-outs or preconditions for joining the alliance, they said at a press briefing in Helsinki. Read more

November 05, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the western sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military. Read more

November 03, 2022 - North Korea launched at least four more ballistic missiles into the sea today, after launching at least 26 ballistic missiles including one ICBM the day before that triggered Japan's J-alert system and stopped trains from running in space Japan. Read more

November 03, 2022 - North Korea launched at least 26 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over the last 24 hours, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard, including one suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). One missile is reported to have flown over Japan, activating Japan's J-alert system. Read more

November 02, 2022 - Norway has reportedly raised its military alert level after unmanned aerial (UAV) drones were sighted over the last few weeks around Norway's oil and gas fields and airports, which has led to at least seven arrests of Russian citizens. Read more

November 02, 2022 - North Korea launched at least 23 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over a 6-hour period of time, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard. Read more

October 31, 2022 - Both Poland and Finland may be interested in participating in NATO's nuclear sharing program, which would give both countries access to deploying nuclear weapons in their territory, and allow NATO to establish bases within their borders. Poland interested, Finland more reserved on the matter. Read more

October 30, 2022 - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read more

October 29, 2022 - *UPDATES* The United States said during a closed meeting with NATO that it will be accelerating the deployment of an upgraded version of the B61-12 air-dropped thermonuclear "gravity bomb" to European bases in December, which is a few months earlier than was originally planned. Read more

October 28, 2022 - The International Space Station was forced to ignite a thruster in order to move the space station away from debris created from a Russian anti-missile test in 2021. Read more

October 28, 2022 - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea have vowed that there would be an unparalleled response if North Korea carries out an expected 7th nuclear test, and have urged North Korea to refrain from provocations. Read more

October 28, 2022 - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the location of the Tongchon, Kangwon province, according to the South Korean military. The US Indo-Pacific Command put out a statement saying that they are aware of the missile launches. Read more

October 26, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the launches of ballistic and cruise missiles on Wednesday as part of Russia's yearly "Grom" nuclear exercises, as NATO holds simultaneous nuclear exercises. Read more

October 25, 2022 - *New Information* - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the US and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read more

October 24, 2022 - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the United States and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read more

October 22, 2022 - The Ukrainian National Resistance Center has claimed that three Russian aircraft capable of equipping and launching hypersonic missiles were spotted over Minsk, Belarus on Sunday. Read more

October 21, 2022 - The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-1B supersonic bombers that arrived in Guam this week is a show of strength in order to deter "potential provocations," after North Korea carried out a series of ballistic missile tests, and fired into the buffer zone with the South. Read more

October 20, 2022 - "On October 19th, General Michael "Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, conducted a visit aboard the USS West Virginia, a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine at an undisclosed location at sea in international waters in the Arabian Sea. Read more

October 17, 2022 - The United States deployed four bombers from South Dakota to the Andersen AFB, in Guam ahead of North Korea's expected nuclear test, as well as recent provocations. Read more

October 17, 2022 - SEOUL - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has been on "24-hour standby" as North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test "at any time," according to South Korean officials. The following is a situation overview on North and South Korea over the last 7 months. Read more

October 16, 2022 - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Thursday that he is looking carefully at "extended deterrence" options as North Korea tests ballistic missiles that it says were intended to simulate a tactical nuclear weapon strike on South Korea. Read more

October 16, 2022 - Russia is transferring dual-equipped Iskander-M missile systems with conventional missiles to Belarus, and converting Belarusian SU-25 jets with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, but it is 'not planned' to equip Belarus with actual nuclear warheads. Read more

October 15, 2022 - EUROPE - NATO put out a statement on Friday saying that it would be launching its annual nuclear exercises "Steadfast Noon". NATO also said that it will be monitoring Russia's own upcoming nuclear exercise very closely. Read more

October 14, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD - At around 1:47 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the east from the suburbs of Pyongyang Read more

October 14, 2022 - FRANCE - During a live interview on France 2 Wednesday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that if Russia chooses to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, France would not be responding with nuclear weapons. Read more

October 13, 2022 - *Updated* South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has reported that North Korea has launched another ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flown military aircraft toward the South Korean border. Read more

October 13, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles Thursday, according to the country's state media, saying that it was a test in order to confirm reliability and operation of nuclear-capable missiles. Read more

October 12, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un released a statement on the 77th anniversary of its ruling Worker's Party that said that the North's recent ballistic missile launches have been to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons for "hit and wipe out" potential. Read more

October 10, 2022 - White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed U.S. President Joe Biden's comments regarding the "prospect of Armageddon" on Sunday, saying that the President's statement reflects "the very high stakes that are in play”, in relation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats. Read more

October 10, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the military training of tactical nuclear weapon units, according to the country's state media KCNA. Read more

October 09, 2022 - According to the ASPR government website, The U.S. Government has purchased $290 million worth of Nplate, from Amgen USA Inc. "as part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies." Read more

October 09, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD (Translated from Japanese)- "North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the east from near the east coast of North Korea at 1:00 today. We are currently analyzing the details, but it is estimated that it fell in the Sea of ​​Japan.." Read more

October 09, 2022 - US Indo-Pacific Command Statement On North Korean Launches: We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read more

October 09, 2022 - North Korea has fired two more short-range missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to the South Korean military. Read more

October 07, 2022 - A U.N. Panel stated Friday that North Korea spent the first half of 2022 advancing its missile programs, and preparing for a possible nuclear test. Read more

October 07, 2022 - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko: Moscow and Minsk will think about the response to the nuclear threat in Poland. Read more

October 07, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Read more

October 05, 2022 - North Korea has reportedly fired another "unspecified" ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to Japan's Coast Guard, the South Korean military and South Korea's news agency Yonhap, which is reporting multiple ballistic missiles. Read more

October 05, 2022 - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the US and South Korea held live-fire missile drills, during which one missile malfunctioned and crashed down inside the Air Force base in Gangneung. Read more

October 05, 2022 - A malfunctioned Hyumoo-2 ballistic missile fired by South Korea crashed inside the ground of an air force base in Gangneung on Wednesday during live-fire missile drills with the United States Read more

October 3, 2022 - The Japanese government has issued a warning saying that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile toward Japan Read more

October 3, 2022 - If Russian President Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons, the US and its allies "would destroy Russia’s troops and equipment in Ukraine and will sink its Black Sea fleet," former CIA director and retired four-star general for the United States Army David Petraeus stated in an interview Sunday. Read more

October 01, 2022 - North Korea has fired a four rounds of ballistic missiles in less than a week, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 30, 2022 - North Korea has fired another two ballistic missiles, in their fourth round of missile tests in a week, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 29, 2022 - North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 28, 2022 - Hurricane Ian view via null school wind surface map. Hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm with a current wind speed of 140mph. Read more

September 27, 2022 - Russian official Medvedev said that the United States would not intervene even if Russia uses the "most formidable weapon," and said the country has the right to use nuclear weapons "if necessary," and said that it is "certainly not a bluff". Read more

September 25, 2022 - Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read more

September 24, 2022 - North Korea has reportedly fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 17, 2022 - CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that although we should not underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine, the CIA has no concrete evidence that Russia is planning to use "weapons of mass destruction". Read more

September 14, 2022 - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read more

September 12, 2022 - Additions to North Korea's nuclear force policy say that a nuclear attack could commence "automatically and immediately" if the leader Kim Jong Un is either killed or incapacitated by an attack. Read more

September 07, 2022 - PYONGYANG - North Korean state news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has said that military drills by the United States and South Korea have increased the possibility of "nuclear war" on the "Korean Peninsula". Read more

September 03, 2022 - NASA made a second attempt to launch the Artemis 1 SLS on Saturday, but a hydrogen fuel leak was detected in the gas line that perplexed technicians. NASA's engineers discovered problems with one of the gas lines as fuel was actively being loaded. Read more

August 30, 2022 - A rare supertyphoon named Hinnamnor has formed over the space part of the Pacific ocean. This tropical cyclone is currently located east of Okinawa and is presently heading southwest at a speed of around 20 miles per hour. Read more

August 17, 2022 - Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on August 16th. Read more

August 09, 2022 - Russia stated on Monday, August 8th that they would no longer allow inspection of weapons under the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty for an unspecified time due to restrictions on travel implemented by the United States and the west. Read more

August 08, 2022 - US ARMED FORCES long-range missile support specialists have selected Northrop Grumman Corporation to attend to the next Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapons system process to shield the Continental US from nuclear long-range missile assaults. Read more

August 04, 2022 - At the United Nations, Russia said that although the conflict in Ukraine does not require the use of nuclear weapons, Moscow might decide to resort to a nuclear response as a result of what it says is direct involvement in its conflict with Ukraine by the United States. Read more

August 01, 2022 - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years. Read more

August 01, 2022 - An Iranian IRGC-affiliated Telegram channel has posted a video openly declaring that Iran can move its peaceful nuclear program to a nuclear weapons program very quickly, and said that Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of turning New York into ruins. Read more

North Korean Statement: Leader Guides Mounting Nuclear Warheads on Ballistic Missiles, Underwater Strategic Weapon System Test Held - North Korean state media reports Kim Jong Un guided the mounting of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27th. The North's Academy of Defense Science conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25 to 27. See All Alerts

North Korean state media KCNA: "Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), guided the work for mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27".

North Korean state media statement regarding underwater strategic weapon system test: "The Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK [North Korea] conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25 to 27.

The underwater nuclear attack drone "Haeil-1", deployed for the test in Wonsan Bay on the afternoon of March 25, reached the target point in the waters off Hwadae County of North Hamgyong Province on the morning of March 27 after cruising along an jagged and oval course simulating the distance of the 600 kilometers in the East Sea of Korea for 41 hours and 27 minutes and correctly set off the test warhead underwater.

Through the test, all tactical and technical specifications and underwater navigational and technical indices were correctly estimated and the reliability and safety of the weapon system were verified."

North Korea Launches 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Into The East Sea - PYONGYANG - Initial Report: North Korea has launched 2 short-range ballistic missiles, according to the South Korean military. The Japanese Prime Minister's office also reported a launch from the North. See All Alerts

Both missiles are believed to have fallen outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) according to Japan's Ministry of Defense.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that a ballistic missile was launched by the North "into the East Sea", according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap.

The two ballistic missiles were launched from near the west coast of North Korea and fell outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone, according to a statement by the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

The missiles flew at an irregular trajectory and were launched at around 7:47 am and 7:57 am with the analysis by the Japanese military still ongoing.

Each missile reached a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and flew a distance of around 350 kilometers (217 miles).

The Defense Ministry said that this is the 8th time that North Korea has launched a ballistic missile this month, and the 11th time this year, including the cruise missiles announced by both North Korea and South Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister's Office Statement

PM’s instructions (07:50): 1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies.

North Korea Claims It Tested Underwater Nuclear Capable "Tsunami" Drone - PYONGYANG - North Korea has claimed that it tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone with the ability to create a radioactive wave, or "tsunami" capable of taking out naval strike groups and ports. See All Alerts

A translated statement released by North Korean state news agency KCNA said that the test was due to the "intentional, persistent and provocative" joint "war drills" between the United States and South Korea around the Korean Peninsula, which it says has driven the "military and political situation" of the region to an "irreversibly dangerous point".

The statement added that the "dangerous nature" of the "confrontational hysteria" of the United States and South Korea is "unprecedented in history", and reiterated its stance that the joint exercise is actually a drill for "occupying" North Korea.

It went on to say that the exercises being carried out are in defiance of the "repeated stern warnings by the DPRK [North Korean] government, army and its people.

It also said that the "war scenario" being played out in the joint exercise are based on the deployment of "huge nuclear strategic assets" which "urgently require" that North Korea make its entire armed forces gird themselves for an "all out war" and bolster up its nuclear force.

In response, the statement said, The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) is "energetically" bolstering its war deterrence for "self-defense" in order to strengthen the country's "defense posture" in every way and "promptly counter" and "thoroughly control and manage" any nuclear war threats and challenges "by the enemy".

The WPK organized a combined tactical drill simulating a nuclear counterattack, it continued, and commanded drills from March 21st to March 23rd, 2023 to serve "as a demonstration" of its military attack capability to "alert the enemy" of an actual nuclear crisis and verify the reliability of its nuclear force for "self-defense".

It then said that a new underwater attack weapon system test was carried out from March 21st to March 23rd with a weapon that the country's "scientific research institute" has been developing since 2012.

It said that the "secret" weapon it tested is an "underwater nuclear strategic attack weapon system based on a new operational concept, studying warfare in the new era and defining the orientation of the development of the self-defense capabilities to outpace the military and technical superiority of the imperialist aggressor forces".

"The mission of the underwater nuclear strategic weapon is to stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make a super-scale radioactive tsunami through underwater explosion to destroy naval striker groups and major operational ports of the enemy," the statement read.

"This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation," it added.

The statement went on to say, "The underwater nuclear attack drone, which was deployed for a drill off the coast of Riwon County of South Hamgyong Province on Tuesday, reached the target point in the waters off Hongwon Bay set as a mock enemy port with its test warhead detonating underwater on Thursday afternoon after cruising along an oval and pattern-8 course at an underwater depth of 80 to 150 meters in the East Sea of Korea for 59 hours and 12 minutes".

It said on March 22nd, a launching drill was carried out where the strategic cruise missile was tipped with a test warhead simulating a nuclear warhead.

"Two "Hwasal-1"-type strategic cruise missiles and two "Hwasal-2"-type strategic cruise missiles, launched in Jakdo-dong, Hungnam District, Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province, accurately hit the target set in the East Sea of Korea after flying on their programmed 1 500km- and 1 800km-long oval and pattern-8 orbits for 7 557 to 7 567 seconds and 9 118 to 9 129 seconds respectively," the statement said.

North Korea Fires Multiple Cruise Missiles Toward East Sea - North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday from the Hamhung region of North Korea's east coast, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). See All Alerts

The missile firing comes as the United States and South Korea continue the 11-day long Freedom Shield joint military exercise that North Korea claims is preparation for an invasion on the North.

In a press release regarding the Warrior Shield exercise, the JCS said, "Under the firm combined defense posture, our military will successfully wrap up the FS and continue to carry out the ongoing Warrior Shield in a high-intensity manner".

Japan: North Korea Has Launched A Short-Range Ballistic Missile - The Japanese Prime Minister's Office has reported that North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile on Sunday as the United States and South Korea carry out joint military drills that North Korea claims is a rehearsal for an invasion on the country. See More Alerts

The South Korean military has confirmed that a ballistic missile was fired from North Korea toward the East Sea.

South Korean news agency Yonhap has cited the South Korean military as stating that the missile flew around 800 kilometers (497 miles).

North Korean state news agency KCNA released a statement entitled: "March 18 Revolution" on March 19th that said, "The untiring efforts and devotion of the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un, who energetically led the development of Juche-oriented strategic weapons under the uplifted banner of the great line of simultaneously developing the two fronts, brought about the "March 18 revolution" - the accomplishment of the historic great cause of completing the state nuclear forces".

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Nuclear Power Plant In Minnesota Leaks 400,000 Gallons Of Radioactive Water - MINNESOTA, USA - 400,000 gallons of radioactive water leaked from a nuclear power plant at the Xcel Energy plant in Monticello, Minnesota last fall, but was not disclosed to the public because the plant said that it posed no health or safety risk to the public. See Full Article

In a statement released on Friday, Xcel said that the leak "is contained and poses no risk to local community or environment, as confirmed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines".

North Korea Claims Thursday's ICBM Test Was A Hwasong-17 - North Korean state media claims that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test that the country carried out on Thursday was a Hwasong-17. Photos of the launch posted by KCNA show the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter with him watching the test launch. See All Alerts

The state media also claimed that the missile launch was a direct response to the "provocative and invasive large-scale drills by the United States and South Korea" that began this week.

South Korea: North Korea Fired Long-Range ICBM - SEOUL - The Japanese Ministry of Defense now says that the missile launched by North Korea was a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and that the details are "currently under analysis".See All Alerts

The South Korean military has released their own assessment on the missile fired by North Korea, saying that it was a long-range ballistic missile and was fired toward the East Sea, which was fired just hours before leaders of South Korea and Japan were set to meet in order to discuss the regional threat posed by North Korea.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that it detected the missile as launching from the Sunan area in Pyongyang at 7:10 in the morning.

The JCS put out a statement that said, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".

The South Korean military said that the long-range missile flew at a lofted angle for about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Yonhap put out a statement that said, "There will be a price to pay for North Korea's provocation... Intensive ROK-US joint training," and in another article said that the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korea of consequences for the provocations.

IAEA: 2.5 Tons Of Uranium Missing From Libyan Nuclear Site - LIBYA - Inspections carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have found that 2.5 tons of natural uranium are missing from an unnamed Libyan site that is not under the control of the Libyan government. See All Alerts & News

The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi released a confidential statement to member states that Reuters reports to have seen that talk of the findings of an inspection that was originally planned for the previous year, but "had to be postponed because of the security situation in the region," according to the Reuters report.

The postponed inspection was finally carried out on Tuesday, according to the IAEA statement, which was one page long according to Reuters.

The statement said that inspectors, "found that 10 drums containing approximately 2.5 tons of natural uranium in the form of UOC (uranium ore concentrate) previously declared by (Libya) ... as being stored at that location were not present at the location".

The IAEA said that they would be carrying out "further activities" in order to determine how and why the uranium was taken from the site, but the statement reportedly did not state what site the uranium had been taken from.

"The loss of knowledge about the present location of nuclear material may present a radiological risk, as well as nuclear security concerns," the statement said.

Japan: North Korea Launched Ballistic Missile - JAPAN - Initial Report: The Japanese Prime Minister's office released a statement that said that North Korea has launched a "suspected ballistic missile". The Japanese Ministry of Defense then released a statement confirming that a ballistic missile was launched from the west coast of North Korea, toward the east. See All Alerts & News

The Japanese Ministry of Defense statement estimated that the missile will fall outside of Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), about 550 kilometers (342 miles) east of the Korean Peninsula at around 8:18 local time.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense released the following statement regarding the launch (message has been translated):[Translation] "At around 7:09 today, a single ballistic missile was launched from the west coast of North Korea toward the east. As it is currently in flight, it may change in the future, but at this time, it is estimated that it will fall outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), about 550 km east of the Korean Peninsula, at around 8:18".

The office also released the following Prime Minister's instructions:

1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies.

Russia: We View US Drone's Black Sea Flight As Provocation And It Had No Business Being Near Russia - MOSCOW - The Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said that Russia views the U.S. drone flight in the Black Sea as a "real provocation" and said that it was flying with its "transponders off" and "entered into the zone of the special military operation" which is the term Russia uses for its war in Ukraine. Get All Alerts

Antonov spoke to reporters after speaking to the U.S. Department of State, after being summoned regarding the incident, saying that the United States "provoked" Russia to "take a certain action" so that the US could accuse Moscow and Russia's military of being "non-professional".

"The aircraft was flying with its transponders off, and it entered the zone of the special military operation. It [the information about the zone] was made public via international channels. We, Russia, have warned everyone about it. I think this was a real provocation," he said.

He also added, "We consider this incident a provocation".

Russian aircraft collides into US unmanned system in international waters - "Two Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted an unsafe and unprofessional intercept with a U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace over the Black Sea today. See All Alerts

At approximately 7:03 AM (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to have to bring the MQ-9 down in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional.

“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa. “In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”

“U.S. and Allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely,” Hecker added.

This incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots while interacting with U.S. and Allied aircraft over international airspace, including over the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa routinely fly aircraft throughout Europe over sovereign territory and throughout international airspace in coordination with applicable host nation and international laws. In order to bolster collective European defense and security, these missions support Allied, partner, and U.S. national objectives."

North Korea Fires 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea - SOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea a day after the United States and South Korea began carrying out a combined military exercise, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Subscribe To All Alerts And Intel

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the short-range ballistic missiles were launched from the Jangyon region in the Hwanghae Province between 7:41 in the morning to 7:51 in the morning.

In a text message sent to South Korean reporters, the JCS said, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance in preparation against the possibility of additional launches, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".

US And South Korea Carry Out Combined Exercise After North Fires Two Cruise Missiles From Submarine - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea began carrying out another combined military exercise in the Indo-Pacific called "Freedom Shield" that was announced on March 2nd by the United States Forces Korea after North Korea launched two cruise missiles from a submarine the day before. Subscribe To All Alerts And Intel

The statement from United States Forces Korea posted early in March said that Freedom Shield was set to begin on March 13th, 2023, and would be conducted "over an 11-day period" which will involve integrating elements of "live exercises" with "constructive simulations".

South Korean news agency Yonhap cited Seoul officials as saying that the simulations will consist of "realistic scenarios reflective of the North's evolving nuclear and missile threats" in the region, and is to "proceed with the concurrent field training exercise, called the Warrior Shield".

A statement released by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of staff said, "The combined exercise is a defensive one based on a combined operational plan designed to defend the ROK from potential North Korean aggression".

Regarding Warrior Shield, the statement by US Forces Korea said, "In addition to FS23, several combined field training exercises (FTX), collectively called Warrior Shield FTX, will also be taking place around the Korean Peninsula".

The purpose of the Warrior Shield training, according to the statement, is to "further enhance the ROK and U.S. militaries’ cooperation through air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations, and improve upon tactics, techniques and procedures".

U.S. strategic bombers and ROK fighters conduct combined air training

USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea - U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys - The Republic of Korea Air Force and the United States Air Force conducted a combined air training event with the redeployment of the U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress over the Korean Peninsula today.

In the latest U.S.-ROK combined air training event, ROK Air Force F-15s and F-16s escorted the U.S. B-52 strategic bomber as it entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone and conducted combined flight operations.

The training offered the alliance an opportunity to improve interoperability between the ROK and the U.S. by demonstrating a combined defense capability and providing extended deterrence in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.

The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity through the region to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific, and our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea remains ironclad.

U.S. strategic bombers and ROK fighters conduct combined air training

(FS23) March 13, 2023. The word 'Freedom' in the name refers to the strong will in protecting freedom as an immutable value of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and 'Shield' symbolizes the defensive nature of the exercise.

The exercise will be conducted over an 11-day period and will integrate elements of "live exercises" with constructive simulations.

Participating units will include personnel from the ROK Military, United States Forces Korea (USFK), United Nations Command (UNC), and subordinate component commands under CFC, along with augmented, civilian personnel and representatives of the United Nations sending states.

The exercise will include but not be limited to lessons learned from current and ongoing conflicts to increase the units’ combat readiness and combined defense posture, as well as strengthen the security and stability on the Korean peninsula and across Northeast Asia.

In addition to FS23, several combined field training exercises (FTX), collectively called Warrior Shield FTX, will also be taking place around the Korean Peninsula. The name Warrior Shield stands for the ROK-US Alliance's ability and resolution to solidify their combined defense posture to defend the ROK.

The purpose of the training for Warrior Shield FTX is to further enhance the ROK and U.S. militaries’ cooperation through air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations, and improve upon tactics, techniques, and procedures.

The ROK-U.S. Alliance remains at a high level of readiness and continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture. All professional militaries train using routine and continuously executed events to maintain proficiency, credibility, and trust.

Freedom Shield 23 is the latest example of that training and the ironclad commitment to support and defend the ROK sovereignty from any threat or adversary.

North Korea Launched Two Strategic Cruise Missiles From Submarine - PYONGYANG - North Korea announced that they launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine underwater on Sunday. The missiles flew about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) for about 125 minutes (7,563 to 7,575 seconds). See All Alerts

According to a translated version of the article by Voice of Korea, the submarine that launched the missile was called "August 24 Hero Warship" and was mobilized for a drill before launching two strategic cruise missiles "at the waters off the Kyongpho Bay off the East Sea of Korea".

A translated report by South Korean news agency Yonhap said: "N. Korea says it fired two 'strategic cruise missiles' from submarine Sunday," along a "figure-8 shaped flight orbit simulating the distance of 1,500 kilometers set on the East Sea of Korea and hit the target".

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff released a statement on Monday that said it had detected the missile launch from a North Korean submarine near the country's eastern port city of Sinpo on Sunday.

South Korean and United States intelligence agencies are analyzing the details of the missile launch, according to South Korean authorities.

Voice of Korea said that the drill "confirmed the reliability of the weapon system" and "inspected and judged the operational posture of the underwater-to-ground attack of the submarine units," and said that the submarine launch "served its purpose".

DOD: Russia Reportedly Supplying Enriched Plutonium to China - Department of Defense: Various open-source outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors, said a U.S official during a posture hearing today at the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. See All Alerts

Fake Nuclear Strike Alert Went Out To Russians - There is a seemingly fake nuclear alert that went out alerting Russians about a nuclear strike. The alert looks to be a cyber-attack. The graphics are sleek, meant for visual effects, and have fabricated distortion. This is not something you'd likely find in a legitimate broadcast. See All Alerts

UPDATE - Russian Interfax has confirmed it was a "false air raid warning" due to "server hacking". The fake alert told Russians to take anti-radiation (potassium iodide) pills and head to the nearest bomb shelter.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry said that the message was due to a false alarm as a result of a cyberattack. This is the third cyberattack on Russian stations in the past month, but it is the first that gave instructions to Russians to take anti-radiation pills.

North Korea Fires Short-range Ballistic Missile Toward Yellow Sea - SEOUL - North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). See All Alerts

The JCS said that they detected that a short-range missile was launched from North Korea's port city of Nampo at 6:20 pm local time.

In a text message sent to reporters, the JCS said, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".

US Intelligence Repeats Warning That North Korea Likely To Conduct Nuclear Test - A U.S. intelligence report on Wednesday reiterated earlier warnings, as well as a warning in the 2023 Annual Threat Assessment that North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test. South Korea has said that it could be carried out at any time. Get All Alerts

The report, which was released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said, "Kim almost certainly views nuclear weapons and ICBMs as the ultimate guarantor of his autocratic rule and has no intention of abandoning those programs, believing that over time he will gain international acceptance as a nuclear power".

It added that "North Korea is using its nuclear-capable missile program to try to establish strategic dominance over South Korea and U.S. forces in the region by pursuing missiles probably aimed at defeating missile defenses on the peninsula and the region and issuing threats to militarily respond to any perceived attacks against its sovereignty".

North Korea Claims US, South Korea Simulating Nuclear Strikes So It Can Strike Its Bases - PYONGYANG - A statement released by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the United States and South Korea are carrying out simulations of nuclear strikes and are planning a "surprise strike" against "major deep strategic [North Korean] bases". More Alerts

The statement said: "Recently, the United States and south Korea are heating up the situation on the Korean peninsula to an extremely dangerous level with threatening rhetoric and military demonstrations against the DPRK.

"According to reports, on the 3rd, the United States and South Korea mobilized various strategic equipment that they claim to be superior, such as the strategic bomber "B-1B" and unmanned combat aircraft "MQ-9 Reaper", and conducted the fourth joint air strike over the West Sea of ​​Korea this year. training was extended.

Prior to this, the US and the south Korean military department held a “exercise on the operation of extended deterrence measures” simulating the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK and even announced a press release mentioning the “end of the regime” in the DPRK.

Even now, the US does not hide the fact that it is carrying out special operations training for the purpose of a surprise strike against major deep strategic bases in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in alliance with south Korea."

Hazmat Incident In Midtown Manhattan, New York - NEW YORK - A "hazmat incident" has occurred in Midtown Manhattan, New York on the corner of East 56th Street and Sutton. More Alerts

The local Fox 5 New York news agency reported that the scene is now considered to be "secure" by officials, and that the hazmat material has "not yet been identified".

The news agency stated there were reports that one woman was found "unconscious", though there are multiple other as of yet unverified reports claiming that she was found dead.

It also said that there were initial reports of "erroneous information" that multiple people were hurt, including NYPD officers and an emergency responder, but later corrected this error.

North Korea: Development of Satellites Propelled in DPRK - PYONGYANG - On March 6th, the North Korean National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) said that it has made "steady progress" regarding the development of its satellite program, and has "succeeded" in developing a high-thrust engine carrier rocket in order to launch it into space. More Alerts

The statement released by North Korean state news agency KCNA said, "The DPRK has made steady progress in the work to put the satellite on a multi-functional and high-performance basis and improve its reliability. It succeeded in developing high-thrust engine for carrier rocket and thus provided a sure guarantee for launching various kinds of satellites into relevant orbits."

It added, "The work to introduce the space sci-tech achievements into various fields including agriculture, fishery, meteorological observation, communication, natural resources exploration, land management and disaster prevention is getting brisk to give a strong impetus to the comprehensive development of socialist construction."

"All these successes foretell the bright future of the DPRK's space development."

North Korea Strategic Cruise Missile Firing Exercise - PYONGYANG - North Korea launched "four strategic" Arrow-2 type cruise missiles from the area of Kimchaek City, North Hamgyong Province to the East Sea of Korea, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA. Get More Alerts (And Earlier)

"A strategic cruise missile firing exercise was conducted at dawn on February 23," KCNA reported, adding that "the launch training successfully achieved its purpose".

The news agency reported that the four strategic cruise missiles flew in an "elliptical and 8 shaped flight trajectory" for 10.2 seconds, "simulating the distance line set in the EAst Sea of Korea".

"The Republic's nuclear combat force, which is strengthening its lethal nuclear counterattack capability against the hostile forces in every way, clearly demonstrated once again the state of war," KCNA stated. Read Full Statement

Russia Suspends START Nuclear Treaty With United States - MOSCOW - The Russian Foreign Ministry has released a statement declaring that the START nuclear treaty, which is the only nuclear treaty in effect between the United States and Russia, suspended, saying that the U.S. is "weakening" the security of the Russian Federation, and causing a political and economic "suffocation" of Russia.Subscribe To All Alerts

The Foreign Ministry said however,, "At the same time, in order to maintain a sufficient degree of predictability and stability in the nuclear missile sphere, Russia intends to adhere to a responsible approach and will continue to strictly comply with the quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms stipulated by it within the life cycle of the Treaty".

"In addition, the Russian side will continue to participate in the exchange of notifications with the American side on launches of ICBMs and SLBMs on the basis of the relevant agreement between the USSR and the USA in 1988."

"The decision to suspend the START may be reversible. To do this, Washington must show political will, make conscientious efforts for a general de-escalation and create conditions for the resumption of the full functioning of the Treaty and, accordingly, comprehensively ensuring its viability. We urge the American side to do just that. Until then, any steps we take towards Washington in the context of START are absolutely out of the question".

South Korea: North Fired Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles In East Sea - SEOUL - South Korean news agency Yonhap has reported (translated) that North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea in response to the joint "flight training" by the United States and South Korea the previous day. Get Alerts Earlier

North Korea has claimed that the SRBM is a 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher capable of a nuclear attack and threatens to devastate the enemy's operational airfield with four projectiles.

North Korean news agency KCNA stated, "The corresponding radiation artillery division of the long-range artillery unit of the Western Front of the Korean People's Army conducted a radiation firing drill at 7:00 in the morning of the 20th." , and fired two projectiles into the East Sea".

KCNA said that the rocket launcher is, "the latest multiple-shot precision attack weapon system of our military, and is a tactical nuclear strike tool that boasts formidable power enough to allocate 1 to 4 shots per enemy's operational airfield."

“At the presentation ceremony held at the end of December of last year, the Academy of Defense Sciences and the Nuclear Weapons Research Institute expressed a firm view that, against the power of multiple rocket launchers, the explosive power of four rounds could devastate the enemy’s operational airfield to paralyze it."

"Through today's shooting exercise using super-large multiple rocket launchers, a means of tactical nuclear attack, the Korean People's Army's thorough deterrence readiness and will to respond to the combined air force capabilities of the United States and South Korea, which pride themselves on air supremacy, were fully demonstrated."

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that it had "captured" two short-range ballistic missiles that had been launched into the East Sea from around Sukcheon, South Pyongan Province at around 7:00 am to 7:11 am local time.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, ""Our military is maintaining a full readiness posture while closely cooperating with the United States while strengthening surveillance and vigilance".

Yonhap said that the "super-large" launcher is a weapon that belongs to the category of short-range ballistic missiles because it "has a guidance function" and flies in a trajectory similar to that of a ballistic missile.

Nuclear Inspectors Detect 84% Purity Enriched Uranium In Iran - TEHRAN - International nuclear inspectors have detected 84% enriched uranium in Iran, "just below" the level needed to manufacture a nuclear weapon. Get All Alerts

Iran had told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that its centrifuges were only configured to reach a purity of 60%, conflicting with the recent findings.

The level of enriched uranium needed to manufacture a nuclear warhead is around 90% enrichment purity.

In January of 2023, Israeli military's outgoing Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi had said that Iran had enough enriched uranium to produce four nuclear bombs.

In November of 2022, the IAEA said that Iran had reached 60% uranium enrichment purity at its Fordow nuclear plant.

In July of 2022, an IRGC affiliated Telegram channel had posted a video declaring that Iran can move its "peaceful nuclear program to a nuclear weapons program" very quickly, and said that Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of "turning New York into hellish ruins".

North Korean ICBM Lands In Japan's EEC, Near Hokkaido - JAPAN - An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC), near Hokkaido according to Japan's Prime Minister, and the NHK news agency. For Live Alerts

Japanese officials say the North Korean missile was launched towards the east at 5:21 pm on Saturday, and landed in the ocean at about 6:27 pm west of Oshima-oshima in Hokkaido.

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch

"We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners.

The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from any further unlawful and destabilizing acts.

While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we will continue to monitor the situation.

The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad."

US Military Tracked Balloon As It Left China, Before It Entered US Mainland - "The U.S. military had been tracking the first balloon that it shot down for about a week as it left China on a heading toward Guam and Hawaii, before making a sharp turn north towards Alaska. Read Full Article

Central Command: US Forces Shoot Down Iranian-Manufactured UAV In Syria - US CENTRAL COMMAND: "On February 14th, at approximately 2:30 PM local time, US forces in Syria engaged and shot down an Iranian-manufactured UAV attempting to conduct reconnaissance of Mission Support Site Conoco, a patrol base in northeast Syria." See Photos & Get All Alerts

US Airstrike Kills 12 al-Shabaab Fighters In Somalia - AFRICOM: A U.S. Airstrike has killed at least 12 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia. The airstrike was carried out around 28 miles from northeast Mogadishu, according to U.S. Africa Command. Sign up for Live News Alerts.

The Statement By AFRICOM said, "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike Feb 10, 2023.

“The initial assessment is the strike killed 12 al Shabaab fighters. Given the remote location of the operation, the command assesses that no civilians were injured or killed," the statement added.

It also said that the airstrike was carried out at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, and in support of the Somali National Army.

General Michael Langley, the AFRICOM commander said, "U.S. Africa Command provides support to the Somali government to address terrorist threats, but we are only part of the U.S. efforts there".

He added, “Our Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development colleagues have programs that help build resilience through education and training; develop agricultural diversity; improve markets and trade; and strengthen democracy and good governance".

Live Pentagon Update On Latest Objects Shot Down Over United States - Watch Live Pentagon update on the latest objects shot down over North America by the United States Air Force. Watch Now.

DoD Statement On Shoot-Down Of Airborne Object Over Lake Huron, Michigan - The following is a statement by the Department of Defense on the "successful" shoot down of an "airborne object" flying at about 20,000 feet in altitude in U.S. airspace over Lake Huron in the state of Michigan.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "Today at 2:42 p.m., at the direction of President Biden, and based on the recommendations of Secretary Austin and military leadership, an F-16 fired an AIM9x to successfully shoot down an airborne object flying at approximately 20,000 feet altitude in U.S. airspace over Lake Huron in the State of Michigan. Its path and altitude raised concerns, including that it could be a hazard to civil aviation.

The location chosen for this shoot down afforded us the opportunity to avoid impact to people on the ground while improving chances for debris recovery. There are no indications of any civilians hurt or otherwise affected.

North American Aerospace Defense Command detected the object Sunday morning and has maintained visual and radar tracking of it. Based on its flight path and data we can reasonably connect this object to the radar signal picked up over Montana, which flew in proximity to sensitive DOD sites.

We did not assess it to be a kinetic military threat to anything on the ground, but assess it was a safety flight hazard and a threat due to its potential surveillance capabilities. Our team will now work to recover the object in an effort to learn more."

Latest Object Shot Down Was "Octagonal" In Shape - WASHINGTON - The latest "object" that was shot down on Sunday over Lake Huron, which is located close to the Canadian border was "octagonal shape" with "no discernable payload", Reuters cited a senior official as saying.

The report also said that the United States had "no indication" that the object shot down over Lake Huron posed a military threat, or that it had any surveillance capabilities to speak of.

Although some reports say three objects have been shot down over North America, Reuters reports that four objects have actually been downed in total.

U.S. Military Decommissioned Another "Object" Over Lake Huron - LAKE HURON - The Michigan state representative Jack Bergman released a statement saying that he has been in contact with the Department of Defense, and that the U.S. military has "decommissioned" another "object" over Lake Huron. Read Full Article

Michigan Representative Jack Bergman: "I’ve been in contact with DOD regarding operations across the Great Lakes region today. The US military has decommissioned another “object” over Lake Huron. I appreciate the decisive action by our fighter pilots. The American people deserve far more answers than we have."

FAA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reopened airspace over Lake Michigan after declaring "potential contact" with an unidentified object over the region, which NORAD declared a "radar anomaly" and deployed fighter jets to investigate.

The FAA reported that it had closed the airspace over Lake Michigan so that they could examine the "potential contact" and later determined that it posed no threat.

The FAA announced on Sunday, "Pilots who do not adhere to the following [procedure] may be intercepted, detained and interview by law enforcement or security personnel".

In another statement to Fox News Digital, the FAA said, "The FAA briefly closed some airspace over Lake Michigan to support Department of Defense activities. The airspace has been reopened".

Montana Representative Matt Rosendale released a statement that said, "I am in constant communication with NORCOM and they have just advised me that they have confidence there IS an object and it WAS NOT an anomaly. I am waiting now to receive visual confirmation. Our nation’s security is my priority".

NOTAM Activated Over Canada Due To "Active Air Defense Operation - CANADA - A NOTAM has been activated over Toronto, Canada to to an "active air defense operation".

Official NORAD Statement: About Temporary Flight Restriction In Montana - NORAD And NORTHCOM Statement: "With the cooperation of the Federal Aviation Administration, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) implemented a temporary flight restriction airspace in central Montana on Feb. 11, 2023, to ensure the safety of air traffic in the area during NORAD operations.

The restriction has been lifted. NORAD detected a radar anomaly and sent fighter aircraft to investigate.

Those aircraft did not identify any object to correlate to the radar hits. NORAD will continue to monitor the situation."

NORAD: Detected Radar Anomaly, Sent Fighter Aircraft To Investigate - National Security Reporter Natasha Bertrand: "This appears to have been a false alarm: New NORAD statement says “NORAD detected a radar anomaly and sent fighter aircraft to investigate. Those aircraft did not identify any object to correlate to the radar hits. NORAD will continue to monitor the situation.”

Representative Rosendale: Airspace Above Montana Reopened- Representative Matt Rosendale statement: "Airspace is reopened – I will remain in contact with defense officials and share more information as it becomes available. Montanans deserve answers". FAA Notice And Map

FAA Issues NOTAM over Havre, Montana Near Canadian Border - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a NOTAM over Havre, Montana, near the Canadian border, and declared the region “National Defense Airspace”. FAA Notice And Map

NORAD shoots down an unidentified object violating Canadian airspace over the Yukon with an F-22. - NORAD shoots down an unidentified object violating Canadian airspace over the Yukon with an F-22. Tweet 2

NORAD Statement on Alaskan high-altitude airborne object Shootdown: - NORAD: "February 11, 2023 U.S. Northern Command Update on Recovery Operations At the direction of the President of the United States, fighter aircraft assigned to U.S. Norther Command successfully took down a high altitude airborne object off the northern coast of Alaska at 1:45 pm Eastern Standard Time Feb. 10 within U.S. sovereign airspace over U.S. territorial water. Tweet 2

Recovery operations continue today near Deadhorse, Alaska. U.S. Northern Command's Alaska Command and the Alaska National Guard, in close coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement, are conducting search and recovery activities.

Arctic weather conditions, including wind chill, snow, and limited daylight, are a factor in this operation, and personnel will adjust recovery operations to maintain safety. Recovery activities are occurring on sea ice.

We have no further details at this time about the object, including its capabilities, purpose, or origin.

U.S. Northern Command also continues to conduct recovery operations off the coast of South Carolina following the takedown of the high-altitude surveillance balloon on Feb. 4. U.S. Northern Command's U.S. Navy component continues to conduct survey and recovery activities, and the U.S. Coast Guard continues to support site security.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to assist recovery on site and take custody of debris arriving at on-shore locations. Sea states Feb. 10 permitted dive and underwater unmanned vehicle (UUV) activities and the retrieval of additional debris from the sea floor.

The public may see U.S. Navy vessels moving to and from the site as they conduct offload and resupply activities. Operations will continue as weather permits."

Norad Tracks One Or Two More High-Altitude Objects Over Northern Canada - North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is monitoring "what appear to be" one or two objects over Canada according to a report by the Canadian Global Television Network. National security reporter Natasha Bertrand reported a high-altitude airborne object over Northern Canada. Tweet 1 | Tweet 2

Global News reported that "three security sources" told them of one or two more potential spy balloons exist, but the news agency said that they have no information on where the objects are located, or whether any decision has been made whether or not to shoot them down.

The "high-altitude" object that was taken down on Friday over the Atlantic Ocean in Alaska by the U.S. Air Force did not enter Canadian airspace, the country's Defense Minister Anita Anand said Friday in a statement.

Global News journalist Mercedes Stephenson posted a statement that said, "exclusive reporting that they have spotted another potential spy balloon. This time over Canada. The command says NORAD aircraft are in the area. “we have positively identified a high-altitude airborne object over Northern Canada”#BREAKING NORAD [email protected]".

DoD Releases Statement About Object Shot Down Over Alaska - Department of Defense Press Secretary brigadier general Pat Ryder released a statement regarding the object shot down over Alaska, as well as further details about the balloon shot down on February 4th.

He said that the object was the size of a "small car" and not similar in "size or shape to the high-altitude surveillance balloon that was taken down off the coast of South Carolina on February 4th".

"Debris that's been recovered so far is being loaded on to vessels taken ashore, cataloged, and then moved onwards to labs for subsequent analysis. And while I won't go into specifics due to classification reasons, I can say that we have located a significant amount of debris so far that will prove helpful to our further understanding of this balloon and its surveillance capabilities," Ryder said

"We have no further details about the object at this time, including any description of its capabilities, purpose or origin," Ryder added.

Statement By DoD Press Secretary

"At the direction of the President of the United States fighter aircraft assigned to the U.S. Northern Command successfully took down a high-altitude airborne object off the northern coast of Alaska at 1:45pm Eastern Standard Time today within U.S. sovereign airspace over U.S. territorial water.

On February 9th, North American Aerospace Command detected an object on ground radar and further investigated and identified the object using fighter aircraft.

The object was flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight. U.S. Northern command is beginning recovery operations now.

U.S. Northern Command's Alaska Command coordinated the operation with assistance from the Alaska international guard, Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

We have no further details about the object at this time, including any description of its capabilities, purpose or origin.

The object was about the size of a small car so not similar in size or shape to the high-altitude surveillance balloon that was taken down off the coast of South Carolina on February 4th".

Another Object Posing A "Reasonable Threat" Shot Out Of The Sky Over Alaska - WHITE HOUSE - The U.S. just shot down an object that was flying around Alaska around one hour ago, according to John Kirby. White House Video Statement

Kirby said, "a high altitude object over Alaska air space...within the last hour" that we had been tracking for "the last 24 hours," and stated, "the object posed a reasonable threat".

"I can confirm that the Department of Defense was tracking a high altitude object over Alaska airspace in the last 24 hours out. The object was flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight. Out of an abundance of caution and the recommendation of the Pentagon, President Biden ordered the military to down the object. And they did. And it came in inside our territorial waters," Kirby stated.

Kirby also said, "The way it was described to me was roughly the size of a small car as opposed to a payload that was like two or three buses sized," Kirby said.

"We do not know who owns it, whether it's state owned or corporate owned or privately owned".

Romanian Statement On Missile Launched By Russia, Crossing Into Moldova- Romania releases a statement regarding the Missile Launched By Russia, Crossing Into Moldova.

Romanian Ministry Of National Defense: "The Romanian Air Forces’ air surveillance system detected on Friday, February 10th, an aerial target launched by a Russian Federation’s ship, navigating in the Black Sea, nearby the Crimea Peninsula. The target is most likely a cruise missile, which flew over the air space of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and reentered the Ukrainian air space without ever infringing Romania’s air space.

The closest point of the aerial target’s trajectory from the Romanian air space was recorded by the radar systems to be at almost 35 kilometers North-East from the border.

The Romanian authorities have applied all standard procedures since the moment the target was detected until the complete clarification of this situation. Furthermore, at 10.38 a.m., two Romanian Air Forces’ MiG-21 LanceR Aircraft of the NATO-led Air Policing Service, which were executing a flight exercise at that moment, were redirected to the Northern area of Romania in order to increase the reaction options.

After approximately two minutes, the situation was clarified and the two aircraft resumed their initial mission.

The Romanian Air Forces are permanently monitoring, in cooperation with the Allied forces, the national air space and the immediate surrounding area."

Moldovan MOD Strongly Condemns Violation Of Its Airspace - MOLDOVA - The Moldovan Ministry of Defense released the following statement on their official Facebook account regarding the "rocket" that flew over its territory and "strongly condemned" the "violation" of its airspace.

Moldovan Ministry of Defense (translation): "In the context of the information about the rocket flying over the airspace of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Defense communicates the following:

The responsible structures within the institution detected, at 10:18, a rocket, that crossed the airspace of the Republic of Moldova, above the locality of Mocra in the Transnistrian region and later over the locality of Cosauti in the Soroca district, with the direction to Ukraine.

We mention that the Ministry of Defense, in collaboration with the responsible structures in the country, closely monitors the situation in the region, and strongly condemns the violation of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova."

The statement comes after Ukraine claimed that Russian missiles flew into NATO-allied territory.

Ukraine Claims Russian Missile Crossed Into NATO-Allied Airspace - General Valery Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine put out a statement claiming that Russian missiles flew over Romania and Moldova during a missile strike on Ukraine, crossing into NATO-allied airspace. See Images

The General's statement said, "Today, Feb 10, at 10:18 a.m., two Russian Kalibr cruise missiles crossed the state border of [Ukraine] with [Moldova] At 10:33 a.m., these missiles crossed the airspace of [Romania]. After that, the missiles again entered the airspace of [Ukraine] at the crossing point of the borders of the three states".

Pentagon: Chinese Balloons Part Of Larger Surveillance Program By China - Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder says that the Pentagon is aware of four previous balloons having gone over the United States, and that they are a part of a "larger Chinese surveillance balloon program".

Pentagon: Chinese Balloons Part Of Larger Surveillance Program By China [Video Transcript]

USNORTHCOM continues their recovery operations in support of the recent takedown of the Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon. Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary: [Only Statements About Balloon Added]:

GENERAL RYDER: "As of today, recovery operations of the balloon and the payload continue without issue. Sea states Tuesday permitted divers and explosives ordnance technicians to conduct underwater salvage and recovery, and underwater survey activities continue using unmanned underwater vehicles. The USS Carter Hall remains in the vicinity of the debris field and is leading the recovery efforts. US Coast Guard cutters continue to provide security, and the FBI and NCIS agents continue their work cataloguing debris and transporting it for further processing.

Again, we remind members of the public, if you come across debris, please do not handle it, but call your local law enforcement to facilitate safe recovery. Additional information on recovery operations will be forthcoming.

QUESTION: Thank you. To go back to the balloon, does the Pentagon know with certainty now that the balloon actually came from China, i.e., it was launched from China? And if so, where?

And then the DOD has said that there have been at least three other balloon incidents during the previous administration and one other incident during this administration. Can you tell us a little bit about how you were able to discern that these balloons were the same, and they were also Chinese spy balloons?

GENERAL RYDER: GEN. RYDER: Sure. So let me address your second questions - well, your second question first. So again, I'm not able to go into the intelligence. As you highlight, we are aware that there have been four previous balloons that have gone over U.S. territory. This is what we assess as part of a larger Chinese surveillance balloon program. You've heard us talk in the past about the fact that this is a program that's been operated for several years. What we do know is that in some cases whereas some of these balloons previously had not been identified, subsequent analysis, subsequent intelligence analysis did enable us to indicate that these were Chinese balloons.

In terms of where they're coming from, I can't go into the specific location other than to say China, and the last thing I'll say is that this last week provided the United States with a unique opportunity to learn a lot more about the Chinese surveillance balloon program, all information that will help us to continue to strengthen our ability to track these kinds of objects.

QUESTION: Thank you. As you said, as it's part of a wider surveillance program, if four previous ones had transited the U.S., have there been others that maybe got near international U.S. military installations, but didn't actually cross U.S. soil?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so again, for classification reasons, I'm not going to be able to go into a lot of details other than these four are the ones that we assess went over U.S. soil. And I'm not going to go over specifically what they tracked other than what we've acknowledged publicly -- that we know that they were looking to surveil strategic sites, to include some of our strategic bases in the continental United States.

And so when you look at the scope of this program and the fact that we know that these balloons have been spotted, and what we now can subsequently assess to be Chinese balloons operating over at least five continents in regions like Latin America, South America, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Europe, again, it demonstrates why, for the Department of Defense, that China remains the pacing challenge, and something that we'll continue to stay focused on. Thank you.

QUESTION: Thanks, Pat. Do these Chinese surveillance balloons somehow explain the UAP, some of the unidentified aerial phenomena that were reported in that report to Congress? Have you gone back to look? And are some of those UAP incidents perhaps those Chinese surveillance balloons? And also, did you start tracking this balloon when it left China on July 21st? Were you tracking it all over -- the way over the Pacific Ocean, or did you just start tracking it when it got close to Alaska?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jennifer. So your first question, that's really a question best addressed by the Director of National Intelligence, that puts that report together. I will say, broadly speaking, that when it comes to our assessment of objects in air and space, you know, that's going to always be ongoing work, right?

So any time there's something that's unidentified, by default, we will track that information, and when new information can become available that we can apply, certainly we're going to do that, but to answer your direct question, the DNI would be the best folks to address that portion.

In terms of when we started tracking this, again, I'm not going to get into those kinds of specifics, other than to say we did see it approaching U.S. airspace. NORAD, NORTHCOM tracked it for the duration. Again, as it entered U.S. airspace, NORAD determined that it did not pose a physical or military threat, and in accordance with their procedures, monitored it.

When it did come over the continental United States, we began to develop options on how to take it down and address this threat, with the idea being that we wanted to wait until it was over water so that we could mitigate any potential civilian harm or property damage, and importantly, as I highlighted, use this as an opportunity to, again, better understand the Chinese surveillance balloon program and apply that information to increase our ability to track these kinds of objects. Thanks.

QUESTION: Can you clarify when the Chinese balloon -- the last surveillance balloon that went down near Hawaii went down? There are reports that it was four months ago and there's another report that it was in June. When did it go down?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I've seen those press reports. Again, I'm not going to have any information to provide on the previous balloon flights that were out there. But again, appreciate your understanding on that.

QUESTION: Thank you. Could you just, in layman's terms, explains why there has been this -- what the General called "awareness gaps," why the U.S. was not able to detect these kinds of balloons previously?

And then given that, is there a kind of intelligence failure here? Did the military and the intelligence somehow fail to understand or grasp this threat or is it a failure of imagination? And how's that being addressed?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Dan. So to answer your last question there right up front, no, it was not an intelligence failure. You know, as we learn more about this type of capability and really, what General VanHerck was referring to was previously having a domain awareness gap -- but we've learned a lot about these balloons, we've learned a lot how to track them, as evidenced by the fact that, again, we were tracking it as it approached U.S. airspace. And so we're confident that what we've learned about this program enables us to be able to monitor and be on the lookout for these kinds of capabilities.

And when you think about the wide array of activities that we monitor globally, but most importantly when it comes to defense of the homeland along our coasts and our skies, by being able to identify the characteristics of things like this or other potential threats, it all gets put into a broader library, so to speak, of information that our analysts can monitor, track, and detect, and then respond appropriately.

QUESTION: And then in terms of this global program, are the balloons that are spotted elsewhere in the world essentially similar to the one that was flying across the U.S.? And is there reason to believe that those balloons were flying near or over U.S. military bases abroad in those countries?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so beyond the fact that they share the common characteristic of being surveillance balloons, right, intelligence collection assets that the PRC is employing, the only other thing I'd say is that we do know there's variation in the various sizes and capabilities of balloon, but beyond that, I'm not going to go into specifics. In other words yeah, I'll just leave it at that.

In terms of what they're monitoring and what their flight paths are going to be, I'm not going to go into that level of information, but needless to say again it calls into question why China, the PRC, feel that it's okay to violate sovereign airspace of nations in a way that is inappropriate and unacceptable -- so combining this capability with the other intelligence assets that they have at their disposal.

And so again, as I highlighted earlier, this just demonstrates why the PRC continues to remain our pacing challenge and I think that they have a lot of explaining to do when it comes to conducting these types of programs and violating nations' airspace and sovereignty. Thank you.

QUESTION: First, did you guys assess that this was a fleet after this balloon was spotted or from what you've determined in previous UAP investigations?

And with that, are you planning to declassify any information about those 163 reports of balloon and balloon-like entities so that we could understand better how they compare and don't compare?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so on your second question, I'd refer you to the DNI. Clearly, within the realms of operations security and protecting intelligence sources and methods, we are trying our best to provide the public with as much information as we can on this program, recognizing that we don't want to do anything that's going to compromise our sources and methods.

In terms of your question about assessments on the overall surveillance balloon fleet, yes, we were tracking this before this particular incident. As I mentioned, our awareness and understanding of this capability has increased over the last couple of years.

You know, as General VanHerck highlighted, this wasn't information that we necessarily had previously, but again, our analysts have been able to, over time, put the pieces together and learn a lot more about this program.

And the last thing I'd say on that, again, is this was a unique opportunity for us to observe this balloon and its characteristics very closely as it traveled over the United States, and needless to say -- and I won't go into details -- we gained a lot of information on this and I believe we'll continue to gain more information on this.

QUESTION: Following up on -- following up on Tara's question, I thought you said, about the other four previous ones, that they were over strategic sites.

GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to -- they were over sites that would be of interest to the Chinese but I'm not going to go into the specifics, David. Thank you.

QUESTION: Just a quick follow-up and then a separate question. You said a moment ago the awareness and understanding of the situation has increased. When did the U.S. come to the conclusion that these were in fact surveillance balloon? Because it seems like that was an incredibly recent conclusion, based on the understanding of the situation.

And then just a short time ago in a House Intel briefing, Representative Stewart said the balloon may be the Chinese testing the American people to see their reaction, while General Philip Breedlove suggests that it was the enemy conditioning the U.S. population. Does the Pentagon believe that was China was conditioning or testing the U.S. with these balloons in some way?

GENERAL RYDER: Yes, thanks, Oren. So, you'd really need to talk to China about what its motivations were. Again, the facts are that they sent a surveillance balloon into sovereign U.S. airspace. We responded quickly and appropriately, monitored it, tracked it and took it down as soon as it was safe to do so. And I'll just leave it at that.

GENERAL RYDER: I don't have a specific date to provide you in terms of when the intelligence community developed this other than to say it's been in the last couple of years that we've been able to do the analysis and look at these objects and determine which has built the body of knowledge available to us. So again, as I mentioned, as this object approached U.S. airspace, NORAD NORTHCOM knew what it was and tracked it.

QUESTION: Thank you. You mentioned these four previous incidents. Was this the first time that the U.S. military had the capability of shooting down one of these balloons or was this a consideration in any of those previous incidences as well? And I also have a question on Ukraine.

GENERAL RYDER: Yes. So, we always maintain a variety of options on how best to respond. So, in terms of being able to shoot down any object that violates or threatens the United States, or our airspace, or our people, certainly, that is an option that's available to us. But in each case we took what we consider appropriate action. So, just leave it that.

If anything enters into our airspace whether we know what it is or not, we will monitor and we'll take appropriate action. Luis’ question was, did you have the capability to take down a balloon? Yes. We maintain the capability to take down balloons.

QUESTION: Well, kind of. It was more like, were there discussion about shooting it down --

GENERAL RYDER: Yes, I'm not going to get into those discussions.

QUESTION: Thank you for taking my question. Also wanted to touch on the hearing on the Hill this morning, the former EUCOM commander calling the delay in shooting down the balloon a miscalculation and that it could be China trying to condition the U.S. to miscalculate in the future. Was this a miscalculation? And how confident are we that we'll be able to detect these kinds of balloons in the future?

GENERAL RYDER: GEN. RYDER: Yes, so I think we are very confident that we'll be able to detect these kinds of capabilities, as evidenced by the continuing body of knowledge that we've been able to build up on this. But, obviously, that is something that our intelligence community will continue to work very closely on for this and any other potential threats.

In terms of how others may characterize it, I'm going to allow them to speak for themselves. Again, we detected this balloon, tracked it very closely. When it went into the continental United States we evaluated options on how best to bring it down. As you know, once it was safe to do so, we brought it down over water and we continue to collect the debris to be able to exploit for further intelligence.

QUESTION: And if I could ask, what did China think that they could get at 60,000 feet that they couldn't get with a satellite? What do you think they were collecting?

GENERAL RYDER: Again, that's a question that's best addressed by China. Obviously, at a high altitude you're operating above civilian air traffic. As you've heard us say before, the collection capabilities of this balloon were not of more advantage to other capabilities that we know they maintain. But regardless, we took steps to mitigate the potential collection of information. But as I also mentioned, we learned a lot about this balloon program.

And you know, the last thing I'd say on that is that I would not be surprised that the PRC starts to reevaluate its dirigible collection program. Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you, General. Just first clarification, because I'm confused. With the previous four balloons, did you say they were not detected, but later intelligence assessment got your awareness? Would -- did this happen -- is this true, and did this happen with this administration, that assessment, or with the previous administration?

GENERAL RYDER: So what we know is that over the last several years, to include time during the previous administration, subsequent analysis determined that objects that had traversed over the United States, although not for the duration of this fifth balloon, were ultimately determined to be PRC surveillance balloons.

QUESTION: And the four previous balloons, they all happened during the last administration?

GENERAL RYDER: Three during the last administration, one during the Biden admin -- at the beginning of the Biden administration.

QUESTION: Well, this is the second balloon during the Biden administration?

GENERAL RYDER: Correct

QUESTION: Okay. And then did the technology you're able now to collect from the debris, did this lead you to think that this is actually part of a spy program, or are you leaving any room for maybe, no, actually, this was for civilian purposes?

GENERAL RYDER: I can assure you this was not for civilian purposes. We are 100 percent clear about that.

QUESTION: And are you willing in the future to share information with the public that confirms this assessment?

GENERAL RYDER: Well, what do you mean?

QUESTION: I mean, we have two narratives here, right? You referred us to the PRC before. The PRC maintains this is for civilian purposes strictly. The DOD and the administration is maintaining, no, this is actually spy balloon for military purposes, although it has no value added to what they have in terms of more than 400 satellites. So we have, as a press corps, we have two narratives here, competing narratives.

GENERAL RYDER: Okay. So I'll give you the facts. Again, based on what we know and have observed about this balloon, it is a surveillance balloon. It was an intelligence-collection capability. You know, a question that I would ask myself is if, in fact, it was a civilian balloon, a weather balloon, and it was approaching a sovereign nation, about to enter their airspace, a responsible nation would have put out some kind of public statement saying, "Hey, heads up. This is heading your way. We just want to let you know." The PRC did not do that. They didn't respond until after they were called out. I'll just leave it at that.

QUESTION: Thank you for taking my question, General. So on the balloon, I -- it -- have you shared the ID characteristics, now that we now have some better definition, with our other allies and partners so that they can watch over their own airspace and detect potential incursions?

GENERAL RYDER: So yes, so we are -- we are in the process of updating our international allies and partners. Not going to have more specifics to provide. Clearly, we maintain an intelligence-sharing relationship with many countries, and so as we have information to provide and as we currently are, we will share that information.

QUESTION: So I've heard multiple stories about the balloon in Hawaii. How exactly did it go down? Was it -- did it crash? Was it shot down? I just want to confirm.

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, again, I'm not going to be able to talk about what we know on those previous balloons.

QUESTION Second, once we found out that it did go down, however it went down, were we able to recover any information from it?

GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to have any specifics to provide. As I highlighted earlier, broadly speaking, we've learned a lot about this surveillance balloon program, and every piece of information that we gather contributes to that body of knowledge that enables us to detect them, track them, and take appropriate action.

QUESTION -- one in Guam, anything?

GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to be able to go into more details.

QUESTION: I just had a very quick follow-up. Is the unofficial U.S. policy now that you're not going to shoot down balloons over land, only over water, or in the way that you're scrutinizing this further information that you have, is that going to change the way you respond to future balloons since it's a fleet?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so I think you need to take a step back and look at our policy has not changed. If something is about to enter our airspace, we're going to track it and monitor it and determine whether or not it's a threat. And in this particular case, as the balloon approached U.S. airspace, the NORAD NORTHCOM Commander determined that it did not present an imminent physical or military threat.

So we're always going to reserve the right to take appropriate action against any foreign objects, unexplained aerial phenomenon, whatever it is, to safeguard the American public, and that's exactly what we did in this case.

QUESTION: Pat, if there were four previous incidents were Chinese spy balloons were over U.S. airspace and they weren't reported, how is this not an intelligence failure?

GENERAL RYDER: So the idea here is that we're going to be tracking all kinds of objects on any given day, both in the air, on the sea. And so as we gain information and as we see the profile of those objects determining whether or not it's a threat -- and so in terms of our ability to collect on those, as I've highlighted, we have learned a lot about their program, we've been able to learn a lot about what they're doing and their intent.

We observe a lot of things every single day in a lot of different ways, from an intelligence collection standpoint, and those are things that we're not necessarily going to talk about publicly for obvious reasons. There's also benefit in us knowing what they're doing and not publicly talking about what they're doing.

But in terms of monitoring these and collecting on them, we have been able to put together a body of knowledge that enables us to be able to detect them and act appropriately.

QUESTION: But did you know they were Chinese spy craft at the time, those four incidents?

GENERAL RYDER: They were tracked and subsequently determined to be Chinese.

QUESTION: And lastly, J-21 Chinese aircraft that came very close to the U.S. surveillance plane on December 21st, was that related to the balloon program or observation of the balloon -

GENERAL RYDER: No, completely discounted.

QUESTION: Thanks very much for doing this. One follow-up on the question of communications with China. You said that responsible nations, if it was a civilian balloon, would have notified the U.S. in advance. Does the Pentagon then assess that China is acting recklessly on purpose, in the hopes of creating some sort of bigger incident?

And then separately on the balloons, how -- is there any evidence or any assessment that some of the balloons, whether the one that was tracked just over the U.S. or the others, had capabilities other than surveillance, perhaps transmission?

And are there any other countries that may be running similar balloon programs to that being run by the PRC?

GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. So on your last question, I mean, obviously nations around the world maintain various degrees of intelligence programs, and I'm not going to get into those from here.

In terms of what message China was trying to send with this balloon, again, I'd refer you to the PRC. I'm going to deal with the facts. The facts are that the balloon went into and violated sovereign U.S. airspace. We tracked it very closely, we developed options, and when the time was right to minimize potential civilian harm, we took a shot and took the balloon down.

And again, this is contributing to our body of knowledge on this program, which we will apply to defending our skies and protecting our citizens well into the future. And I will say also that when it comes to learning about these kinds of programs, I think we all appreciate the fact that this is not static. You're constantly learning, you're constantly applying lessons learned in order to protect the American public and our allies and our partners, and this is no different in that case.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much. Appreciate your time today.

Efforts Underway To Study Chinese Surveillance Balloon After Downed - After the United States Air Force carried out the operation to shoot down the Chinese surveillance balloon, efforts are underway to study and scrutinize both the balloon and its payload. Read Full Article

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Statement Regarding "US Claim" It Shot Down Chinese Unmanned Airship - Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and protest against the US's use of force to attack civilian unmanned airships".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the US claim that it shot down the Chinese unmanned airship

"China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and protest against the US's use of force to attack civilian unmanned airships.

The Chinese side has repeatedly informed the US side after verification that the airship is for civilian use and entered the US due to force majeure, which was completely accidental. China clearly requires the US to handle it properly in a calm, professional and restrained manner.

A spokesman for the US Department of Defense also stated that the balloon will not pose a military or personal threat to ground personnel. Under such circumstances, the U.S. insists on using force, obviously overreacting and seriously violating international practice.

China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of relevant companies, while reserving the right to make further necessary reactions."

DoD F-22 Safely Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon Off South Carolina Coast - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "A U.S. Air Force fighter safely shot down a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a written statement.

President Joe Biden ordered the action on Wednesday, but it was delayed until the balloon was over water off the coast of South Carolina to ensure no Americans on the ground were harmed.

"The balloon, which was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States, was brought down above U.S. territorial waters," Austin said.

The action was taken in coordination and support of the Canadian government. "We thank Canada for its contribution to tracking and analysis of the balloon through [North American Aerospace Defense Command] as it transited North America," Austin said.

"Today's deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC's unacceptable violation of our sovereignty," Austin said referring to the Peoples Republic of China.

U.S. officials first detected the balloon and its payload on January 28 when it entered U.S. airspace near the Aleutian Islands. The balloon traversed Alaska, Canada and re-entered U.S. airspace over Idaho.

"President Biden asked the military to present options and on Wednesday President Biden gave his authorization to take down the Chinese surveillance balloon as soon as the mission could be accomplished without undue risk to us civilians under the balloon's path," said a senior defense official speaking on background.

"Military commanders determined that there was undue risk of debris causing harm to civilians while the balloon was overland."

An F-22 Raptor fighter from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fired one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at the balloon.

The balloon fell approximately six miles off the coast in about 47 feet of water. No one was hurt.

Long before the shoot down, U.S. officials took steps to protect against the balloon's collection of sensitive information, mitigating its intelligence value to the Chinese. The senior defense official said the recovery of the balloon will enable U.S. analysts to examine sensitive Chinese equipment.

"I would also note that while we took all necessary steps to protect against the PRC surveillance balloon's collection of sensitive information, the surveillance balloon's overflight of U.S. territory was of intelligence value to us," the official said.

"I can't go into more detail, but we were able to study and scrutinize the balloon and its equipment, which has been valuable."

The balloon did not pose a military or physical threat. Still its intrusion into American airspace over several days was an unacceptable violation of U.S. sovereignty. The official said Chinese balloons briefly transited the continental United States at least three times during the prior administration.

While Chinese officials admitted that the balloon was theirs, they said it was a runaway weather balloon. "The PRC has claimed publicly that the high-altitude balloon operating above the United States is a weather balloon that was blown off course.

This is false," the official said. "This was a PRC surveillance balloon. This surveillance balloon purposely traversed the United States and Canada, and we are confident it was seeking to monitor sensitive military sites."

The mission now transitions to one of recovery. There are a number of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels establishing a security perimeter around the area where the balloon came to Earth. They are searching for debris, said a senior military official also speaking on background.

There is no estimate for how long the recovery mission will take, the military official said, but the fact that it came down in such a shallow area should make recovery "fairly easy".

The military official gave some detail of the engagement. The F-22 fired the Sidewinder at the balloon from an altitude of 58,000 feet. The balloon at the time was between 60,000 and 65,000 feet.

F-15 Eagles flying from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, supported the F-22, as did tankers from multiple states including Oregon, Montana, South Carolina and North Carolina. Canadian forces also helped track the overflight of the balloon.

The Navy has deployed the destroyer USS Oscar Austin, the cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the USS Carter Hall, an amphibious landing ship in support of the effort."

DoD Statement: Chinese High Altitude Surveillance Balloon Successfully Shot Down - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "This afternoon, at the direction of President Biden, U.S. fighter aircraft assigned to U.S. Northern Command successfully brought down the high altitude surveillance balloon launched by and belonging to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) over the water off the coast of South Carolina in U.S. airspace.

The balloon, which was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States, was brought down above U.S. territorial waters.

On Wednesday, President Biden gave his authorization to take down the surveillance balloon as soon as the mission could be accomplished without undue risk to American lives under the balloon’s path.

After careful analysis, U.S. military commanders had determined downing the balloon while over land posed an undue risk to people across a wide area due to the size and altitude of the balloon and its surveillance payload.

In accordance with the President’s direction, the Department of Defense developed options to take down the balloon safely over our territorial waters, while closely monitoring its path and intelligence collection activities. This action was taken in coordination, and with the full support, of the Canadian government.

And we thank Canada for its contribution to tracking and analysis of the balloon through NORAD as it transited North America.

Today’s deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC’s unacceptable violation of our sovereignty."

Chinese Foreign Ministry Statement On Balloon Over United States - Below is a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry regarding the balloon spotted above mainland United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Statement

"Q: On February 3, senior US State Department officials said at a briefing via teleconference that due to the entry of a Chinese unmanned airship into US airspace, US Secretary of State Blinken has decided to postpone his planned trip to China. Do you have any comment?

A: Regarding the unintended entry of a Chinese unmanned airship into US airspace due to force majeure, the Chinese side has verified it and communicated it to the US side. It is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes.

Affected by the Westerlies and with limited self-steering capability, the airship deviated far from its planned course. This is entirely an unexpected situation caused by force majeure and the facts are very clear.

China always acts in strict accordance with international law and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

We have no intention to violate and has never violated the territory or airspace of any sovereign country. Some politicians and media in the US have hyped it up to attack and smear China. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to that.

Maintaining contact and communication at all levels is an important common understanding reached by the Chinese and US presidents at their meeting in Bali.

One of the tasks of the diplomatic teams on both sides is to properly manage bilateral relations, particularly to manage some unexpected situations in a cool-headed and prudent manner. In fact, neither side has ever announced that there would be a visit.

It is a matter for the US to make its latest announcement, and we respect that."

Surveillance Balloon May Be Guided By Artificial Intelligence - A specialist in surveillance balloons says that balloons are difficult to shoot down and that the one over the United States flying over U.S. military sites looks to have been equipped with an advanced AI guidance system. Read Full Article

Explosion Reported Over Billings Montana - An explosion has been reported over Billings, Montana. The governor says that they are "monitoring the situation". The city of Billings, Montana says PD fire and airport have not been called to any incidents, and there have not been any plane crashes picked up on radar. View Tweet.

A Second Chinese "Spy Balloon" Hovering Over Latin America - WASHINGTON - The Chinese "spy balloon" has altered its flight path and is now moving east at about 60,000 feet over the "central" United States, which demonstrates its ability to maneuver, according to a statement by the U.S. military Friday.

A second balloon has also been spotted hovering over Latin America, according to the Pentagon.

China claimed that the balloon was merely a civilian airship that accidentally got blown off course into U.S. airspace.

Pentagon spokesperson: "we are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon.”

Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder spoke at a news briefing and said, ""We know this is a Chinese (surveillance) balloon and that it has the ability to maneuver".

Ryder said that he expects that the balloon will continue on its path over U.S. airspace for a few more days.

He also refused to say where exactly the balloon is located currently, and when asked "Doesn't the public not have a right to know if the balloon is over their state?" he stated, "The public certainly has the ability to look up in the sky and see where the balloon is".

Ryder also said that the balloon "does not pose a physical threat to people on the ground".

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said that the balloon is hovering over the northeastern portion of his own state, and said "I condemn any attempts the Chinese make to spy on Americans. President Biden must protect the sovereignty of the U.S.".

Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon".

Canadian Ministry of Defense Statement on High Altitude Surveillance Balloon - "February 2, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces: "A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD. Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident.

NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination.

Canada’s intelligence agencies are working with American partners and continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada’s sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.

We remain in frequent contact with our American allies as the situation develops."

Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing on High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE transcript of a background briefing regarding the high-altitude surveillance balloon spotted hovering over mainland United States, having come from Alaska, through Canada and into the northern United States from Canada.

DoD: "BRIGADIER GENERAL PAT RYDER: Good evening, everyone. Brigadier General Pat Ryder here, the Pentagon press secretary. So thank you very much for joining us a little bit later in the day. I'm going to go over a couple of ground rules first. I'll provide you then with an on-the-record statement. And then I'll turn it over our senior defense official.

So first, I'm going to read you an on-the-record statement. This is from Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary.

"The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now. The U.S. government, to include NORAD, continues to track and monitor it closely. The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic, and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground. Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years. Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information."

STAFF: And with that, we'll go ahead now and revert to on-background. And you can attribute this to a senior defense official.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Thanks, Pat.

Hey, everybody. Thanks for joining us late. So a couple of things up top, and then happy to take a few questions. I'll let Pat moderate on that. But so a few things.

First, we are confident that this high-altitude surveillance balloon belongs to the PRC. As was said at the top, instances of this activity have been observed over the past several years, including prior to this administration. In this instance, President Biden was briefed and asked for military options.

Secretary Austin convened senior DoD leadership yesterday, even as he was on the road in the Philippines. It was the strong recommendation by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Milley, and the commander of NORTHCOM, General VanHerck, not to take kinetic action due to the risk to safety and security of people on the ground from the possible debris field.

Currently we assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collection perspective. But we are taking steps, nevertheless, to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information.

We are also tracking what abilities it could have in gaining insights, and continue to monitor the balloon as it is over the continental United States.

And so with that, let me pause and I'll take your questions.

Pat, you want to run the show?

STAFF: Yes, sir. Thank you.

All right, first we'll go to Tara Copp, Associated Press.

Q: Hey, thanks for doing this. A couple of questions about the balloon itself. Can you give us a sense of how big is it? Is it as big as a car? Big as a bus? Did that factor into the decision not to shoot it down? And, I guess, third on the balloon, when did you first start tracking it? Was it before it crossed into the continental United States?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, good questions. So how big? You know, I'm not going to go into the exact dimensions. We did assess that it was large enough to cause damage from the debris field if we downed it over an area. We had been looking at whether there was an option yesterday over some sparsely populated areas in Montana. But we just couldn't buy down the risk enough to feel comfortable recommending shooting it down yesterday.

So, beyond that, though, I can't really go into the dimensions. But there have been reports of pilots seeing this thing, even though it's pretty high up in the sky. So, you know, it's sizeable.

In terms -- and so whether it factored into the decision, it did in the sense that we had to assess what the possible debris field would look like falling from that height. We wanted to, you know, take care that somebody didn't get hurt or property wasn't destroyed.

And, I'm sorry, how long have we been tracking it. I'm not going to go into all the details because I don't want to reveal sensitive information. But I will say we have been tracking it for some time. And we have had custody of it the entire time it has been over U.S. airspace, entered the continental United States airspace a couple of days ago.

Q: And just one last, you know, Montana's one of the three homes for our siloed nuclear weapons. Was there any concern that the balloon was trying to collect intelligence on those silo fields?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, so clearly the intent of this balloon is for surveillance. And so the current flight path does carry it over a number of sensitive sites. I'd just say a couple of things.

First, our best assessment at the moment is that whatever the surveillance payload is on this balloon, it does not create significant value added over and above what the PRC is likely able to collect through things like satellites in Low Earth Orbit.

But out of an abundance of caution, we have taken additional mitigation steps. I'm not going to go into what those are. But we know exactly where this balloon is, exactly what it is passing over. And we are taking steps to be extra vigilant so that we can mitigate any foreign intelligence risk.

STAFF: Thank you.

Let's go to Jen Griffin, FOX.

Q: Thank you very much. What do you think the target of this balloon was? And has this ever happened before that you've seen either a Chinese surveillance balloon or another country's surveillance balloon over the United States, or is this the first time?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, so, I mean, it is a surveillance balloon. And not to be -- I'm not trying to be a wiseguy. But the goal is surveillance. And clearly they're trying to fly this -- this balloon over sensitive sites, one of which was just mentioned, to collect information. As I said, we do not judge that it provides significant value added over and above what they can currently collect in other means. But nevertheless, it's something we're watching closely.

Is it the first time. It is not the first time that you had a balloon of this nature cross over the continental United States. It has happened a handful of other times over the past few years, to include before this administration.

It is appearing to hang out for a long period of time this time around, more persistent than in previous instances. So that would be one distinguishing factor. Over.

STAFF: Let's go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose.

Q: All right, thank you. What makes you believe this is a Chinese spy balloon? And then just for arguments sake, why not blow it up and just take the risk that it hits something on the ground?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Right. No, I'm not going to go into all the ways in which we know that it's a PRC balloon. I will just say we have very high confidence that this is a PRC balloon. Very high confidence.

So we do not doubt that this is a PRC balloon. And that is an assessment shared across our intelligence and analytic community. Why not shoot it down? We have to do the risk-reward here. So the first question is does it pose a threat -- physical kinetic threat to individuals in the United States or the U.S. Homeland. Our assessment is it does not.

Does it pose a threat to civilian aviation? Our assessment is it does not. Does it pose a significantly enhanced threat on the intelligence side? Our best assessment right now is that it does not. And so given that risk, that profile, we assess that the risk of downing it, even if the probability was low in a sparsely populated area of the debris falling and hurting somebody or damaging property that it wasn't worth it and that was the recommendation of our military commanders.

That is what we recommended to the White House yesterday.

STAFF: Let's go to Idrees Ali, Reuters.

Q: Hey, just two quick questions. Firstly, have you directly brought this up with Chinese officials and what has their response been? And in terms of altitude, is this over U.S. airspace or is it sort of in the stratosphere? What's sort of the height of this right now?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, both good questions. Good to hear your voice, Idrees. We have engaged PRC officials with urgency through multiple channels. They've been engaged both through their embassy here in Washington and through our embassy in Beijing.

We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue. But beyond that I'm not going to go into the content of the -- of the message. But we have made clear we will do whatever is necessary to protect our people and our homeland. And so if the risk profile that I described earlier, if that changes we will have options to deal with this balloon.

In terms of the altitude, I'm not going to go into the exact altitude. What I will say is that it is significantly above where civilian air traffic is active, which is why we do not assess that it's a threat to civilian aviation. It -- but it is in the atmosphere and it is over U.S. airspace. It is not in outer space.

STAFF: OK. Let's go to Heather Mongilio, USNI.

Q: Thank you so much. You mentioned this is not the first time. Can you say when the last time a similar situation happened?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I -- I'm not going to go into the details of that. It's happened a few times in recent years to include before this administration. But beyond that I'm not going to go into the details.

STAFF: Got time for just a few more. We'll go to Dan Lamothe, Washington Post.

Q: Yes, thank you. And can you walk us through how you observed it? NBC News reported that system F-22s were sent up -- I don't if scrambled would be the right terminology there but at least sent up to get a closer look. Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, so we've been -- we've been observing it through multiple means, including manned aircraft. You did see reports yesterday of a ground stop at billings airport and the mobilization of a number of assets including F-22s.

The context for that was it would put some things on station in the event that a decision was made to bring this down while it was over Montana. So we wanted to make sure we were coordinating with civil authorities to empty out the air space around that potential area. But even with those protective measures taken it was the judgment of our military commanders that we didn't drive the risk down low enough, so we didn't take the shot.

But that's why you saw the reports that you saw, Dan.

STAFF: And Nancy Youssef, Wall Street Journal.

Q: Thank you. (Inaudible) you mentioned earlier that the balloon stayed for a longer period of time than in the past and that it wasn't offering any significant intelligence relative to other means of ISR that the Chinese have. My question is, is there any reason to believe that the Chinese wanted this to be spotted. Is there -- is that your conclusion?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: You know, I can't speculate. It's probably a question better to direct to the Chinese embassy. I don't know why they did what they did. I will say that the past number of times it did not loiter over the continental United States for an extended period of time. It's different.

And precisely why they made the decision to make this different I think really is a question for them.

STAFF: And last question, Brandi Vincent, DefenseScoop.

Q: Thank you so much for doing this. Does the balloon appear to have technology that is different or more advanced than any technology that the U.S. has? Does the U.S. have a policy for dealing with balloons like this? I can't help but think of the 163 balloons that were made sense of in the UAP report. So is this something that you're developing policy on or does policy exist about how to handle these sort of sightings?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, you know I'm not going to go into the exact nature of the technology. I don't think that the -- that the pay load on this is -- I wouldn't characterize it as revolutionary. I think the thing that is different is the altitude and of course the willingness to put it over the continental United States for an extended period of time.

I think that's the -- that's the biggest difference here. As it relates to do we have a policy, the answer is yes, we do and most importantly we also have sufficient authority given to us to take action under Title 10 against unmanned aerial systems of which this balloon would be a part. So we think we have all the authorities we need to do anything that we need to do to protect the American people and we'll continue to do that.

Q: Thank you.

STAFF: Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen, that's all the time we have. Just as a reminder the comments are as a senior defense official on background. My comment at the top is on the record and we will post a transcript on defense.gov when it's available. Thank you for joining us.

NORAD And Northern Command Statement On Surveillance Balloon Over US - NORAD: "NORAD and U.S. Northern Command statement on the high-altitude surveillance balloon.

The United States government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now.

The North Americacn Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) continues to track and monitor it closely.

The NORAD Commander, General Glen VanHerck assesses the balloon does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground at this time.

The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic."

U.S. Tracking High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "An intelligence-gathering balloon, most certainly launched by the People's Republic of China, is currently floating above the United States, the Defense Department announced Thursday evening.

"The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during an impromptu briefing Thursday evening. "The U.S. government, to include NORAD, continues to track and monitor it closely."

Ryder said the balloon is well above commercial air traffic and doesn't pose a threat to civil aviation. He also said this isn't the first time such a balloon has been seen over the United States.

After the balloon was detected, Ryder said, the U.S. government "acted immediately" to protect against the collection of sensitive information, though he didn't detail what measures were taken.

A senior defense official who participated in the briefing on background only said the U.S. intelligence community has "very high confidence" the balloon belongs to the People's Republic of China, and that the United States has engaged with Chinese officials "with urgency, through multiple channels" regarding the presence of the balloon.

"We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue," the official said. "We have made clear we will do whatever is necessary to protect our people and our homeland."

Right now, the official said, following recommendations of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley and Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the U.S. position is to allow the balloon to continue to float above the United States, rather than attempt to shoot is down.

The official said the risk of using kinetic force to take the balloon out of the sky might put civilian communities at risk, and that the threat the balloon poses now to both safety and U.S. intelligence doesn't justify such an action.

"Currently, we assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collective collection perspective," the official said. "But we are taking steps, nevertheless, to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information."

The official said this is not the first time such a balloon has been seen above the United States, but did say this time the balloon appears to be acting differently than what has been seen in the past.

"It's happened a handful of other times over the past few years, to include before this administration," the official said. "It is appearing to hang out for a longer period of time, this time around, more persistent than in previous instances. That would be one distinguishing factor."

While the senior defense official would not say how large the balloon is, the official did say its size did figure into the calculation to not use kinetic force to take it out of the sky.

"We did assess that it was large enough to cause damage from the debris field if we downed it over an area," the official said. "I can't really go into the dimension — but there have been reports of pilots seeing this thing, even though it's pretty high up in the sky. So ... it's sizable."

As early as yesterday, the official said, the balloon was seen over Montana."

DoD Statement on High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The United States Government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now.

The U.S. government, to include NORAD, continues to track and monitor it closely. The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground. Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years. Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information."

U.S. Government Tracking Suspected Chinese "Spy" Balloon Hovering Over Northern United States - UNITED STATES - The U.S. government is currently tracking a balloon that has been in northern U.S. airspace for a few days now, and U.S. officials say they are confident it is a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon.

Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder spoke to NBC news and said, “The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now".

Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information,” he added.

It was detected hovering over Billings, Montana Wednesday, flying in from the Alaskan Aleutian Islands, and entering the United States through Canada.

Defense officials have been discussing shooting it down, two U.S. officials and a senior defense official told NBC.

The senior defense official said, "Currently we assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collection perspective over and above what the PRC can do through other means".

“Nevertheless we are taking all necessary steps to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information,” he added.

Due to the altitude of the balloon is at, the official told NBC that it does not currently pose a threat to civilian aircraft.

He also said that while the balloon was hovering over Montana on Wednesday, they could have shot it out of the sky. NORAD did send aircraft, which included F-22 Raptors from the Nellis Air Force Base, but NBC says the official wouldn't speak on whether their options included taking the balloon out.

U.S. officials have contacted the Chinese government "through multiple channels both here in D.C. and in Beijing," the official reportedly told NBC.

8 Rockets Fired At Turkish Base In Northern Iraq - BAGHDAD - At least eight, some reports say 20 rockets were fired at a Turkish Zilkan military base in northern Iraq Wednesday. Two of the rockets that were fired landed on the inside of the base, wounding an Iraqi contractor.

The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, a security organization in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region reported the attack. Some sources, such as Al Mayadeen say that the base was targeted with up to 20 rockets.

A Turkish security source said that that were no damages or casualties in the base as a result of the rocket attack.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, and it is not yet known who carried it out. The base hosts Turkish troops and is located in the Ninevah province.

Suspected US Drone Strike In Yemen Kills 3 Suspected al-Qaeda Militants - (Based on translations) - A U.S. drone strike is suspected to have killed three suspected al-Qaeda militants in Yemen’s Marib province, according to Yemeni media. See Photos Here

Yemeni media reported that Hassan al-Hadrami was one of the men killed in the suspected drone strike, which "was believed to be" carried out by the United States, according to a report by al Arabiya.

The Arabic news channel said that Hassan al-Hadrami was said to be with two of his companions who were with him in the vehicle that was allegedly hit by the airstrike, citing "tribal sources".

The report also says that it is noteworthy, because Hassan al-Hadrami's house was targeted by a raid in November of 2022, and is "one of the most prominent military leaders of al-Qaeda in Yemen," possessing great experience in "making mines and explosives," which reportedly put him "at the top of the list of targets" for American forces.

The report said that activists from Ma'rib governorate published a photo of al-Hadrami's vehicle which was "completely destroyed" by the strike, and had traces of blood on it.

All three men who were in the vehicle at the time of the alleged drone strike were killed.

A local government official reportedly told AFP news that “Three al-Qaeda members were killed in a strike by a drone that is believed to be American".

“The three were in a car in Wadi Obeida when they were targeted by the suspected US strike that killed them immediately," the report cited the officials as saying.

The photo of the aftermath indicates that a U.S. drone carried out the strike using an AGM-114 R9X Hellfire missile in which the explosives in the missile are replaced with metal blades to minimize collateral damage.

This type of missile is sometimes nicknamed “knife bomb” or the “flying Ginsu" due to the blades that are released at the target.

Airstrike Targets Truck Convoy On Syria-Iraq Border - SYRIA/IRAQ - An airstrike targeted a truck convoy on the Syria-Iraq border that consisted of 25 trucks crossing over the border from Iraq into Syria via a crossing that Hezbollah currently controls.

Al-Arabiya and Israel National News have reported the airstrike on the convoy, which it says belonged to a pro-Iranian militia and likely was transporting weapons.

Israel National News cited former IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi as saying, "We couldn’t have been aware of the Syrian convoy a few weeks ago".

“We couldn’t have known that it was heading from Iraq to Syria, we couldn’t have known what’s in it and we couldn’t have known that out of the 25 trucks, truck number eight was the one carrying weapons," he continued.

“We needed to send pilots to the right place and they had to evade surface-to-air missiles fired at them. They needed to attack, they needed to hit their targets and come back safely and not kill people who shouldn’t be killed. These are very advanced capabilities,” he added.

The Israeli news agency said that the strike followed the attack on the city of Isfahan, Iran, which it says that Iran "downplayed" as an "unsuccessful" drone attack.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) refused to either deny or confirm the attacks were carried out by Israel.

Israel Reportedly Behind Attack On Iranian Weapons Factory - Israel reported to be behind the attack on the Iranian weapons factory. The Pentagon has stated that no U.S. military forces were involved in strikes, despite claims by Saudi media that the United States Air Force was involved. Read Full Article

Admiral Says NATO Ready For Direct Confrontation With Russia - NATO - An Admiral serving as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee says that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is ready for a direct confrontation with Russia.

Lieutenant admiral in the Royal Netherlands Navy Rob Bauer serving as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee since June 2021 was asked by the interviewer if we are ready for a direct confrontation with Russia, to which he responded, "We are" in an interview with DW.

During the video, he said, "They have shown us in a document, it was a concept treaty text in December 2021. They sent us a text which basically said we have to go back to the pre-1997 situation".

He added, "That's what they are aiming for, that's what is their strategic objective".

He continued, "It is about turning back to the old Soviet Union".

"Many nations in NATO thought for decades that we were owning the timelines. We were the ones that decided to go to Afghanistan, to go to Iraq, it was a decision from NATO, from the NATO nations".

"We owned the timelines, we were saying "when are we going, with how many troops, for how long, etc," and added, "Now, we are facing a threat, which is Russia that is coming to us uninvited at a moment of their choosing, so we have to be much more ready. We have no time to prepare because it is up to them when they come".

The interviewer asked, "We are ready for a direct confrontation with Russia?", to which he stated, "We are".

The interviewer then asked, "We are ready for a nuclear war, and do you believe in that possibility?"

The Admiral said, "I think that Vladimir Putin is not insane, so that's the good news. He has ideas that are not our ideas, but he's not insane. He's still a rational person, and I think that is important with regard to the use of nuclear weapons".

"I think it's extremely important that we all continue to agree on the effect that a nuclear war should not be fought, and can never be won".

Israel Carries Out Airstrikes In Gaza After 2 Rockets Launched From Gaza Into Israel - ISRAEL - Two rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Both were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Israel has carried out an airstrike within Gaza following the rocket launches.

Statements by Israel Defense Forces: "Two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip. The rockets were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array".

Earlier report (before the rocket attacks): "IDF & Israeli security forces operated in Jenin to apprehend an Islamic Jihad terrorist squad planning imminent terrorist attacks earlier today. Armed gunmen fired heavily at our soldiers from civilian rooftops as they carried out their critical mission".

Largest U.S.-Israeli Exercise in History Concludes - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "Today marks the conclusion of exercise Juniper Oak 23.2. This exercise was the largest U.S-Israel partnered exercise in history, said Deputy Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh, who held a news conference today.

Juniper Oak integrated U.S. and Israeli fifth-generation fighter assets, which are the most advanced and capable, she said.

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, which participated in the exercise, involved command and control elements, rescue and refueling aircraft and live fire exercises with more than 140 aircraft, and roughly 6,400 U.S. troops alongside more than 1,500 Israeli troops.

Today, the U.S.-Israel military partnership is stronger than it ever has been, and it continues to grow, stated Army Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command in a news release, while aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier today.

"I've observed our forces alongside Israeli troops firing HIMARS and MLRS rockets, conducting maritime operations, executing highly complex flight operations, coordinating close air support, operating together on land, at sea and in the air," Kurilla said, referring to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Juniper Oak 23.2 integrated unmanned aerial vehicles, strategic bombers, jet fighters and precision fires. U.S. and Israeli forces conducted long-range strikes, suppression of enemy air defense, electronic attacks, offensive counter and air interdiction, and air operations in the maritime domain. In four days, these troops dropped more than 180,000 pounds of live munitions, Kurilla said.

Logistical support and the command nodes involving the two nations were superb, he added.

"It's remarkable that Israel's transition to and partnership with U.S. Central Command is less than 18 months old. Our shared achievement is a testament to the leadership of the Israel Defense Forces and the enduring commitment of the Department of Defense's most senior leaders to increase military cooperation. Only through a firm commitment to this partnership are we able to plan and organize such an incredibly complex high-end operation across such a large geographic area integrating all aspects of warfighting, some of which are seen and some of which are not," Kurilla said.

Separately, Singh said that this week, the Marine Corps will reactivate Camp Blaz in Guam, part of an agreement with the Japanese government to reposition Marines from Okinawa, as well as contribute to the overall integrity of integrated deterrence and bolster U.S. operational security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Camp Blaz will serve as a strategic hub and training area for joint forces, allies and partners in the region. "The Marine Corps has a deep history in Guam, and we are committed to continuing that strong relationship," she added."

US, Japanese Forces Team Up for Exercise Southern Beach - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Airmen and Sailors from Kadena Air Base teamed up in the skies near Okinawa with Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel during the latest iteration of the bilateral Southern Beach exercise, Jan. 19.

“Southern Beach is a bilateral exercise between U.S. personnel from Kadena Air Base and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Sebastian Coburn, 18th Operations Support Squadron dissimilar air combat-training wing chief.

Southern Beach provides U.S. and Japanese personnel the opportunity to integrate as an allied force to better understand each other’s strengths, practice fluidity and execute the mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

There were a multitude of aircraft from different units coming together. Aircraft from Kadena AB included F-15C Eagles, KC-135 Stratotanker, E-3 Sentry, HH-60 Pave Hawks and U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon. Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft included the F-2, the F-15J and the E-767.

The Southern Beach exercise involves close coordination between all forces involved, from mission planning, execution and debrief.

While U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force often train together in similar Southern Beach exercises, the inclusion of the U.S. Navy’s P-8A added a unique dimension to this event."

USS America Conducted Missile Launch On January 24th, 2023 - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "PHILIPPINE SEA -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) fired a RIM-116 rolling airframe missile, during routine operations, while underway in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24.

The crew aboard the ship detected, tracked, and engaged a target to maintain proficiency of the onboard weapons systems and confirm the crew’s warfighting readiness.

"This exercise demonstrated our team's ability to work together, coordinate across multiple departments, and ultimately execute safely and effectively," said Cmdr. Avery Wilson, America's operations officer. "We demonstrated that through the hard work of our technicians and logistics support, our equipment is fully operational and our watch-standers in the Combat Information Center are trained and prepared for any threat."

USS America with Amphibious Squadron 11 and USS Green Bay (LPD 20) are sailing as the America Amphibious Ready Group to create a warfighting team committed to maintaining freedom of navigation and stability in the area of operations.

“The ship has to always be ready to deploy a lethal combat capability if necessary,” said Capt. Shockey Snyder, America’s commanding officer. This evolution reminds every Sailor aboard this ship that they, as tactical watchstanders, are the tip of the spear and we are ready to execute the nation’s defense strategy.

America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

Russian Frigate Admiral Gorshkov conducted hypersonic missile exercises in Atlantic - RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE: "The crew of Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov's frigate, operating in areas of the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, conducted computer simulation exercises with hypersonic missile weapons.

In accordance with the training situation, the frigate practiced arranging of Tsitkon hypersonic missile strike against a maritime target at a distance over 900 kilometers away.

A series of joint exercises with the South African Navy and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is planned for February 2023 off the coast of the Republic of South Africa.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate is a modern multi-purpose ship, equipped with guided missiles, and designed for operating in distant maritime and oceanic areas. Fitted with Tsirkon, the ship is capable of launching pinpoint and powerful strikes at any offshore and onshore targets. The feature of Tsirkon missiles is their ability to overcome any kinds of modern and promising air or missile defense systems."

USS George H. W. Bush Carrier Group Joins Completion Of US/Israel Juniper Oak Exercises - MEDITERRANEAN SEA - The aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) carrier strike group joined the joint US/Israel Juniper Oak drills in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as the exercise wrapped up.

CENTCOM Statement On The Strike Group Joining Exercise Juniper Oak 2023-2

CENTCOM: "MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 24, 2023) The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group sails in formation with the Israeli Navy during exercise Juniper Oak 2023-2, Jan. 24, 2023. Juniper Oak 23-2 is a bilateral military exercise, led by U.S. Central Command and the Israeli Defense Force, designed to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Israel militaries. Juniper Oak 23-2 joins the long-standing “Juniper” series that the U.S. and Israel have conducted for more than 20-years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Novalee Manzella)".

Completion of Juniper Oak 23.2 Exercise

CENTCOM: "TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Central Command and the Israel Defense Forces concluded Juniper Oak 23.2, the largest U.S.-Israel partnered exercise in history. Juniper Oak 23.2 integrated U.S. and Israeli 5th generation fighter assets, the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, command and control elements, rescue and refueling aircraft during a long-range large force exercise that included a live fire exercise with more than 140 aircraft including B52s, F35s, F15s, F16s, FA-18s, AC-130, AH64s, 12 naval assets, High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems, Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, a mix of jet fighters, and long-range bombers.

Juniper Oak 23.2 enhanced interoperability and the ability of CENTCOM forces to rapidly move combat power into the region. “Today the partnership between CENTCOM and the IDF is stronger and continues to grow,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander. “Our partnership is a key pillar of our commitment to expanding regional security cooperation.”

“We at CENTCOM will take the lessons learned from Exercise Juniper Oak and share and incorporate them with all our partners across the CENTCOM region,” Kurilla concluded.

Roughly 6,400 U.S. troops alongside more than 1,500 Israeli troops participated in the exercise. CENTCOM remains committed to strengthening partnerships and enhancing interoperability in support of a more stable, more secure region."

US Military Investigates Blood Cancer Cases In Personnel Who Manned Nuclear Missile Silos At Montana Base - MONTANA - The U.S. Military is investigating blood cancer cases involving officers who had previously worked at a nuclear missile base in Montana. The Air Force says that they are "aware of concerns".

Nine military officers who worked at the Malmstrong Air Force Base have developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at earlier ages than the median age for the disease, which has caused the military to launch an investigation probe into the incidents to see if there's a connection between the cancer development and exposure at the base

One of the cases involved an officer who worked at the nuclear missile base decades back and all of the officers were assigned to the Malmstrom Air Force Base at least 25 years ago.

The base is where 150 Minuteman III nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are located. U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Daniel Sebeck was cited by AP news as saying during a briefing that the nine officers were all diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Missileers take a caged elevator to an underground bunker installation where the missiles are stored and stay there for days at times waiting to turn the nuclear launch keys if so ordered by the U.S. President to do so.

Sebeck was cited as saying that "There are indications of a possible association between cancer and missile combat crew service at Malmstrom AFB,” and said that there were a “disproportionate number of missileers presenting with cancer, specifically lymphoma," and added that it was of concern.

He said, "The information in this briefing has been shared with the Department of the Air Force surgeon general, and our medical professionals are working to gather data and understand more.”

Around 19 out of every 100,000 Americans get Non-Hodgkin lymphoma yearly, according to the American Cancer Society.

This type of cancer is a blood cancer that forms cancerous lymphocytes in the body's lymph system, which is a part of the body's immune system. According to Mayo Clinic, it travels through the lymphatic system to the rest of the body, including the lymphatic vessels, tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.

Only around 3,300 military personnel are based at Malmstrom base at a time, and only 400 of those are assigned as missileers or operator support. This indicates a usually high number of soldiers being diagonal with the disease compared to the national average.

While the median age for contracting lymphoma is 67 years old, the AP report indicated that the soldiers based at Malmstrom were in their 30s or 40s when they were diagnosed with the disease, well under the median age.

Sebeck said, “Missileers have always been concerned about known hazards, such as exposure to chemicals, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, and other hazardous material in the work environment. All missileers should be screened and tracked for the rest of their lives.”

CENTCOM and Israel Defense Forces Conduct Exercise Juniper Oak 23.2 - CENTRAL COMMAND: U.S. Central Command and the Israel Defense Forces carry out live-fire exercise Juniper Oak 23.2 in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

"This exercise strengthens collective U.S.-Israeli readiness and improves the interoperability of both forces, thereby contributing to regional stability. Exercises like Juniper Oak show that interoperability and integration represent the improved security in the region.

“Consistent with CENTCOM’s strategic approach of People, Partners, and Innovation, we are committed to strengthening military-to-military relations throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “Juniper Oak is a Combined Joint All-Domain exercise which improves our interoperability on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace with our partners, enhances our ability to respond to contingencies, and underscores our commitment to the Middle East.”

Juniper Oak 23.2 integrates many military assets and missions, including:

Assets And Missions: Strategic bombers, U.S. and Israeli command and control, Fighter aircraft, Air operations in maritime surface warfare, Rescue aircraft, Combat search and rescue, Refueling aircraft, Electronic attack, Naval forces, Suppression of enemy air defenses, Ground long-range precision fires, Strike coordination and reconnaissance, Air long-range precision fires, Air interdiction, Rotary wing aircraft, Space Force assets, Special Operations Forces, Infantry forces.

This exercise will include a large-scale live fire event with over 140 aircraft including B52s, F35s, F15s, F16s, FA-18s, AC-130, AH64s, 12 naval vessels, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems.

“These kinds of exercises – which CENTCOM routinely conducts with our partners – develop interoperability between military forces, increase military capabilities, and are important to the security and stability of the region. The lessons learned during these exercises are exportable to our partners across the region,” Kurilla concluded."

FAA Issue On January 11th Due To "Unintentionally Deleted Files" - WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) put out a statement on Thursday that their preliminary review of the incident on January 10th found that contract personnel had "unintentionally deleted files" which disrupted a key computer system and led to planes across the nation to become grounded.

The FFA is part of the United States Department of Transportation, and said the files were "unintentionally deleted" while personnel were working to "to correct synchronization between the live primary database and a backup database".

The agency had put out a statement last week that the incident occurred due to a computer outage that affected the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMS) messaging system, and said that it was caused by a procedural error due to a corrupted file.

Over 120 lawmakers in the United States told the FAA that the NOTAMS system outage was "completely unacceptable" and asked for an explanation as to how this could happen.

Staff in the Senate Commerce Committee asked the FAA, "Why were airlines put in a position where they could have the option of choosing to operate when the NOTAM system was down?".

Israel Unveils "Point Blank" Missile/Suicide Backpack Drone - JERUSALEM - Israel's state-owned IAI Aerospace Industries has announced its new "Point Blank" electro-optically guided missile, capable of being stored in a soldier's backpack. It can take off and land back into the operator's hand. Read Full Article

The IAI has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to develop the "ROC-X" version of the POINT BLANK system for the U.S. Department of Defense. The first prototype, as well as the accompanying training to use the device is expected to be released next year, according to an IAI statement.

The missile is a hand-launched loitering missile, also called an attack drone which can land back in a soldiers hand without exploding if it is not used against a target.

The 'loitering' missile/drone are also known as 'suicide' or 'kamikaze' drone can be both launched and operated by a single soldier alone.

The Point Blank missile weighs around 15 pounds and is 3 feet in length. The device is capable of flying at an altitude of 1,500 feet at a max speed of 178 miles per hour.

It's also capable of hovering over the target while the soldier analyzes what kind of target it is, as well as its position. It can be retracted and re-stored if the soldier decides against carrying out an attack on the target in question.

In a statement, the IAI said, “The system answers the battlefield requirement to provide tactical units ranging in size from small tactical teams to battalion level, with an independent and organic capability to increase their lethality".

Multiple Drone Attack on Coalition Outpost in Syria - TAMPA, Fla. – This morning, three one-way attack drones attacked the At Tanf Garrison in Syria. Two of the drones were shot down by Coalition Forces while one struck the compound, injuring two members of the Syrian Free Army partner force who received medical treatment. No US forces were injured.

“Attacks of this kind are unacceptable – they place our troops and our partners at risk and jeopardize the fight against ISIS,” said Joe Buccino CENTCOM spokesperson.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev: Defeat Of A Nuclear Power In Conventional War May Trigger Nuclear War - MOSCOW - While speaking of Russia's war in Ukraine, Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the "defeat of a nuclear power in a conventional war may trigger a nuclear war".

In his response, Medvedev, who is a deputy chairman of Russia's security council added that "Nuclear powers have never lost major conflicts on which their fate depends".

This, amidst a report that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Crimea, Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia.

When Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about the remarks by Medvedev and whether it means that Russia is escalating the crisis to another level, he said, "No, it absolutely does not mean that".

Then he added that the remarks by the former President were in line with Russia's nuclear doctrine, which states that a nuclear strike is acceptable in light of any "aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened".

US May Help Ukraine In Operations In Crimea - A report released by the New York Times claims that "several anonymous US officials" spoke to the paper and told them that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Crimea, Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia.

A U.S. Army Brigadier General, however, spoke to Insider and said that he believes if Ukraine continues to have success on the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin would resort to using a nuclear weapon. 

The paper cited the officials as saying that fears that Russia would retaliate to such an attack by using nuclear weapons have been assuaged and that the risk of assisting Ukraine in operations in Crimea might very well be worth attempting. 

NATO: Extremely Important Putin Doesn't Win The War In Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland that it is "extremely important that Putin doesn't win this war" and said that if Russia does win, "it will be very dangerous for all of us". 

He went on to say that if Russia were to win the war in Ukraine, it would send a message to all authoritarian leaders, "not only to Putin, but also other authoritarian leaders" that "when they use brutal force, when they violate international law, they achieve what they want". 

"That would be a very bad and dangerous lesson," he added. "It would make the world more dangerous, and us more vulnerable". 

Army Brig. General: Putin Would Use Nuclear Weapon If Ukraine Continues To Succeed On Battlefield

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Ryan said that he believes that if Ukraine continues to have successes on the battlefield, Russia, "would use a nuclear weapon before it allowed its military to be defeated in the field". 

He continued by saying that, "If the Ukrainian military was having great success in the spring, and was chopping up the Russian military and was threatening taking back Crimea, then I think that the Russian military and leadership would use a nuclear weapon"

Ryan added that using a nuclear weapon would not only "destroy Ukrainian military targets," but also "convince Ukraine that continuing to fight this war would leave Ukraine as a nuclear holocaust". 

"The level of deaths could approach Hiroshima, or it could be far less if they only intend to fire like a warning shot of a nuclear weapon," such as using it on a location that isn't heavily populated. 

US Forces Intercept Drone At South Korean Base With Jamming Gun - US forces intercepted a drone flying near Forward Operating Site Carroll, nearby Camp Carroll in Seongju County, which is equipped with a missile defense system. The incident happened about 130 miles from Seoul, in South Korea.

Both U.S. and South Korean soldiers detected an unmanned aerial vehicle flying near the base, according to Stars and Stripes which cited an email from Eighth Army spokesman Lt. Col. Neil Penttila. 

In the email, the spokesman said that the soldiers “swiftly acted to deny its entry" and said that the investigation is currently ongoing. 

The drone was intercepted using a jamming gun, but the base is equipped with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) missile defense system which was deployed at the base in 2017 to defend against North Korean threats. 

The drone, which is presumed to be a civilian drone, was spotted by a United States soldier at 12:54 pm on Tuesday, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap. 

The Yonhap report says that military officials do not believe the drone originated from North Korea, nor does it look like it was equipped with espionage equipment. 

NATO deploys AWACS surveillance jets to Romania - The following is a statement by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office: GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - NATO prepares a deployment Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance planes to Bucharest, Romania. 

The aircraft are scheduled to arrive on January 17, 2023 and are going to support the Alliance’s reinforced presence in the region and monitor Russian military activity.

The NATO AWACS will start reconnaissance flights, solely over Alliance territory, in the coming days. The mission is scheduled to last several weeks. The aircraft belong to a fleet of 14 NATO surveillance aircraft usually based in Geilenkirchen, Germany. 

Around 180 military personnel will deploy the Romanian Air Force base at Otopeni near Bucharest in support of the aircraft.“

As Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine continues to threaten peace and security in Europe, there must be no doubt about NATO’s resolve to protect and defend every inch of Allied territory,” said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu. 

"I thank Romania for hosting the aircraft, which makes an important contribution to our early warning,” she added.

“Our AWACS can detect aircraft hundreds of kilometres away, making them a key capability for NATO’s deterrence and defence posture."

Our AWACS can detect aircraft hundreds of kilometres away, making them a key capability for NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, NATO has increased its air presence in eastern Europe with additional fighters, surveillance aircraft, and tankers. Since February 2022, NATO AWACS have conducted regular patrols over eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea region to track Russian warplanes near NATO borders.

NATO AWACS planes will be deploying to Otopeni, Romania, conducting air surveillance missions until the end of the month. 

The scheduled deployment showcases NATO’s ability to forward deploy air power reinforcing our posture along the eastern flank. Archive photo courtesy NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force.

Israel: Iran Has Enough Enriched Uranium To Make 4 Nuclear Bombs - JERUSALEM - Iran has enough enriched uranium to produce four nuclear bombers, according to the Israeli military's outgoing Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. 

"Iran today has enough enriched material to produce four nuclear bombs, three at 20 per cent and one at 60 per cent," he said. 

He said that Iran has an "active weapons team," and "“has been working at a very slow pace, and this is in violation of the nuclear deal.”

He also addressed what will be targeted in Iran if Israel decides to strike the country, "If it comes to entering a major battle, military sites and additional sites will be included in the list of targets."

He added, "We have been engaged in accelerating preparations to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in recent years and many other types of targets". 

The Israeli Chief of Staff spoke to Israel Hayom and addressed plans to prevent Iran from successfully obtaining nuclear weapons. 

“These extend from a retaliatory strike on Iran that would be unrelated to the nuclear issue, to the taking out of the Iranian nuclear installations and auxiliary sites in that project, and if the situation eventually escalates into a full-fledged campaign then these plans also include the targeting of military sites and other assets,” he said. 

2022 Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena - The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 required the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to submit an annual report to Congress on unidentified aerial phenomena. ODNI submitted the classified annual report to Congress and published the Unclassified Annual Report.

Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). Unclassified Annual Report.

"Yesterday the Director of National Intelligence delivered to Congress the Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (now Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP)) as required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

Analyzing and understanding the potential threats posed by UAP is an ongoing collaborative effort involving many departments and agencies, and the Department thanks the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) for leading a collaborative effort to produce this report, as well as the other contributing departments and agencies.

The safety of our service personnel, our bases and installations, and the protection of U.S. operations security on land, in the skies, seas, and space are paramount. We take reports of incursions into our designated space, land, sea, or airspaces seriously and examine each one.

The All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is leading DOD's efforts, in coordination with ODNI and other government agencies, to document, analyze, and when possible resolve UAP reports using a rigorous scientific framework and a data-driven approach. 

Royal Navy frigate tracking the movements of a Russian warship in the North Sea Reportedly Carrying Zircon Hypersonic Missiles. - UK MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - "HMS Portland is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama as they sail in international waters close to the UK.

The Type 23 frigate joined the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Bergen, as the Russian ships transited south through the Norwegian Sea.

Portland with her specialist Merlin helicopter embarked – both equipped with cutting-edge sonars, sensors and torpedoes for specialist operations – is tracking and reporting on the movements of the Russian ships through the North Sea.

Portland’s Commanding Officer Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: “Escorting warships in UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas is routine activity for the Royal Navy.

“By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy ensures compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity to protect our nation’s interests.

“Escorting the Russian task group alongside forces from our NATO allies has demonstrated the UK’s commitment to the alliance and to maintaining maritime security.”

HMS Portland departed her home port of Plymouth on Saturday on her latest patrol. The frigate – which underwent a major refit in 2021 – is adept at surface warfare operations as well as hunting submarines.

HMS Portland spent much of last year patrolling waters close to the UK, with visits to Norway and Sweden, and operating with NATO allies on the alliance’s submarine hunting exercise – Dynamic Mongoose – in the North Atlantic."

Federal Aviation Administration: FAA NOTAMS Statement - Normal air traffic operations are resuming gradually across the United States following an overnight outage to the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system that provides safety information to flight crews. The ground stop has been lifted. 

The agency continues to look into the cause of the initial problem.

FAA STATEMENT 0815 EST

The FAA is making progress in restoring its Notice to Air Missions system following an overnight outage.

Departures are resuming at Newark Liberty (EWR) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) airports due to air traffic congestion in those areas.

We expect departures to resume at other airports at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

FAA STATEMENT 0715 EST

The FAA is still working to fully restore the Notice to Air Missions system following an outage.

The FAA has ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9 a.m. Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information.

FAA Releases Alert Reporting System Glitch That Caused Failure - UNITED STATES - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an alert saying that it's working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System after it failed and caused an outage. *This message will be updated with further information as its released*. 

Messages by the FAA: "The United States NOTAM system failed at 2028Z. Since then no new NOTAMS or amendments have been processed. Technicians are currently working to restore the system and there is no estimate for restoration of service at this time. There is currently a hotline in effect which has NAIMES/FAA facilities/stakeholders in attendence. This hotline information is contained within ADVZY 004. This ADVZY will be updated as necessary."

FAA Message 2: "The FAA is working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System. We are performing final validation checks and reloading the system now. Operations across the National Airspace System are affected. We will provide frequent updates as we make progress."

FAA Message 3: "The FAA is still working to fully restore the Notice to Air Missions system following an outage. While some functions are beginning to come back on line, National Airspace System operations remain limited."

FAA Message 4: "Update 3: The FAA is still working to fully restore the Notice to Air Missions system following an outage. The FAA has ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9 a.m. Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information."

Flight Radar 24: "Flights to US airports have been groundstopped by the FAA until at least 09:30 ET (1430 UTC). This means any flight not in the air already will not be allowed to depart. Image: flights over US now compared to same time last week. About 700 fewer flights airborne now."

FAA Releases Alert Reporting System Glitch That Caused Failure - UNITED STATES - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an alert saying that it's working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System after it failed and caused an outage. *This message will be updated with further information as its released*. 

Messages by the FAA: "The United States NOTAM system failed at 2028Z. Since then no new NOTAMS or amendments have been processed. Technicians are currently working to restore the system and there is no estimate for restoration of service at this time. There is currently a hotline in effect which has NAIMES/FAA facilities/stakeholders in attendence. This hotline information is contained within ADVZY 004. This ADVZY will be updated as necessary."

FAA Message 2: "The FAA is working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System. We are performing final validation checks and reloading the system now. Operations across the National Airspace System are affected. We will provide frequent updates as we make progress."

FAA Message 3: "The FAA is still working to fully restore the Notice to Air Missions system following an outage. While some functions are beginning to come back on line, National Airspace System operations remain limited."

FAA Message 4: "Update 3: The FAA is still working to fully restore the Notice to Air Missions system following an outage. The FAA has ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9 a.m. Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information."

Flight Radar 24: "Flights to US airports have been groundstopped by the FAA until at least 09:30 ET (1430 UTC). This means any flight not in the air already will not be allowed to depart. Image: flights over US now compared to same time last week. About 700 fewer flights airborne now."

U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the outage and said that “They don’t know what the cause is,” and said “I told them to report directly to me when they find out. Aircraft can still land safely, just not take off right now. They don’t know what the cause of it is, they expect in a couple of hours they’ll have a good sense of what caused it and will respond at that time.”

The White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “there is no evidence of a cyberattack at this point, but the President directed DOT to conduct a full investigation into the causes.”

Drone Shot Down Over Ain al-Asad Air Base Hosting US Forces - IRAQ - A drone was shot down over the Ain al-Asad Air Base that hosts U.S. Forces, according to Iraqi military sources on Sunday, after which the US-led military coalition said it had carried out "an operational exercise", contradicting reports by the Iraqi military that it may have been hostile. 

The Iraqi military said that the drone might have had hostile intent, and said it wasn't clear whether it was on a surveillance mission, or if it was carrying explosives.

The US-led coalition, in a contradicting statement said that it had carried out “an operational exercise...that involved engaging an Unmanned Aerial System”. 

There were no damages reported as a result of the shootdown, and no casualties reported. 

The attack comes as the United States marks the third anniversary of Iran's missile strike on the al-Asad Air Base in which the IRGC fired 13 ballistic missiles at the base. 

The attack three years ago marks the first time any country has directly attacked the United States since World War 2. 

Washington: Claims That US In Talks To Revive Iranian Nuclear deal Are False - WASHINGTON - After Israeli Prime Minister said that efforts were underway to revive the JCPOA nuclear deal, the Biden Administration put out a statement saying that claims that it was engaged in talks were "false".

The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday that it is not in talks to revive the JCPOA nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and said that it "hasn't been on the agenda for some months now". 

U.S. State Department Spokesman Ned Price said that the administration is currently focused on "doing everything we can to support the universal rights of the people of Iran".

"Since September especially our focus has been on standing up, … for the fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people," he told reporters Wednesday. 

He added, "and now what it is doing to its own people — the repression, the violence that it's perpetrating against the brave Iranians who are taking to the streets; and the military support, the security assistance that it's providing to Russia — all of these are compounded and represent what is undeniably one of the most difficult challenges we face". 

Russian Hacker Group Targeted Three US Nuclear Research Labs - WASHINGTON - A Russian hacker group called Cold River targeted three different nuclear research labs in the United States between the months of August and September of 2022. 

During the months the attacks were carried out, Russian President Vladimir Putin had been voicing Russia's willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to threats to its territory. 

The three nuclear research labs that were targeted were: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL) according to a Reuters Report citing internet records.

The internet records that Reuters cited showed login pages that had been faked for each laboratory, as well as emails from hackers sent to nuclear scientists at each location attempting to get them to disclose their login passwords. 

The report cites Adam Meyers, senior vice president of intelligence at the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike located in the United States that the Cold River hacking group is "directly involved in supporting Kremlin information operations". 

A report posted on a blog by the European cybersecurity SAAS company Sekoia said that Calisto, which is another name for the Cold River group was showing interest in entities showing war support for Ukraine. 

Sekoia said that the group is suspected to be a "Russian-nexus intrusion set" active since April of 2017 who's operations showed "objectives" and "victimology" closely in alignment with Russian strategic interests. 

Cold River had also Hacked Into and then leaked emails from a Proton account belonging to the head of the British MI6 intelligence agency last year. 

At the time Richard Dearlove had said, "I am well aware of a Russian operation against a Proton account which contained emails to and from me".

Methods Used To Harvest Victims Credentials

One of the methods that Sekoia says the hacker group uses to compromise systems is through the exploitation of an error in the PDF renderer engine. 

The group sends "malicious" PDF files as attachments to their victims in which the first page of the PDF file "mimics an error in the PDF renderer engine", leading the victim to open a link that brings them to a malicious web page that harvests the users credentials using EvilGinx. 

Norway Reports Position Of Russian Hypersonic Missile Boat - NORWAY - The Norwegian Armed Forces has posted a statement saying that the Russian hypersonic missile boat, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov is sailing south, along the coast of Norway, in international waters.  

The Norwegian Armed Forces that said, "Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov is sailing southwards along the coast of Norway. She is legally in international waters – but as always, we are closely monitoring any movements and will do so as long as the frigate is in our areas. Photo taken from P-3 Orion today".

Norwegian Armed Forces Release 1

The Norwegian Defense Forces are well aware of the ship's movements and will follow the ship's sailing closely as long as it is in our immediate area. This happens, among other things, with the help of our maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-3 Orion, and vessels from the Norwegian Navy.

The Norwegian Defense Forces always have good control and follow closely what is happening in our immediate areas, also outside our coast.

The Russian frigate sails completely legally and in accordance with the "Incident at Sea Agreement". Also when the vessel sailed north at the beginning of December, the Norwegian Armed Forces followed the voyage closely .

Together with the Russian frigate, the tanker "Kama" also sails. This tends to be a normal way of operating, if a vessel is to be out for a period of time.

- Our P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft, together with the Norwegian Navy and other operational departments in the Norwegian Armed Forces, contribute to daily operations. We have a good picture of the situation in our maritime vicinity, and we obtain information on an ongoing basis, so that our decision-makers will have an updated picture of the situation, says Lieutenant Colonel Lasse Andreas Vestli Berg, station group commander at Andøya air station.

Norwegian Armed Forces Release 2

Gorshkov" is probably on his way to his home base at Kola. The coast guard vessel KV "Sortland" and the frigate KNM "Fridtjof Nansen" follow the Russian voyage north.

- That the Russians sail in international waters is completely legitimate. We have a good picture of what is happening outside our coast, says flag commander Trond Gimmingsrud, head of the Navy.

The vessels accompanying the Russian frigate report a professional appearance in accordance with the bilateral "Incident at Sea Agreement". The agreement is to prevent misunderstandings, dangerous and unprofessional incidents at sea and in the air.

- We experience the Russians' behavior as professional and in accordance with our expectations. It's normal, and it's always like that, says ship commander at KNM "Fridtjof Nansen", Commander Captain Stian Schnelle.

Since "Navy Day" on 31 July, the frigate has been undergoing maintenance in St. Petersburg.

Former Russian President Says Russia Should Station Hypersonic Missiles Near Washington D.C. - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Medvedev posted a message on the Twitter account to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that Russia should send its Zircon hypersonic missiles close to the Potomac River, which flows through Washington D.C. 

The former Russian President, and deputy chair of Russia's security council Dmitry Medvedev responded to a message of peace by the US Embassy in Moscow, saying that the main gift of the New Year was the Zircon missiles that went to the shore of NATO countries yesterday. 

The comment was in reference to the Russian hypersonic missile boat that has been spotted sailing along the coast of Norway by the Norwegian Armed Forces. 

The U.S. Embassy in Russia had released a statement that said, "Throughout history, our countries have been united by a common culture and our achievements. We believe that what is happening is not worthy of you, and we stand in solidarity with each of you who strive to create a more peaceful future". 

Medvedev responded by saying, "The main gift of the New Year was the arsenal of Zircon missiles that went yesterday to the shores of NATO countries". 

He then added that the missiles should be deployed "somewhere 100 miles from the coast [of the US], closer to the Potomac River," which is a river that flows through Washington D.C. 

Zircon hypersonic missiles have a range of between 310 to 620 miles.

South Korea Considers Sharing Real-Time Radar Intel With Japan By End Of Year - SEOUL - (based on translation) South Korea has begun considering sharing real-time radar information along with missile tracking data with Japan, according to a report by the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, which cited several government officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea. 

The paper stated that if the two countries share radar intelligence and data it will "lead to improved capabilities such as missile defense and information dissemination to the public". 

The United States, South Korea and Japan have begun "technical discussions" which involve the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, according to the Japanese paper which says that the plan is to accelerate talks with the aim of realizing the deal by the end of the year at the earliest. 

Why Is It Necessary To Share Live Radar Data?

Due to the fact that the earth is spherical, radar signals used to track missiles cannot track below the horizon, so Japan cannot track missiles until they reach a specific altitude. 

Similarly, South Korea cannot track missiles that fall beyond a certain point near Japan due to this same limitation. This difference in tracking has led to both South Korea and Japan releasing different data on the same missile launches, such as the number of missiles launched and the flight distance the missiles achieved. 

If South Korea and Japan were to share their live radar data with the US Indo-Pacific Command their data would then be in sync and the issue would then be resolved. 

The South Korea is already sharing live radar data with the United States, the new proposed plan would simply plug Japan into the live-data stream as well so that missile information is shared among the three countries simultaneously.

Two Rockets Target US Base In Syria - CENTCOM - TAMPA, Fla. – "Two rockets targeted coalition forces at Mission Support Site Conoco, northeast Syria, today at approximately 9am local time in Syria (1 am Eastern Standard Time). 

The attack resulted in no injuries or damage to the base or coalition property. Syrian Democratic Forces visited the rocket origin site and found a third unfired rocket.

"Attacks of this kind place coalition forces and the civilian populace at risk and undermine the hard-earned stability and security of Syria and the region," said Col. Joe Buccino, CENTCOM spokesman."

Israel Reports A Failed Rocket Launch In Northern Gaza Strip - ISRAEL - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported a rocket launch, but the rocket failed. No alert was activated "in accordance with standard operating procedures". 

Full Statement By The Israel Defense Forces: "A failed rocket launch that fell in the northern Gaza Strip was identified tonight. In accordance with standard operating procedures, an alert was not activated. Full routine continues on the Israeli home front."

Israel Strikes Damascus, Increases Cooperation With US, Prepares For Attack On Iran - Israel carried out a missile strike on the Damascus International Airport, killing four people while boosting cooperation with the US, and preparing for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Missile, Orders "Exponential Expansion" Of Nuclear Arsenal - SEOUL - North Korea fired another ballistic missile toward the east sea, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap. The North also ordered an "exponential expansion" of its nuclear arsenal. 

North Korea is moving to develop a more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to a report by their state media KCNA. 

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) recently put out a statement by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that said of the United States and South Korea, "They are now keen on isolating and stifling (North Korea), unprecedented in human history. The prevailing situation calls for making redoubled efforts to overwhelmingly beef up the military muscle.”

During a six day meeting discussing new objectives, Kim Jong Un called for "an exponential increase of the country’s nuclear arsenal” and to mass produce battlefield tactical nuclear weapons. 

He has ordered his military to develop the country's "quick nuclear counterstrike capability" and to create a weapon that is capable of striking mainland United States. He also said that the Norths first military reconnaissance satellite will be launched “at the earliest date possible". 

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke to military officers in a video conference and said that "The new year started but our security situation is still very grave. Our military must resolutely punish any provocation by the enemy with a firm determination that we dare to risk fighting a battle".

Netanyahu Sworn In As Israeli Prime Minister, Vows To Prevent Iran From Nuking Israel - ISRAEL - Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Israel after previously holding the office from 1996 to 1999 and 2009 to 2021. He says the new government's first task will be to prevent Iran from destroying Israel with an atomic bomb. 

Netanyahu said "The first task is to make sure that Iran does not destroy us with an atom bomb". 

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said, "Netanyahu just said that the first task is to halt Iran from growing stronger and I agree with that".

He continued, "Contrary to all the forecasts and prophecies of doom, our government managed to stop the resigning of the deal with Iran. It involved complex diplomatic efforts, some under the radar with the American government and Europe, the result is well known". 

"The sanctions on Iran remained enforced and were expanded," he added. 

Japanese MOD On 3 North Korean Missile Launches - JAPAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - "North Korea launched three ballistic missiles toward the northeast from the suburbs of Pyongyang at 8:00 today. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that they all fell near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

(1) At around 8:01, the missile was launched from the suburbs of Pyongyang toward the northeast, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100km and flying approximately 350km. 

(2) At around 8:14, the missile was launched from the suburbs of Pyongyang toward the northeast, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100km and flying approximately 350km. 

③ At around 8:15, the missile was launched from the suburbs of Pyongyang toward the northeast, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100km and flying approximately 350km.

The government has provided information to aircraft and ships sailing in the vicinity, but no information such as damage reports has been confirmed at this time. Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister.

(1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information. ② Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc. ③ Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures 

There were instructions about three points. At the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister's Office for the North Korean Situation, which was established in the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center, gathered information from relevant ministries and agencies, convened an emergency gathering team, and discussed responses.

In the Ministry of Defense, the Minister of Defense receives instructions from the Prime Minister." 

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. 

While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launches highlight the destabilizing impact of the DPRK's unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs. 

The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."

North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea - SEOUL - North Korea has fired three short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.  

The JCS put out a statement that said, "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".

The ballistic missile test by North Korea comes the day South Korea conducted a test flight of a solid-fuel space vehicle, according to the South Korean defense ministry.  

The solid-fuel test followed claims by North Korea that they had tested a "high-thrust, solid-fuel" rocket motor for a "new-type" of strategic weapon system. 

The South Korean defense ministry said that "This flight test is a follow-up to the test on March 30 and we will achieve progress through the development process over the next several years".

The ministry added that, "Our military will double down on efforts to reinforce defense capabilities, including for the space domain."

Belarus MOD Says It Shot Down Ukrainian Missile On Its Territory - BELARUS - The Belarusian Ministry of Defense say they intercepted and destroyed a Ukrainian S-300 anti-air missile on Thursday. 

The Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying that parts of the missile fell on farmland near Gorbakha village, Ivanovo District in the southwestern region of Brest which borders Ukraine. 

The Telegram channel Belarusian Silovik posted photos of the missile, along with the message "A Ukrainian S-300 fell on the territory of Belarus in the Brest region. The photos are dropped by local residents who saw the rocket in the field."

The Belarusian Defense Ministry said that they had shot down the missile at about 10:00 am on the 29th of December. 

The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko gave orders for a team of specialists from the Investigative Committee, as well as the Defense Ministry to the scene. 

No deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of the missile. 

Russia Warns US Against Decapitation Strike Against Putin - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has put out a warning to the United States against carrying out a decapitation strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read Full Article

Russian Military Says It Shot Down Ukrainian Drone Deep Within Russian Territory - MOSCOW - The Russian military says that it shot down a Ukrainian drone that it detected was on approach to the Engels Air Base located deep within Russian territory, and reported that three servicemen were killed due to the resulting falling debris from the wreckage. 

No damage was reported on the aircraft at the base, despite the personnel killed by the falling wreckage after it was shot down. 

This is the second time the Engels air base has been targeted in the last month. The air base contains Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear capable strategic bombers that have been actively carrying out strikes within Ukraine. 

RIA Novosti cited the Russian defense ministry as saying, “On the twenty-sixth of December, at about 01:35 Moscow time, a means of air defense of the Russian Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down at low altitude while approaching the Engels military airfield in the Saratov region by Aerospace Forces. As a result of the fall of the wreckage of the drone, three Russian servicemen of the technical staff who were at the airfield were fatally injured".

Governor of the Saratov Region Roman Busargin wrote on his Telegram channel that there were "no emergencies in residential areas of the city". 

He also said that "There is absolutely no threat to residents. All stories about the evacuation from the city are blatant lies, created far beyond the borders of the country. Civil infrastructure facilities were not affected".

The Engels airbase is located about 450 miles southeast of Moscow, Russia. 

Telegram Message By Saratov Regional Governor

The message said, "Dear fellow countrymen, information about the state of emergency in Engels is spreading on social networks and the media tonight. There were no emergencies in residential areas of the city.

There is absolutely no threat to residents.   All stories about the evacuation from the city are blatant lies, created far beyond the borders of the country.

Civil infrastructure facilities were not damaged. Information about the incident at a military facility is being checked by law enforcement agencies.

Let me remind you that criminal liability is provided for the dissemination of knowingly false information. All data on websites, media and citizens involved in this are promptly sent to law enforcement agencies.

Russia Responds To Attack On Its Airfield By Targeting 17 Ukrainian Military Facilities

The Russian Ministry of Defense responded to the attack on the Engels Air Field by dealing a "massive blow" to Ukraine's "command and control system, and related defense facilities". 

A statement by the Russian MOD said, “The military command and control system and related facilities of the defense complex, communication centers, energy and military units of Ukraine were dealt a massive blow with high-precision air and sea-based weapons. All 17 designated facilities were hit".

North Korea Launches Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Off East Coast - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range missiles off its east coast, according to the South Korean military, days after U.S. and South Korea carried out joint military exercises involving nuclear-capable bombers and jets. 

The missile launches were detected at 4:32 pm, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff in a released statement, adding that South Korea has increased its surveillance posture and maintaining a state of readiness, closely coordinating with the United States. 

On Sunday, North Korea had also launched two medium-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, which it said was linked to the development of a reconnaissance satellite. 

US Kills 15 al-Shabab Militants In Somalia Airstrikes - USAFRICOM - The United States has killed 15 al-Shabab militants in Somalia after carrying out airstrikes at the request of the Somalian government. 

The airstrikes were carried out on December 14th, and December 17th, and targeted militants who were fighting the Somalian government forces in multiple locations within the country, about 125 from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. 

USAFRICOM Statmeent On the Airstrikes

"At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two collective self-defense strikes, one each on Dec. 14 and 17, 2022, in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab near Cadale, Somalia.

The Dec. 14 strike took place 176 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, in the vicinity of Cadale. The current assessment is 7 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed.

The Dec. 17 strike took place approximately 220 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, also in the vicinity of Cadale. The command’s initial assessment is 8 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed.

U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed in either strike.

U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote greater security for all Africans.

Al-Shabaab is the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world and has proven both its will and capability to attack Somali, East African, and American civilians. U.S. kinetic actions against al-Shabaab in Somalia are conducted in support of the Federal Government of Somalia's ongoing campaign to disrupt terrorist operations in their country.

Somalia remains key to the stability and security in all of East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to defeat al-Shabaab.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of these operations and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security."

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch - U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has released a statement regarding the missile launch by North Korea saying that they are aware of the missile launch and that it poses no threat to US personnel or territory, or allies.   

Statement by INDOPACOM: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launches highlight the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs."

"The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."

North Korea Launches 2 Ballistic Missiles Off East Coast - SOUTH KOREA/JAPAN - North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles off of its east coast, according to both the South Korean and Japanese Ministry of Defense.  

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that it had detected the launches from the Tongchang-ri area, North Pyongan Province, between 11:13 a.m. and 12:05 p.m, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. 

The ballistic missile tests are the first tests that North Korea has carried out in a month, and two days after North Korean state news claimed it had Carried Out A Test of a "high-thrust solid-fuel" motor at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground.

The missiles were fired around 50 minutes apart, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, which said that it has increased its surveillance posture and maintains a state of readiness, closely coordinating with the United States .

The JCS put out a statement that said, "While strengthening our monitoring and surveillance activities, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States."

So far this year, North Korea has fired over 60 ballistic missiles, the largest amount ever fired in a single year by the North. 

Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to the Missile Launch by North Korea (11:16)

The Japanese Prime Minister's office put out the following announcement:

1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public speedy and adequate information.

2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets.

3. Take all possible measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies.

Russia Condemns Possible Patriot Air Defense Systems Shipment To Ukraine - MOSCOW - The Russian Embassy to the United States has condemned the possible shipment of long-range Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by the US, saying that the move would be a provocative step. Read Full Article

Russia Loads The RS-24 Yars ICBM Into A Silo In Central Russia - MOSCOW - Russia has loaded its RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into a missile silo in the Kaluga Region in central Russia at the Kozelsk missile formation according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Read Full Article

US Deciding Whether To Send Patriot Missile System To Ukraine - The US is currently deciding on whether to send a Patriot long-range missile system to Ukraine, after receiving a request from Ukraine for more powerful and longer-range missile systems. Russia said in September that If Washington decides to supply longer-range missiles to Kyiv, it will be crossing a red line and will become a direct party to the conflict. Read Full Article

Poland To Deploy German Patriot Missile Systems On Border With Ukraine - Polish President Andrzej Duda announced on Monday that Poland will be working with Germany to deploy German Patriot missile systems on its border with Ukraine in the coming days. Read Full Article

Ukraine Requests Internationally Banned Cluster Munitions From US - Ukraine has requested cluster bombs from the United States. Both Russia and Ukraine have used cluster munitions in the war, mostly in populated areas, according to Multiple Reports, one of which is from the United Nations. Read Full Article

Turkey Threatens Greece With Missile Strike - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has threatened Greece with a missile strike on Athens. Both countries are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. Read Full Article

Belarus Deploys Tactical Battalion Groups At Borders Where NATO Is Deployed - Belarusian army says that they have deployed tactical battalion groups on the borders between Belarus and the countries where NATO had deployed forces. Skies above Belarus Empty. Read Ongoing Report

Rising Tensions Between Serbia And Kosovo, Military Activity Spotted - Shots were fired, and explosions were heard on the border between Serbia and Kosovo after a stun grenade was thrown. Serbia has asked NATO to deploy the Serbian army and police force. Read Ongoing Report

Putin Says Russia Is Considering Adding Nuclear First Strike To Military Strategy - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has put out a statement saying that any country that dares attack Russia with nuclear weapons will be wiped from the face of the earth, considers adding Russia to nuclear first strike strategy. Read Full Article

Putin: Ukraine Military Operation Taking Longer Than Expected - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the special military operation in Ukraine is taking longer than expected. He also addressed the conditions regarding the usage of nuclear weapons. Read Full Article

Russia Deploys Bastion Missile System On Island Also Claimed By Japan - Russia has deployed the Bastion coastal missile system on Kuril island of Paramushir, Russia which is an island also claimed by Japan, known by the Japanese as the Northern Territories. Read Full Article

Russia Claims Ukraine Hit Two Air Bases Located On Russian Soil - MOSCOW - Russia claims that Ukraine hit two of its air bases located on Russian soil before Russia carried out a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine.

The air bases that Russia says were hit were the Ryazan' and Engel's airbase. Ukraine, in turn claimed that it shot down 60 of the 70 missiles that Russia shot into its territory in response to the alleged attacks on its air bases.

Astra Telegram news Reported said that two people were killed, and at least two nuclear-capable bombers were damaged in the blasts at the Russian airfields. Two soldiers were also reported to have been hospitalized with injuries.

Two Tu-95 long-range strategic nuclear bombers were damaged as a result of a drone falling into the runway at the Engels airfield in Russia's Saratov region, according to Astra, citing "unnamed sources". 

The Engels air base houses Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable strategic bombers, and is about 310 miles away from the Ukrainian border. 

A Maxar satellite image of the Engels-2 airfield in Russia's Saratov region posted by The New Voice of Ukraine on December 1st, 2022 showed around two dozen Tu-95 and T-160 bombers sitting in the airfield, "probably" in preparation for a massive missile strike on Ukraine, according to a report by Germany's Der Spiegel. 

RIA Novosti reported that the airfield near Ryazan, which is located near Moscow, Russia had an explosion which resulted in three deaths due to a fuel tanker exploding. 

The airfield in the Saratov region on the Engels-1 airbase had a drone fall on two of its Two Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers, causing them to be damaged, where two servicemen were also injured. 

U.S. Moving Air Defense Systems From Middle East To Ukraine - RAYTHEON - The United States is currently working with countries in the Middle East to move some of the U.S. air defense systems to Ukraine, according to a Report by POLITICO. 

Raytheon Technologies CEO Greg Hayes said in an interview that the goal is to move National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems to Ukraine within three to six months from now, and then backfill the air defense systems with new NASAMS in the Middle East over the next 24 months time. 

“There are NASAMS deployed across the Middle East, and some of our NATO allies and we [the U.S.] are actually working with a couple of Middle Eastern countries that currently employ NASAMS and trying to direct those back up to Ukraine,” he was cited by POLITICO as saying. 

He said that moving them from the Middle East instead of building the systems in the United States is much faster, "“Just because it takes 24 months to build, it doesn’t mean it’s going to take 24 months to get in [the] country."

The newspaper said that it takes two years to build NASAMS due to the time it takes to purchase the components and motors for the rockets. 

Kim Jong Un: Goal Is To Have World's Strongest Nuclear Force - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the ultimate goal for North Korea is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear strategic force and eventually build the world's strongest army. Read Full Article

China Plans To Build Nuclear Powered Base On Moon By 2028 - BEIJING - China has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2028 and then land astronauts several years later. The base will likely be powered by a nuclear reactor. Read Full Article

Iran Reaches 60 Percent Enrichment Purity, One Step From Weapons Grade (90%) - TEHRAN - Iran has reached 60 percent uranium enrichment purity at its Fordow nuclear plant, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday.  

The United States however, has refused to confirm the findings for Fordow, wanting instead to turn to diplomacy efforts to diffuse the situation. 

Iran had already reached 60 percent enrichment at another nuclear facility, but the fact that this particular location is based inside of a mountain makes it particularly difficult to target and destroy. 

Weapons-grade levels of uranium would require 90 to 93 percent enrichment, but 60% is just one step behind weapons-grade refinement level. 

The JCPOA agreement in 2015 restricts Iran's nuclear enrichment to just 3.67 percent. 60 percent greatly exceeds the numbers agreed upon in the deal. 

The IAEA put out a statement that said, “Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi today said Iran had started producing high enriched uranium – UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) enriched up to 60 per cent – using the existing two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges in the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, in addition to such production that has taken place at Natanz since April 2021."

“Iran continues to advance its enrichment activities at the Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz and now plans to install a second production building, capable of housing over 100 centrifuge cascades," it added. 

SEOUL - The South Korean military has put out a statement saying that they do not have any new information on the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea recently launched. The North claims that it was a Hwasong-17 missile, but thus far the South Korean military have not been able to verify the claim. 

Col. Kim Jun-rak, a spokesperson for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "We have assessed the ICBM, fired on Nov. 18, was the Hwasong-17 missile as the North has claimed, and we have no information regarding its operational deployment". 

He said that intelligence officials from both South Korea and the United States are currently carrying out "additional analysis" in an attempt to find out more. 

2.0 Earthquake Near North Korea's Nuclear Test Site - PYONGYANG - A 2.0 earthquake hit near North Korea's Pungye-ri nuclear test site, but was found to be likely a naturally occurring earthquake, and not that of nuclear testing, according to South Korea's weather agency. 

This earthquake is one of a series of earthquakes that have hit North Korea in the last few months. 

The latest earthquake occurred 38 kilometers north-northwest of Kilju, North Hamgyong Province at 3:21 p.m. local time, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 41.29 degrees north and a longitude of 129.22 degrees east and had a depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). 

There were six other minor earthquakes near Kiju, near the location of the nuclear test site in February and March of this year. 

Kim Jong Un Oversaw ICBM Test, Vows To Respond With Nukes If Enemies Continue To Pose Threats - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the latest ICBM test, vowed that if enemies continue to pose threats, the North Korean government will react with nukes. Read Ongoing Report

North Korea Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - ICBM - North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (#ICBM) that flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 kilometers (3790 miles) at a speed of Mach 22. Read Full Article

North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) - SEOUL - The South Korean military has reported that the North launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) towards its eastern waters after threatening to respond with 'fiercer military responses' to the United States as a result of efforts by the United States to increase military presence on and near the Korean Peninsula.  Read Full Article

Former Russian President Says Missile Strike In Poland Proves West Is "Approaching A World War" - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the missile strike in Poland only proves that the West is "approaching a world war," and that the West wants to "wage war on Russia by all means against Russia", and that talking about Russian missiles falling into Poland is a "provocation" with the intent on escalating the conflict.

NATO, Poland Says Missile That Landed In Poland Likely Ukrainian Air Defense Missile - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that although the missile that landed in Poland and killed two people was "likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile" that it was "not Ukraine's fault".

"Russia bears ultimate responsibility" for the missile strike, not Ukraine, but that there is no indication that the missile strike was an intentional attack from Russia.

Polish President Andrzej Duda also said, “There is no indication that this could be qualified as an attack against Poland. It is highly probable that one of the missiles fired by the Ukrainian missile defense unfortunately fell on our territory."

Missile Blast In Poland Caused By Ukrainian Air Defense Missile - Reuters reported that U.S. President Joe Biden told the G7 and NATO partners that "a missile blast in Poland was caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile", according to a NATO source who reportedly spoke to Reuters.

On The Likelihood Of NATO's Article 5 Being Declared - Article 5 is not automatic, it needs to be agreed upon. It is unlikely alliance members will agree on article 5 if it was accidental, which thus far it looks to be. If it is found that it was intentional, however, the likelihood of article 5 will increase tremendously.

*Ongoing Report* Missile Believed To Be Russian Made Crosses Into NATO Member Poland, Killing Two People - The Associated Press reported that a Russian-made missile crossed into the eastern part of Poland on Wednesday, striking a grain facility near the Ukrainian border on the Polish side and killing two people. Poland is a member of the NATO alliance. Investigations have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile.

Investigations of the missile have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile, and Poland will likely request consultations with the other alliance members under NATO's article 4.

The Associated Press has reported that three U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter publicly "suggested" that the missile was fired by Ukrainian forces and was intended to target a Russian missile.

Polish President Polish President Andrzej Duda informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US president Joe Biden that the Polish ambassador to NATO "will request to invoke article 4, that is consultations among allies".

If Russia was to blame for the missile being launched into Poland, it is possible that NATO article 5 could be triggered, which states that an attack on one NATO member is seen as an attack on all NATO members. Article 5 is not automatic, however and would require that the alliance is in agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put out a statement saying that it was a "very significant escalation" in the war.

Although a statement was released by the Polish Foreign Ministry saying that the missile was most likely manufactured in Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda's statement said that it "most probably" was Russian, but also said officials still haven't been able to confirm who fired the missile.

Duda's statement to reporters said, "We do not have any conclusive evidence at the moment as to who launched this missile. "It was most likely a Russian-made missile, but this is all still under investigation at the moment. We are acting with calm. This is a difficult situation."

The White House put out a statement that U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with President Duda and expressed condolences, also offering assistance with the Polish investigation.

The Pentagon says that they have no confirmation that a Russian-made missile crossed into Poland and killed two people. An urgent meeting of the Committee for National Security and Defense Affairs has been called by Polish prime minister.

Even if it was a Russian-made missile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Article 5 is not 'automatically triggered'. Members of the NATO alliance must agree on any actions and responses that the alliance takes in relation to article 5 before taking action.

While speaking to reporters after the emergency meeting with G7 and NATO leaders in Bali, Indonesia, Biden said that preliminary information suggested that it's 'unlikely' that the missile was fired from Russian territory, but that the information is not conclusive until the investigation is completed.

This only addresses whether the missile was fired from Russian territory however, not whether it was fired by Russia from Ukrainian territory.

Biden said, "We agreed to support Poland’s investigation into the explosion … And I’m going to make sure we figure out exactly what happened.”

"Then we’re going to collectively determine our next step as we investigate and proceed. There was total unanimity among the folks at the table,” he added.

Russia denied any involvement in firing the missiles into Poland and called reports by the Polish media first reporting the explosion and deaths as "a deliberate provocation in order to escalate the situation".

The statement by the Kremlin said that the wreckage shown by Polish media "“from the scene in the village of Przewodow have nothing to do with Russian weapons.”

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that evidence suggests the missile that landed in Przewodów was a 'single act' and that there is no evidence that there will be any further missiles shot into Poland.

Poland is, however, increasing its military readiness in response, and is carrying out a careful analysis and consulting with NATO allies regarding the potential use of NATO's article 4, which allows for a NATO member to consult with the other alliance members.

Pentagon: U.S. Able To Respond Quickly To North Korean Nuclear Test - PENTAGON - The United States is able to respond quickly to a North Korean nuclear test if necessary, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said on Friday. Washington believes North Korea has completed all preparations for a seventh nuclear test. Read Full Article

Iran Tests Satellite Launch Vehicle That Could Be Used For Nuclear Warheads - TEHRAN - On Saturday, November 5th the Iranian Revolutionary Guard tested a satellite launch vehicle that Washington has speculated could also launch nuclear warheads. Read Full Article

China Completes Construction Of Its Space Station - SPACE - China launched its third and last component for its Tiangong space station on October 31st, completing construction of the station.

The Mengtian module was launched into space using a Long March 5B rocket at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and 13 hours after launch made a successful dock with the Space Station.

About a fifth of the size of the International Space Station, it can hold three astronauts, or up to six astronauts during handovers.

The station includes the core Tianhe module and two laboratory modules named Wentian and Mentian.

Finland And Sweden To Decide Issues On Nuclear Weapons Only After Joining NATO - Both Finland and Sweden say they will be deciding issues on nuclear weapons only after they are officially accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but that they do not seek any opt-outs or preconditions for joining the alliance, they said at a press briefing in Helsinki. Read Full Article

North Korea Fires 4 Ballistic Missiles Into Western Sea - SEOUL - North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the western sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military.

The missiles were fired from the Tongrim County in North Pyongyan Province at 11:32 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. local time, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

They flew about 130 kilometers (80 miles) at an apogee of 20 kilometers (a little over 12 miles) at a top speed of Mach 5, the JCS statement said.

The ballistic missile test by the North comes as South Korea and the United States end their joint six-day-long military exercises.

The last day of exercises involved two U.S. B-1B strategic bombers and four South Korean F-35A fighter jets.

North Korea Launches At Least 4 More Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea launched at least three, possibly four more ballistic missiles into the sea today, after launching at least 26 ballistic missiles including one ICBM the day before that triggered Japan's J-alert system and stopped trains from running in northern Japan.

The barrage of missile launches by North Korea came, at least in part in response to joint military exercises being held by North Korea and the United States. Exercises in which North Korea has called a provocation.

In response to the latest missile launches by North Korea, the United States and South Korea decided to extend the large-scale joint aerial exercises.

North Korea responded to the move by the United States and South Korea to extend exercises by saying, "North Korea says that the US and South Korea have made a very risky and wrong decision by extending air force drills, and both countries will come to know what a terrible mistake they have made," according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.

The South Korean Defense Minister has released a video message saying that "Any nuclear attack by North Korea will lead to the end of the Kim Jong-un regime. This is a strong warning against the DPRK."

The suspected ICBM test carried out by North Korea yesterday is reported to have failed after launch.

North Korea Launches At Least 26 Ballistic Missiles And 100 Shells In Last 24 Hours - North Korea launched at least 26 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over the last 24 hours, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard, including one suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). One missile is reported to have flown over Japan, activating Japan's J-alert system. Read Full Article

Norway Raises Military Alert Level After Drone Sightings Near Norway's Airports, Oil and Gas Fields - Norway has reportedly raised its military alert level after unmanned aerial (UAV) drones were sighted over the last few weeks around Norway's oil and gas fields and airports, which has led to at least seven arrests of Russian citizens. Read Full Article

North Korea Launches At Least 23 Ballistic Missiles And 100 Shells - North Korea launched at least 23 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over a 6-hour period of time, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard. Read Full Article

Poland Is, And Finland May Be Interested In Participating in NATO's Nuclear Sharing Program - Both Poland and Finland may be interested in participating in NATO's nuclear sharing program, which would give both countries access to deploying nuclear weapons in their territory, and allow NATO to establish bases within their borders. Poland interested, Finland more reserved on the matter. Read Full Article

2022 National Defense Strategy Of The United States Of America - WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read Full Article

US, NATO Deploying B61-12 Thermonuclear "Gravity Bomb" To Europe - NATO - the United States said during a closed meeting with NATO that it will be accelerating the deployment of an upgraded version of the B61-12 air-dropped thermonuclear "gravity bomb" to European bases in December, which is a few months earlier than was originally planned. Read Full Article

International Space Station Forced To Use Thrusters To Avoid Debris From Russian Anti-Satellite Test - NASA - The International Space Station was forced to ignite a thruster in order to move the space station away from debris created from a Russian anti-missile test in 2021. The anti-satellite missile test involved Russia targeting and destroying one of its own non-functioning satellites, which then generated about 1,500 pieces of space Debris in outer space. Read Full Article

US, South Korea Vow Unparalleled Response If North Carries Out 7th Nuclear Test - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea have vowed that there would be an unparalleled response if North Korea carries out an expected 7th nuclear test, and have urged North Korea to refrain from provocations. Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the location of the Tongchon, Kangwon province, according to the South Korean military. The US Indo-Pacific Command put out a statement saying that they are aware of the missile launches. Read the following article for more information on them: Read Full Article

Russia, NATO Hold Simultaneous Nuclear Exercises As Tensions Escalate - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the launches of ballistic and cruise missiles on Wednesday as part of Russia's yearly "Grom" nuclear exercises, as NATO holds simultaneous nuclear exercises. Read Full Article

*NEW* Russia Claims Ukraine Preparing To Use Dirty Bomb, US Says Claims Are False - *New Information* - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the US and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read Full Article

Russia Claims Ukraine Preparing To Use Dirty Bomb, US And Ukraine Claim It Is A False Flag Operation By Russia - MOSCOW - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the United States and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation.

Russian Defense Ministry, Sergey Shoigu spoke on the phone to the Defense Minister for France discussing "the situation in Ukraine, which is consistently veering towards further uncontrolled escalation", according to Russian state news agency RT.

Shoigu voiced 'concerns' about a 'possible Ukrainian provocation' which may involve the use of a 'dirty bomb'.

The Russian state news agency then quoted RIA Novosti as citing "sources in different countries including Ukraine” as saying that Kiev is preparing to detonate “a dirty bomb or a low-yield nuclear weapon" and then RT added, "on its own territory".

The Russian state news agency said that the goal would be to 'accuse Moscow of using weapons of mass destruction in a ploy to launch a powerful anti-Russia campaign".

The report made claims that two Ukrainian institutions have already been "tasked with manufacturing a 'dirty bomb', with the work now at the 'final stages'.

The Russian news agency also claimed that Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky's administration has been engaged in behind-the-scenes' talks with British officials in order to secure the transfer of nuclear arms components to Kiv, Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba put out a statement saying, "I spoke to @SecBlinken. We both agreed Russia’s ‘ dirty bomb ’ disinformation campaign might be aimed at creating a pretext for a false flag operation. We also discussed further practical steps to boost Ukraine’s air defense. Secretary affirmed the US spares no effort to this end."

A 'dirty bomb' is an improvised weapon that uses a mixture of nuclear waste material, and conventional explosives. It does not tend to have the same yield as a nuclear bomb would, but such an explosion can still spread radioactive waste material into the atmosphere.

Ukraine Claims Russian Aircraft Capable Of Launching Hypersonic Missiles Spotted Over Belarus Capital - BELARUS - The Ukrainian National Resistance Center has claimed that three Russian aircraft capable of equipping and launching hypersonic missiles were spotted over Minsk, Belarus on Sunday.

"Three MiG-31 supersonic fighters were spotted over Minsk, which can carry Kh-47M2 'Kinzhal' missiles and are capable of launching them at a distance of 2,000 km," the Resistance Center claimed.

"Russia relocated its planes to the airfield in Machulyshchy. These are not standard MIG-31, but a special modification named MIG-31K. Unlike standard MIGs, this model has an increased fuel supply and special communication equipment," it added.

It also claimed that "three Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Russian Air Force flew to the airfield 'Machulyshchi' from the Russian Federation."

Russia's hypersonic missiles, such as the Kinzhal missile have a range of around 1,243 miles and can fly at 10 times the speed of sound, reaching targets within minutes after they are launched.

Pentagon: Supersonic Bombers Sent To Guam To Send Message, To Deter Provocations - The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-1B supersonic bombers that arrived in Guam this week is a show of strength in order to deter "potential provocations," after North Korea carried out a series of ballistic missile tests, and fired into the buffer zone with the South. Read Full Article

White House: Iranian Troops Were Sent To Ukraine Help Russia Use Iranian Drones - According to the White House, Iranian troops were sent to Ukraine to help assist Russia in operating Iranian-made drones that Russia had reportedly purchased from the country. Read Full Article

CENTCOM Commander Embarks USS West Virginia Ballistic Missile Submarine - "On October 19th, General Michael "Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, conducted a visit aboard the USS West Virginia, a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine at an undisclosed location at sea in international waters in the Arabian Sea.

Kurilla was joined on the USS West Virginia by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT. During his visit on board the submarine, General Kurilla received a hands-on demonstration of the capabilities of the vessel, which operates globally under U.S. Strategic Command.

“I was thoroughly impressed with the crew of the USS West Virginia; these sailors represent the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and discipline across the U.S. military," said Kurilla. "These submarines are the crown jewel of the nuclear triad, and the West Virginia demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, readiness, and capability of USCENTCOM and USSTRATCOM forces at sea."

USSTRATCOM forces are on watch 24/7 globally, operating in all domains, while supporting other commands, to defend the nation and our allies.

West Virginia is one of six ballistic-missile submarines stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and is capable of carrying up to 20 submarine launched ballistic missiles with multiple warheads."

US Strategic Bombers Deployed To Guam Ahead Of North Korea's 7th Nuclear Test - GUAM - The United States deployed four bombers from South Dakota to the Andersen AFB, in Guam ahead of North Korea's expected nuclear test, as well as recent provocations. Members of our our intel community pointed out that the United States has maintained 4 bombers in Guam for most of 2022. It is possible that these bombers are either additional bombers being deployed to Guam, or on rotation.

Aircraft monitoring service Aircraft spots spotted a USAF B-1Bs SURGE21 and 22 arriving in Guam at around 07:00 UTC.

The monitoring service posted the following on Twitter: "USAF B-1Bs SURGE21 & 22 departed Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota and arrived into Andersen AFB, Guam a few hours ago around 07:00 UTC. With this latest batch, there are now 4 B-1Bs on the ground at Andersen AFB, Guam for this Bomber Task Force deployment."

Guam is within two hours flight time to the Korean Peninsula. B-1B bombers were also deployed to Guam in June after North Korea showed signs that they were preparing for a seventh nuclear test.

The United States Air Force had said during that deployment that, "The mission of the strategic bomber demonstrates the U.S. military's credibility to cope with a more diverse and uncertain global security environment than at any other time in history."

In addition to the bombers, the United States has also deployed surveillance assets over the Korean peninsula ahead of the expected nuclear test.

North Korea shot 350 artillery rounds into the East and West Sea buffer zone with the South in less than 14 hours "from the midnight of the previous day to the afternoon of the 19th," according to South Korean news agency Yonhap (from translation).

The North fired 100 artillery rounds into the West Sea from 12:30 p.m. in the in South Hwanghae Province, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"A spokesman for the General Staff of the North Korean Army said on the same day, just before the announcement by the South Korean military authorities, "between 8:27 am and 9:40 a.m. today, the enemy fired another 10 or so multiple rocket launchers from the front edge of the friendly (North Korean) 5th Corps. The Korean Central News Agency reported that they carried out a military provocation". Yonhap reported.

"The General Staff of the Korean People's Army has issued instructions to the friendly eastern and western front units once again to conduct threat warning fire in the eastern and western seas in response to the appropriateness raised this morning," Yonhap cited the spokesman as saying.

The report added that on the 18th, North Korea had fired around 100 artillery rounds from the Jangsangot area in Hwanghae Province to the West Sea from around 10pm, and 150 artillery shots from the Jangjeon area in Gangwon Province to the East Sea from around 11pm, totally 350 shots in about 14 hours, until the afternoon of the 19th.

On the 14th, it reported around 130 shots were fired from Majang-dong, Hwanghae-do to the West Sea at 1:20 am, and 40 shots from Gueup-ri, Gangwon-do to the East Sea at 2:57. 90 shots were fired from Jangjeon area to the East Sea at 5:20 pm.

Yonhap reported that the North violated the 9/19 agreement by firing more than 560 rounds at five locations, including 90 rounds from Haeju Bay in the West Sea, and 210 rounds from the west of Jangsangot.

Yonhap said that North Korea had claimed the MLRS fire was in response to an announcement from a spokesperson for the General Staff, "for the purpose of sending a warning to the intentional provocations of the enemy."

Situation Overview: South Korea On 24-Hour Standby: Possible Nuclear Test By North - SEOUL - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has been on "24-hour standby" as North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test "at any time," according to South Korean officials. The following is a situation overview on North and South Korea over the last 7 months. Read Full Article

South Korea Looking Carefully At Nuclear Deterrance Options - SEOUL - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Thursday that he is looking carefully at "extended deterrence" options as North Korea tests ballistic missiles that it says were intended to simulate a tactical nuclear weapon strike on South Korea.

South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, one of the oldest running newspapers in the country reported that South Korea had requested that the United States deploy strategic assets, such as nuclear submarines or aircraft carriers around the Korean Peninsula around the clock on a rotational basis if the South carries out a 7th nuclear test.

When the South Korean President was asked about the report, he said "As I said the other day, there are diverse opinions across our nation and in the United States regarding extended deterrence, so I am listening to them carefully and looking carefully at various possibilities."

"I'd like you to understand that it's difficult for a president to openly confirm or give a clear answer on such security issues," he added.

Chinese ambassador, and Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsula Affairs posted a statement regarding reports that the South Korean ruling party had proposed the United States redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in the region.

Xiaoming said, "In response to reports that in response to the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons, South Korea's ruling party proposed that South Korea need to redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that we have taken note of the relevant reports. All parties concerned should abide by their international obligations and commitments and take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula and the region."

He then added, "In response to the report that the ruling party in the #ROK has proposed that the country needs to re-deploy the #US ’s tactical nuclear weapons to respond to the threat of the #DPRK ’s nuclear weapons, #FM spokesperson said that we have noted the reports."

"Relevant parties need to fulfill their respective international obligations and commitments, and take concrete actions to uphold peace and stability on the #Korean Peninsula and in this region."

South Korean Daegu City Mayor Hong Joon-pyo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has been calling for South Korea to acquire nuclear weapons of its own.

On October 5th, he wrote on Facebook, "It is time for the government to thoroughly review the nuclear strategy towards the North" and said that national security should be obtained through "military balance".

Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for North Korean Studies at the Sejong Institute told the South Korean daily newspaper Hankyoreh that, "The tactical nuclear redeployment brought up by the ruling party is not a well-thought-out decision."

“It is a misjudgment which has been caused by excessive trust in the US since [South Korea] has long been relying on extended deterrence from the US," he reportedly added.

Experts in the United States however, have stated that there is "little or no military benefit that can be served by deploying U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea," according to South Korean news Yonhap.

The paper also reported that stationing nuclear-armed submarines in waters near South Korea may also provide no significant merit, and said that the 28,500 U.S. soldiers already currently stationed in South Korea may provide enough security assurance and deterrence that the country needs.

Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow at the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation said, "The redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korean soil lacks military merit".

The expert also said that the United States does not maintain ground-based nuclear weapons and that its tactical nuclear weapons are now mounted on mobile air and sea platforms, which make them "difficult for North Korea to find and target".

"To place them in a static underground bunker would degrade allied deterrence and heighten the risk of a North Korean preemptive attack on such high-value targets," he added.

In 1991 the United States removed its nuclear weapons from South Korea due to a disarmament deal with the Soviet Union at the time, as well as an inter-Korean agreement on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

However, according to Yonhap, a growing number of South Koreans, including ruling party lawmakers have "been calling for the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea," due to the recent series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea.

Patrick Cronin, Chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington said that he does not think that the Biden Administration will agree to deploy nuclear weapons in South Korea, and said that the United States military may not have such weapons available currently due to the war with Ukraine, and competition with China.

"The deployment of 28,500 U.S. troops on South Korean soil remains a severe barrier to aggression by North Korea. These forces and the alliance are backed by the entire arsenal of U.S. forces, including stealthy undersea and long-range nuclear weapons," he told Yonhap.

In response to the South Korean President's comments on looking into "various possibilities" to strengthen U.S. extended deterrence, Yonhap reported Klingner as pointing out that America's nuclear submarines do not need to be near the continent to hit North Korea.

"Submarines are stealthy launch platforms whose location is best kept from opponents. Any U.S. statement that a submarine was "near" Korea could not be verified by either North or South Korea. Nor does the submarine need to (be) near the peninsula to reach North Korea with nuclear weapons," he stated according to Yonhap.

Another expert, Harry Kazianis, president and CEO of Rogue States Project, a national security think tank based in Washington told the news agency that the United States may be already be patrolling the Pacific on a 'nearly continuous basis".

"Basing such a submarine would only speed up the destruction of North Korea within a few minutes if the DPRK attacked, and provides no benefit to Seoul at all," he said.

"While it does signal support for sure, there is no military benefit in any way at all," he added, adding that the Biden administration might appear to consider deploying tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea if the request is made, but not actually deploy them.

"Washington could float the idea it was considering such a request to get North Korea to back off or deter more DPRK missile tests and get the benefit of deployment without actually doing it," he told Yonhap.

In another report, Radio Free Asia said that North Korea is not yet in a position to deploy tactical nuclear weapons that would have the capability of hitting targets with precision.

It did say, however, that according to experts, the country will likely begin testing tactical nuclear weapons in the near future.

Tactical nuclear weapons have warheads much smaller than a larger nuclear warhead. While a nuclear missile is intended for widespread destruction, tactical nuclear missiles are meant to be used on targets in the battlefield.

Olli Heinonen, who is a former deputy director-general for safeguards at the International Atomic Energy Agency spoke to Radio Free Asia and said that North Korea does not have enough fuel to manufacture multiple tactical nuclear weapons.

"The bulk of its plutonium has the wrong composition for short-range targeted strikes," RFL cited him as saying. He did say that the country is striving "to produce good fissile material for miniaturizing nuclear weapons."

He said that even if the North obtains enough plutonium, the weapons will still have to be tested, which would lead to depleted supplies.

"They need to conduct nuclear tests if they want to miniaturize weapons. Once they will test it, they will see if it works, Only then can they manufacture more efficient and smaller weapons." he stated according to RFA.

Bruce Bennett, a senior defense researcher at the RAND Corporation told RFA that the tests that North Korea has carried out thus far were "not very serious operational tests," but said that their purpose may have been to “to make sure his personnel really understand how to fire the missiles.”

“In real operations, these theater missiles would need to be fired within a few tens of seconds of each other to then give their launchers time to escape before they could be targeted,” he told RFA.

"But on the North’s five recent test events involving two missiles, the shortest separation in the launches was nine minutes, the longest 22 minutes, and the average 14 minutes. That is not really operational," he added.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a press briefing that the United States is committed to "dialogue and diplomacy" and to diffuse the tensions with North Korea, but is ensuring that its "deterrent capabilities are where they need to be."

"We want to see the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We believe that the best way to do that is through diplomacy – through principled, hard-nosed diplomacy with the DPRK,” referring to North Korea. “Clearly the DPRK is not there yet." Price said.

Russia Moving Nuclear Capable Missile Systems To Belarus, Converting Belarusian Jets To Carry Nukes, But Not Moving Nuclear Weapons To Belarus At This Time - Russia is transferring dual-equipped Iskander-M missile systems with conventional missiles to Belarus, and converting Belarusian SU-25 jets with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, but it is 'not planned' to equip Belarus with actual nuclear warheads.

Deputy head of the Russian delegation to the UN General Assembly Vorontsov said that nuclear technologies will not be moved from Russia to Belarus.

"In particular, in Poland, for several years now, they have been declaring their desire to become fully involved in joint nuclear missions. Recently, Warsaw's activity in this area has sharply increased. This, of course, was taken into account by Russia and Belarus when considering the issue of countermeasures," Vorontsov said according to Russian state news RIA Novosti.

"At this stage, we are talking exclusively about the transfer to the Republic of Belarus of dual-equipped Iskander-M complexes with conventional missiles, as well as giving some of the Belarusian Su-25 aircraft the technical ability to carry nuclear weapons. At the same time, transferring technology to Belarus for converting aircraft into nuclear weapons carriers not expected".

"It is also not planned to physically equip Belarusian systems with nuclear warheads, nor to move such warheads to Belarusian territory." he added.

NATO Allies & Russia To Launch Annual Nuclear Exercises Amidst Tensions - EUROPE - NATO put out a statement on Friday saying that it would be launching its annual nuclear exercises "Steadfast Noon". NATO also said that it will be monitoring Russia's own upcoming nuclear exercise very closely.

Russia will be holding their annual Grom exercise in late October, where the country's military will be testing its nuclear-capable bombers, missiles and submarines.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to reporters and said, "We have monitored Russian nuclear forces for decades and of course we will continue to monitor them very closely and we will stay vigilant - also when they now start a new exercise".

"What I can say is that this exercise, the Russian exercise, is an annual exercise. It's an exercise where they test and exercise their nuclear forces".

"We will monitor that as we always do. And of course we will remain vigilant, not least in light of the veiled nuclear threats and the dangerous rhetoric we have seen from the Russian side," Stoltenberg said.

NATO's yearly nuclear exercises normally run for around one week, and includes fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear missiles, though they do not carry live-nuclear weapons during the exercises.

The NATO jets will be testing the allies capability of carrying out nuclear strikes over Belgium, the North Sea and the United Kingdom.

"Training flights will take place over Belgium… as well as over the North Sea and the United Kingdom," NATO said in their statement about the exercise.

B-52 long-range nuclear-capable bombers will be flying from the Minot Air Base in North Dakota to take part in the exercise.

Sky News reports that the training this year will be hosted by Belgium, and run from Monday, October 17th to October 30th.

NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said: "This exercise helps ensure that the alliance's nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective."

A different NATO member country hosts the exercise each year, with last year the host being Italy.

The exercises, which were planned before Russia's invasion on Ukraine on February 24th, will include 14 out of 30 NATO member countries and be carried out about 625 miles from Russian territory, AP news cited a NATO official as saying.

Stoltenberg spoke to reporters and when asked if it would be a good idea to carry out nuclear exercises in light of the current situation, he said, "It would send a very wrong signal if we suddenly now cancelled a routine, long-time planned exercise because of the war in Ukraine. That would be absolutely the wrong signal to send".

"NATO’s firm, predictable behavior, our military strength, is the best way to prevent escalation,” he said. “If we now created the grounds for any misunderstandings, miscalculations in Moscow about our willingness to protect and defend all allies, we would increase the risk of escalation.”

Although NATO itself as an organization does not have nuclear weapons, some of its members such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France do have them.

The NATO Nuclear Planning Group, which includes defense ministers will be meeting on Thursday.

Stoltenberg said that Putin's latest nuclear rhetoric was "dangerous and reckless," and said that its members "have also conveyed clearly to Russia that it will have severe consequences if they use nuclear weapons in any way."

"We are closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear forces. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s posture, but we remain vigilant.” Stoltenberg said.

The United States' Permanent Representative to NATO, Julianne Smith also reportedly spoke to Euronews and said, "We've messaged the Russians quite directly that any use of nuclear weapons would be faced with unprecedented consequences".

"This is something we are monitoring closely and I think you've also heard colleagues back in Washington say that right now we do not see an indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons."

On Thursday Stoltenberg had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be crossing a "very important line" if he were to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

When asked how NATO would respond to Russia using a nuclear weapon, Stoltenberg said, "We will not go into exactly how we will respond, but of course this will fundamentally change the nature of the conflict. It will mean that a very important line has been crossed."

"Even any use of a smaller nuclear weapon will be a very serious thing, fundamentally changing the nature of the war in Ukraine, and of course that would have consequences," the NATO chief added.

Addressing Russia's nuclear exercise, U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said, "Russia will also be conducting its annual exercise, I think, the week after or just after the annual exercise". He added, however that "what we don’t want is to do things out of routine."

"This is a routine exercise and it’s all about readiness," and added "NATO’s meeting is all about making sure we are ready for anything. I mean, that is the job of this alliance — to make sure that the 30 partners together are ready for what is thrown at us. And we have to continue to work at that."

During an interview with France 2 television, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine France would not respond with a nuclear strike, but put out a warning to leaders regarding nuclear rhetoric.

"We have a (nuclear) doctrine, which is clear. The dissuasion is working. But then, the less we talk about it, the less we brandish the threat, the more credible we are.”

Macron added, "Too many people are talking about it".

Readout of Secretary of Defense Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden - Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden, Antti Kaikkonen and Peter Hultqvist. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his counterparts this week, Ministers Kaikkonen and Hultqvist from Finland and Sweden. The leaders reaffirmed the strength of the trilateral relationship, enhanced by Finland and Sweden's ongoing accession process into NATO.

The leaders discussed key global security issues including Russia's recent escalations of its unprovoked war in Ukraine, affirming our unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty. The leaders also discussed the impact of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and the importance of resilience, as well as other security issues in the Nordic region and the Arctic.

The progress towards Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO was also discussed, with all parties extending thanks to those nations that have already ratified the NATO accession protocols."

Statement From Japan's Ministry of Defense: North Korean Missile Launch (Translated) - JAPANESE MOD - At around 1:47 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the east from the suburbs of Pyongyang, North Korea. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that it flew about 650km at a maximum altitude of about 50km and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of ​​Japan on the east side of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, it is possible that the ballistic missile flew on an irregular trajectory, and the analysis is still ongoing.

The Ministry of Defense promptly shared information within the government and with related organizations. To date, no reports of damage from aircraft or ships have been confirmed.

Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister, (1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information. Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc. Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures There were instructions about three points.

In response, the Minister of Defense (1) Make every effort to gather and analyze information while cooperating closely with the United States and other countries. (2) To prepare for the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance. I gave instructions on two points. After that, we are taking all possible measures, such as holding a meeting of related executives.

North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. We strongly condemn such ballistic missile launches, which violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and other countries, and will make every effort to collect and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance based on the instructions of the Minister. We will make an announcement as soon as possible.

Macron: France Will Not Respond With Nuclear Weapons If Russia Deploys Them Against Ukraine - FRANCE - During a live interview on France 2 Wednesday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that if Russia chooses to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, France would not be responding with nuclear weapons.

"Our doctrine rests on the fundamental interests of the nation. They are defined clearly and wouldn’t be directly affected at all if, for example, there was a ballistic nuclear attack in Ukraine, in the region," Macron stated during the interview.

13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 13th, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 13th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.

One of the aircraft spotted was a Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft, and another was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.

Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.

A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "13 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 13, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."

An additional statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (BZK-005 UAV RECCE and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."

North Korea Fires Another Ballistic Missile, Flies Military Aircraft Near South Korean Border - SEOUL - South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has reported that North Korea has launched another ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flown military aircraft toward the South Korean border. North Korea also fired around 170 artillery shots into the "buffer zone".

The incident caused South Korea to scramble F-35 fighter jets, as well as other military aircraft in response after the North's aircraft flew around 7 miles from the shared border between the two countries early on Friday.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, "From 10:30 pm on the 13th to 0:20 on the 14th, North Korea fired a ballistic missile immediately after making a threatening flight south of the tactical action line with about 10 military aircraft."

The South Korean military put out a statement saying that North Korea had fired 1 short-range ballistic missile from Sunan area in Pyongyang.

The Japanese Prime Minister's office also put out a statement saying, "PM’s instructions (01:52) 1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies."

On October 4th, North Korea had fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) which has been presumed to be an upgraded version of the Hwasong-12 ballistic missile. It's maximum range was 4,500 kilometers (2796 miles).

Japane's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu said on Thursday that he believes North Korea has developed small nuclear warheads designed to fit onto ballistic missiles capable of reaching South Korea.

He also said that North Korea has made significant progress with its nuclear weapons program, and believes that the country has manufactured smaller warheads that can be placed onto medium-range ballistic missiles.

A few of those missiles include the Nodong, as well as the Scud-ER that has the capability of reaching Japan.

Hamada said that it is becoming more and more difficult to detect ballistic missile launches by North Korea, or to intercept them successfully.

A State Department spokesman said in a written inquiry regarding the North Korean ballistic missile launch, "This, along with other launches since last month, violates a number of resolutions unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council, and threatens peace and stability in the region" Yonhap reported.

"We continue to pursue sincere and continued dialogue with North Korea, but North Korea is refusing it".

*Update* - The South Korean military has reported that North Korea fired around 170 artillery rounds into the "buffer zone," and violated the 2018 inter-Korean accord.

The National Security Council (NSC) has strongly condemned North Korea for flying their military aircraft near the border and firing the artillery rounds into the buffer zone, as well as the missile launch.

A statement by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said that they are aware of the missile launch by North Korea, and said that the launch does not pose an immediate threat to United States personnel, or territory, or to allies.

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch:

USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of a DPRK ballistic missile launch. We have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. We will continue consulting closely with our allies and partners to monitor the DPRK’s destabilizing ballistic missile launches. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."

North Korea Launches Two Long-Range Cruise Missiles - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles Thursday, according to the country's state media, saying that it was a test in order to confirm reliability and operation of nuclear-capable missiles.

North Korea's state news agency said that the purpose of the test carried out on Wednesday was "enhancing the combat efficiency and might" of cruise missiles deployed to the Korean People's Army "for the operation of tactical nukes".

Kim said that the test was a clear warning to its "enemies", and that the country "should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it".

According to KCNA the missiles flew for 10,234 seconds in order to "clearly hit the target 2,000 km (1,240 miles) away".

North Korea: Recent Missile Tests Simulated Use Of Tactical Nuclear Weapons - PYONGYANG - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un released a statement on the 77th anniversary of its ruling Worker's Party that said that the North's recent ballistic missile launches have been to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons for "hit and wipe out" potential.

North Korean's official state news agency KCNA said that military units handling "tactical nukes" staged exercises where they practiced launching ballistic missiles "under the simulation of loading tactical nuclear warheads at a silo under a reservoir."

"The drill was aimed at confirming the order of taking tactical nuclear warheads out and transporting them and of managing them in a rapid and safe way at the time of operation, checking the reliability of the overall management system, making the units acquire launching capabilities of the ballistic missile at the underwater silos and inspecting their rapid response posture".

"Through seven times of launching drills of the tactical nuclear operation units, the actual war capabilities … of the nuclear combat forces ready to hit and wipe out the set objects at any location and any time were displayed to the full" KCNA stated.

The state news agency said that the ballistic missile tests were in response to the joint drills carried out by the United States and South Korea, which involved nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

North Korea viewed the drills as a military threat, and thus staged a "simulation of an actual war" in order to do checks on, and improve its war deterrence capabilities, as well as send a message to its enemies, according to KCNA.

Although the United States and allies insist that the joint drills in the region were purely defensive, North Korea considered them to be an invasion rehearsal.

The North had released a series of photos documenting the launches, which were supervised by Kim himself.

The launches included a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, as well as missiles which have the purpose of carrying out nuclear strikes on airfields in South Korea, as well as command facilities and strategic ports, KCNA said.

The missile that flew over Japan, North Korea said was a new-type intermediate range missile that flew a distance of 4,500 kilometers, or roughly 2796 miles, capable of hitting Guam, and possibly even Alaska or Hawaii which sits around 3,552 miles away from North Korea.

North Korea also claimed that 150 combat aircraft carried out a large-scale combined air-attack drill on October 8th, 2022.

The The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol released a statement that said, "It is important to accurately recognize the grave security reality on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and prepare appropriately for it. Protecting the lives and safety of people is not about words, but it is a real-life problem."

The South Korean President said that North Korean "drill was aimed at confirming the order of taking tactical nuclear warheads out and transporting them and of managing them in a rapid and safe way at the time of operation, checking the reliability of the overall management system, making the units acquire launching capabilities of the ballistic missile at the underwater silos and inspecting their rapid response posture".

South Korean President Yoon told reporters that North Korea has "nothing to gain from nuclear weapons".

"North Korea is steadily developing and advancing its nuclear weapons and threatening not only the Republic of Korea but the world, but I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons," he said, while saying that the nuclear threat is "growing serious by the day".

When he was asked whether Yoon's administration's denuclearization policy on North Korea is still effective in pushing the country toward complete denuclearization, Yoon replied yes, he does believe so.

"North Korea's denuclearization has been sought over the last 30 years since the early 90s under the aim of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which saw us having our tactical nukes withdrawn," he stated.

There have been raised concerns lately of an expected 7th nuclear test by the North after satellite photos show that the work being done on Tunnel 3 of North Korea's nuclear test site appears to be finished, which would conceivably make the facility ready to carry out a nuclear test.

White House Press Secretary Clarifies Biden's Armageddon Comments - White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed U.S. President Joe Biden's comments regarding the "prospect of Armageddon" on Sunday, saying that the President's statement reflects "the very high stakes that are in play”, in relation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats.

Kirby responded to Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week" and said, "The president was reflecting the very high stakes that are in play right now, Martha."

"When you have modern nuclear power and the leader of that modern nuclear power willing to use irresponsible rhetoric the way that Mr. Putin has several times in just the last week or two, as well as the high tension in Ukraine over just the course of the last few days,” he added.

"So the president, I think, was accurately reflecting the fact that the stakes are very high right now."

Kirby said that Biden's statements were not based on any new intelligence, and said that there is no indication that Putin "has made that kind of decision".

He also said that the United States has not "seen anything that would give us pause to reconsider our own strategic nuclear posture.”

"What the president was reflecting was that stakes are high right now, given what’s going on on the battlefield in Ukraine and given the very irresponsible and reckless comments made by Vladimir Putin in just the last few days," Kirby said.

French President Emmanuel Macron scolded Biden for using such rhetoric by saying, "We must speak with prudence when commenting on such matters."

Kim Jong Un Inspects Military Training Of Tactical Nuclear Weapon Units - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the military training of tactical nuclear weapon units, according to the country's state media KCNA.

The North Korean leader, who said he wants no more dialogue with enemies, made a "field guidance" to the drills that were carried out from September 25th to October 9th during the joint live-fire missile exercises between the United States and South Korea.

KCNA said that the joint exercises saw an aircraft carrier, an Aegis destroyer and a nuclear-powered submarine.

Kim reportedly said that he feels no need for dialogue with enemies, and there is nothing to talk with them about.

HHS purchases drug for use in radiological and nuclear emergencies - According to the ASPR government website, The U.S. Government has purchased $290 million worth of Nplate, from Amgen USA Inc. "as part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies."

Nplate is used to treat radiation sickness during nuclear emergencies. It reduces bleeding during exposure to radiation.

"As part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is purchasing a supply of the drug Nplate from Amgen USA Inc; Nplate is approved to treat blood cell injuries that accompany acute radiation syndrome in adult and pediatric patients (ARS).

Amgen, based in Thousands Oaks, California, developed Nplate for ARS with support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.

BARDA is using its authority provided under the 2004 Project Bioshield Act and $290 million in Project BioShield designated funding to purchase this supply of the drug. Amgen will maintain this supply in vendor-managed inventory.

This approach decreases life-cycle management costs for taxpayers because doses that near expiration can be rotated into the commercial market for rapid use prior to expiry and new doses can be added to the government supply.

ARS, also known as radiation sickness, occurs when a person’s entire body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation, reaching internal organs in a matter of seconds. Symptoms of ARS injuries include impaired blood clotting as a result of low platelet counts, which can lead to uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding.

To reduce radiation-induced bleeding, Nplate stimulates the body’s production of platelets. The drug can be used to treat adults and children.

Nplate is also approved for adult and pediatric patients with immune thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder resulting in low platelet counts. Repurposing drugs for acute radiation syndrome that also are approved for a commercial indication helps to sustain availability of the product and improves healthcare provider familiarity with the drug.

About HHS, ASPR, and BARDA: HHS works to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans, providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services. ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security.

Within ASPR, BARDA invests in the innovation, advanced research and development, acquisition, and manufacturing of medical countermeasures – vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products – needed to combat health security threats." Read Full Statement

Japanese Ministry Of Defense Statement On Latest North Korean Missile Launches - JAPANESE MOD (Translated from Japanese)- "North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the east from near the east coast of North Korea at 1:00 today. We are currently analyzing the details, but it is estimated that it fell in the Sea of ​​Japan on the east side of the Korean Peninsula, and both are outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The flight distance is estimated as follows, and the possibility of the launch location being over the sea is still being analyzed.

(1) At around 1:47 a.m., the missile was launched from the eastern coast of North Korea toward the east, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 km and flying approximately 350 km.

(2) At around 1:53 a.m., the missile was launched from the eastern coast of North Korea toward the east, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 km and flying approximately 350 km.

The Ministry of Defense promptly shared information within the government and with related organizations. To date, no reports of damage from aircraft or ships have been confirmed.

Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister,
(1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information.

2 Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc.

3 Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures There were instructions about three points.

In response, the Minister of Defense:
(1) Make every effort to gather and analyze information while cooperating closely with the United States and other countries.

(2) To prepare for the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance.

I gave instructions on two points. After that, we are taking all possible measures, such as holding a meeting of related executives under the vice minister.

North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. We strongly condemn such ballistic missile launches, which violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and other countries, and will make every effort to collect and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance based on the instructions of the Minister. We will make an announcement as soon as possible."

US Indo-Pacific Command Statement On North Korean Launches - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."

North Korea Fires Two More Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two more short-range missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to the South Korean military, after the United States and South Korea completed joint naval exercises the day before which involved U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

The missile tests came after North Korea had warned the United States that the redeployment of the U.S. aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula was inflaming tensions in the region.

The South Korean military reported that they detected the two missile launches between 1:48 a.m. and 1:58 a.m. from North Korea's eastern coastal city of Munchon.

UN Panel: North Korea Continues Preperations For Nuclear Test - A U.N. Panel stated Friday that North Korea spent the first half of 2022 advancing its missile programs, and preparing for a possible nuclear test.

It also said the country may be obtaining and transferring weapons technology through students currently studying abroad.

The panel's biennial report, which covers the first six months of 2022 stated, "During the reporting period, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made preparations at its nuclear test site, although it did not test a nuclear device".

In March, the U.N. panel had reported that North Korea may have begun repairing the North's main nuclear site in Punggye-ri, possibly in order to carry out it's 7th nuclear test.

The report said, "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has reopened its nuclear test infrastructure, including the test tunnel and supporting buildings (see figures I–III), which were demolished in May 2018".

The report said that the North's missile program has rapidly advanced, which may have been made possible by the "intangible transfer of technology involving scientists of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in particular fields of activity."

"A Member State informed the Panel that there were students from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea studying abroad who send information back to the country by order of military organizations and governmental departments responsible for science, technology and the economy," it stated.

Lukashenko: Moscow, Minsk will think about Response To The Nuclear Threat In Poland - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko: Moscow and Minsk will think about the response to the nuclear threat in Poland. (translated)

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying, "You have heard statements that they allegedly have already agreed: we will move nuclear weapons arsenals to Poland. We will think. We have already decided, we will think again how to respond to this. Don’t worry, everything will be fine".

Biden: Threat Of Nuclear Armageddon Highest Since Cuban Missile Crisis In 1962 - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated Tuesday amidst reports that nuclear weapons were being moved to the frontlines that, "We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture, nor do we have indication that Russia is preparing to imminently use nuclear weapons".

U.S. Strategic Command on September 28th also stated, "We haven’t seen any evidence at this time that Russia will use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. We take these threats very seriously, but we have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture at this time."

Putin is "not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons, because his military is, you might say, significantly under performing," Biden said.

He also said, "we have not seen the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis" and said "we have a direct threat of the use of nuclear weapons if in fact things continue down the path they are going".

"We've got a guy I know fairly well..."

"We're trying to figure out what is Putin's off-ramp," Biden stated.

"I don't think there's any such thing as the ability to easily (use) a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon," Biden added.

"Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself in a position that he does not, not only lose face, but lose significant power within Russia?".

Putin has repeatedly pointed to Russia's vast nuclear capabilities, making a statement on September 21st that said, “I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction ... and when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal".

"It’s not a bluff," He added.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last week that the United States has been "clear" to Russia about the "consequences" of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

"This is something that we are attuned to, taking very seriously, and communicating directly with Russia about, including the kind of decisive responses the United States would have if they went down that dark road" Sullivan stated.

North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles - North Korea has reportedly fired another "unspecified" ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to Japan's Coast Guard, the South Korean military and South Korea's news agency Yonhap, which is reporting multiple ballistic missiles.

Japan's Prime Minister's office has put out a statement saying, "[Emergency alert] A projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely flown over Japan."

After putting out the statement, the Prime Minister's office quickly deleted it. More information to follow.

Prime Minister's office update correction: "[Emergency alert (Correction)] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow."

*Update* - The South Korean military is now saying that two short-range ballistic missiles were fired from Pyongyang, according to Yonhap.

Yonhap reported that the Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches from the Samsok area in Pyongyang between 6:01am and 6:23am local time.

The JCS put out a statement saying, "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".

North Korea Sends Missile Over Japan, US South Korea Hold Live-Fire Drills - PYONGYANG - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the US and South Korea held live-fire missile drills, during which one missile malfunctioned and crashed down inside the Air Force base in Gangneung. Read Full Article

Malfunctioned South Korean Missile Crashes Down Inside Airforce Base In Gangneung During Joint Exercises With US - A malfunctioned Hyumoo-2 ballistic missile fired by South Korea crashed inside the ground of an air force base in Gangneung on Wednesday during live-fire missile drills with the United States, leading some residents of the area to believe North Korea had attacked the city and caused panic.

Government officials didn't release any information regarding the incident for hours, leading to various assumptions as to what might have occurred.

The ballistic missile malfunction isn't reported to have caused any injuries, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The military said that it was investigating what had caused the "abnormal flight" of the missile.

Gangneung’s fire department, as well as its city hall stated that emergency workers were dispatched to the scene at the air force base in response to calls regarding a possible explosion, but were sent back by military officials.

On Thursday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that drills with the United States on Tuesday included test firing four intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRCBMs).

Each side launched two Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), as well as a Hyumoo-2 missile which was successful.

During the joint live fire drills, fighter jets were deployed which fired at a target located off South Korea's western coast.

The drills were an apparent response to a North Korean IRBM Mupyong-ri missile that was fired on October 4th from Jagang which flew over Japan, leading to the country putting out a nationwide J-alert telling residents to seek cover underground or in a sturdy building.

A spokesperson for the Japanese government stated that the missile was not shot down because it was not believed to post a threat.

So far this year North Korea has test fired 40 ballistic missiles.

Statements By South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff: Statement 1 | Statement 2

Japanese Government Issues Warning: North Korea Appears To Have Launched Ballistic Missile Over Japan - The Japanese government has issued a warning saying that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile toward Japan and has urged everyone in the country to monitor news media.

A second message by the Prime Minister's Office of Japan stated, " [Emergency Alert] A projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely flown over Japan".

General Petraeus: US Would Destroy Russia's Troops And Equipment, Sink Black Sea Fleet If Putin Uses Nuclear Weapons - United States - If Russian President Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons, the US and its allies "would destroy Russia’s troops and equipment in Ukraine and will sink its Black Sea fleet," former CIA director and retired four-star general for the United States Army David Petraeus stated in an interview Sunday.

"Just to give you a hypothetical, we would respond by leading a NATO, a collective effort, that would take out every Russian conventional force that we can see and identify on the battlefield in Ukraine and also in Crimea and every ship in the Black Sea," he added.

When asked if Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine would draw America and NATO into the war, the General said that it would not trigger NATO's Article 5, which states that an attack on one member of the NATO alliance is an attack on all NATO members, due to the fact that Ukraine is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but he did say that there would be a NATO response to such an attack.

He said that radiation from such an attack would likely reach NATO member countries protected by Article 5, which could be seen as an attack on a NATO member.

"Perhaps you can make that case, the other case is that this is so horrific that there has to be a response – it cannot go unanswered.”

However, he also added "You don’t want to, again, get into a nuclear escalation here. But you have to show that this cannot be accepted in any way."

He said that he did not speak with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan on what the response from the United States would be if Russia used nuclear weapons, but said that officials in the administration has been communicating the response to Russia in dedicated channels.

General Petraeus claimed that Putin is losing the war in Ukraine, and said that "the battlefield reality he [Putin] faces" is "irreversible".

North Korea Fires Four Rounds Of Short-Range Ballistic Missiles In A Week - North Korea has fired a four rounds of ballistic missiles in less than a week, according to the South Korean military. Details on the launches here: Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Two More Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - North Korea has fired another two ballistic missiles, in their fourth round of missile tests in a week, according to the South Korean military.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the missiles were fired at around 6:45 am from Sunan, which is located north of Pyongyang. Each of the two missiles were fired around 8 minutes apart from one another.

The missiles flew around 217 miles at a maximum speed of Mach 6, according to the South Korean military.

Japan's Coast Guard also reported the missile test, saying that they flew 400km and 350 km respectively and reached an altitude of 50km, according to Japan's State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino.

USINDOPACOM Statement Regarding DPRK Launches: The US Indo-Pacific command has put out the following statement on the two short-range missile launches by North Korea:

"We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad.

North Korea Fires At Least One More Missile From Suchon Region - North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military.

North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military, which says the missiles flew about 350 kilometers (217 miles) at apogees of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed of Mach 5.

One report by Yonhap says that one missile had been fired. Another report by Yonhap says that two missiles were fired, both short-range.

The missile(s), which landed in the East Sea, were fired hours after U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) around South Korea's shared border with North Korea.

The Japanese Coast Guard also reported that North Korea had launched a missile.

During her visit Kamala Harris said that the United States has a "strong alliance" with "the republic of North Korea," accidentally referring to South Korea as "North Korea".

She said that "It is an alliance that is strong and enduring."

Harris also said, "I cannot state enough that the commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea is iron-clad, and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that it has meaning in every way that the words suggest".

She condemned North Korea as a "brutal dictatorship", along with the North's arms program and its human rights violations.

Hurricane Ian To Make Landfall In Florida- Hurricane Ian view via null school wind surface map. Hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm with a current wind speed of 140mph.

Russian Official Medvedev: Nuclear Weapon Threat "Not A Bluff - Russian official Medvedev said that the United States would not intervene even if Russia uses the "most formidable weapon," and said the country has the right to use nuclear weapons "if necessary," and said that it is "certainly not a bluff". Read Full Article

DOD: Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric - RUSSIA/UKRAINE - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Unidentified Ballistic Missile Into East Sea - North Korea has reportedly fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. Read Full Article

CIA: No Concrete Evidence Russia Planning To Use Weapons Of Mass Destruction - CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that although we should not underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine, the CIA has no concrete evidence that Russia is planning to use "weapons of mass destruction".

"I don't think we should underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine. I don't think we've seen any reason to believe he's given that up," he stated, after being asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin possibly using weapons of mass destruction if his progress in Ukraine is hindered by the Ukrainian military.

He said that although the United States shouldn't underestimate the Russian President's "risk appetite", "We have seen no concrete evidence of planning to use weapons of mass destruction," according to the Radio Free Europe news agency.

Pentagon Had Top Secret Meeting To Discuss China And Russia's Plans To Build Unique Space Weapons - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read Full Article

New North Korean Nuclear Force Policy: Nuclear Launch If Leader Killed In Attack - Additions to North Korea's nuclear force policy say that a nuclear attack could commence "automatically and immediately" if the leader Kim Jong Un is either killed or incapacitated by an attack. Read Full Article

Top Stories - NK: US & South Korean Military Drills Increased Possibility Of Nuclear War - PYONGYANG - North Korean state news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has said that military drills by the United States and South Korea have increased the possibility of "nuclear war" on the "Korean Peninsula". Read Full Article

12 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 7th, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 7th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Of the military aircraft, three were SU-30 multirole aircraft.

A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "5 PLAN vessels and 12 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 7, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."

An additional statement from the MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*3) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."

Hydrogen Fuel Leak Cancels Artemis 1 Launch Again - NASA made a second attempt to launch the Artemis 1 SLS on Saturday, but a hydrogen fuel leak was detected in the gas line that perplexed technicians. NASA's engineers discovered problems with one of the gas lines as fuel was actively being loaded. Read Full Article

Rare Supertyphoon Hinnamnor Has Formed Near Japan, East Of Okinawa - A rare supertyphoon named Hinnamnor has formed over the northern part of the Pacific ocean. This tropical cyclone is currently located east of Okinawa and is presently heading southwest at a speed of around 20 miles per hour. Read Full Article

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear forces - Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on August 16th. Read Full Article

The Russian Federation Leaves the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty - Russia stated on Monday, August 8th that they would no longer allow inspection of weapons under the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty for an unspecified time due to restrictions on travel implemented by the United States and the west. Read Full Article

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system to be created by Northrop Grumman - US ARMED FORCES long-range missile support specialists have selected Northrop Grumman Corporation to attend to the next Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapons system process to shield the Continental US from nuclear long-range missile assaults. Read Full Article

Russia: US Directly Involved In Ukraine Conflict, Could Trigger Nuclear Response - At the United Nations, Russia said that although the conflict in Ukraine does not require the use of nuclear weapons, Moscow might decide to resort to a nuclear response as a result of what it says is direct involvement in its conflict with Ukraine by the United States. Read Full Article

Satellite Photos Indicate China May Be Resuming Nuclear Tests - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years. Read Full Article

IRGC Posts Video Saying It will Build Nuclear Warheads And Turn NY Into Ruins - An Iranian IRGC-affiliated Telegram channel has posted a video openly declaring that Iran can move its peaceful nuclear program to a nuclear weapons program very quickly, and said that Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of turning New York into ruins. Read Full Article

Russia Set To Withdraw From International Space Station After 2024 - Yuri Borisov, who is head of the Roskosmos, Russia's state space agency has said that Russia will be withdrawing from the International Space Station (ISS) project after the year 2024. Read Full Article

Science Lab Module Added To the Chinese Tiangong Space Station - The Tiangong space station has received a new module, the Wentian science laboratory, which was docked with the Tianhe living module at around 3:13 AM local time on Monday. Read Full Article

NASA: Micrometeoroid Causes Significant Uncorrectable Damage To James Webb Space Telescope - NASA has reported that Micrometeoroids have hit the new James Webb space telescope that was launched on December 25th, 2021, and caused "significant uncorrectable" damage to the C3 mirror, which is one of its 18 gold plated primary mirror panels. Read Full Article

Air Force Successfully Completes Another Hypersonic Test - Aerospace company Lockheed Martin has put out a statement saying that they have successfully conducted the "second consecutive" hypersonic boosted test of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) with the United States Air Force Read Full Article

Flight Test Of US Reentry Vehicle For New ICBM Has Failed - A U.S. flight test of the reentry vehicle for the new Minotaur II+ Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) rocket failed when it exploded 11 seconds after launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The explosion occurred at 11:01 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6. There were no injuries as a result of the explosion, but the Minotaur II rocket was carrying the new Mk21A reentry vehicle and the failure sets the program back.

The LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM is meant to replace the Minuteman-III in 2029 and the development began in 2019 by the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center jointly with Lockheed Martin.

A press release said that the Minotaur II+ launch was meant to be "“demonstrating preliminary design concepts and relevant payload technologies in operationally realistic environments".

Colonel Kris Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander said, "We always have emergency response teams on standby prior to every launch. Safety is our priority at all times".

Russia Starts Constant Nuclear Explosion Detection At Its New Facility - RUSSIA - A newly constructed nuclear facility in Russia, which opened on the 1st of June, 2022, has begun constant nuclear explosion detection, says The 12th Chief Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry as of the 1st of July 2022. Read Full Article

US, South Korea and Japan Vow Joint Response If North Tests Nuclear Weapon - The United States, South Korea, and Japan have vowed a response to any North Korean nuclear test and said that the response would be in the form of joint military drills, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday.

Kishida spoke to reporters and said, "The possibility of further provocations by North Korea is increasingly concerning," and said that it's important for the United States, Japan, and North Korean alliances to bolster deterrence.

"In the event of a nuclear test [by North Korea], South Korea, the U.S., and Japan will respond together, including joint training," he said.

U.S. President Joe Biden had also said that the three countries "remain deeply concerned about DPRK’s continued escalatory ballistic missiles tests and potential to conduct a nuclear test".

"Our trilateral cooperation, in my view, is essential to achieving our shared objectives, including a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a free and open Indo-Pacific," Biden had added.

At the same time, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has also adopted a new strategic concept which was revealed at the NATO Summit that states, "the erosion of the arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation architecture has negatively impacted strategic stability" that addresses North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as well as the use of nuclear weapons.

The new NATO strategic concept outline also states that "the Indo-Pacific is important for NATO, given that developments in the region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security," and seeks to strengthen both dialogue and cooperation with partners in the region.

US Fails Another Hypersonic Missile Test Due To "Anomaly" - The United States has failed the flight test of a new US hypersonic missile system in Hawaii, called "Conventional Prompt Strike". The failure was said to be most likely due to a problem that happened after ignition took place, according to a statement by the US Department of Defense.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Lieutenant Commander Tim Gorman said that "An anomaly occurred following ignition of the test asset. the Department remains confident that it is on track to field offensive and defensive hypersonic capabilities on target dates beginning in the early 2020s".

"Program officials have initiated a review to determine the cause to inform future tests. While the Department was unable to collect data on the entirety of the planned flight profile, the information gathered from this event will provide vital insights," he added.

In October, 2022 another flight test of the missile failed due to a malfunction with the booster. The malfunction had kept the missile from leaving the launch pad.