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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 - CIA Director William Burns said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered China's military to "be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion" of the island of Taiwan. 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 northern 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 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. Read more
February 01, 2023 - BAGHDAD - At least 8, 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. Read more
February 01, 2023 - 34 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on February 1st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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
February 01, 2023 - The United States is preparing a $2.2 billion package worth of military aid to Ukraine, and is expected to contain longer-range rockets than the United States has previously been willing to give to Ukraine, as well as other weapons and ammunition. 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 29, 2023 - Netblocks Internet Observatory: "Confirmed: Network data show a disruption to internet connectivity in Iran with high impact to Mazandaran Province; authorities are attributing the incident to fiber optic cuts on the path between Babol and Sari". 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 28, 2023 - General Mike Minihan, who heads the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command has warned that he believes the United States will be at war with China in 2025. 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 - Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Gene Black, traveled to Japan to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Rear Adm. Nobuyuki Takenaka for a bilateral strategic dialogue at the Japanese Ministry of Defense in Tokyo. 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 - U.S. and Albanian defense leaders met today at the Pentagon to make a strong bilateral alliance even stronger. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Defense Minister Niko Peleshi met as the two nations marked the 30th year of their nations' defense relationship. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Russian Foreign Minister has put out a warning and sent a note to members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that any shipments that contain military equipment will become a legitimate target for Russian Aerospace Forces. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Russia’s Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechayev released a statement after the United States and Germany announced sending tanks to Ukraine that called the decision an "extremely dangerous decision" that "takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation". Read more
January 27, 2023 - The delivery of Western-made uranium shells to Ukraine will be regarded by Russia as "the use of dirty nuclear bombs" and said that the depleted uranium shells used for the Leopard 2 tanks lead to "contamination of the area" and outbreaks of cancer. Read more
January 27, 2023 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the procurement of Abrams tanks for Ukraine via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). 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 - Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, and former president Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia may be nationalizing the property of people who are registered in the United States, European Union, and other "unfriendly" jurisdictions in the midst of new "anti-Russian" sanctions. 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 26, 2023 - US Military: "CAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo — Kosovo Force, Regional Command-East recently conducted exercise Cavalry Guardian, an emergency response training exercise, geared toward testing team cohesion, resilience under stress and job proficiency Read more
January 26, 2023 - US Army: "ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Almost 400 New York Army National Guard Soldiers will soon leave for a deployment to Kuwait. Read more
January 26, 2023 - The Department of the Army announced the preparation of Army units for potential deployment to backfill units currently in Europe. This potential deployment would not constitute a change to current force posture levels. 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 26, 2023 - Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged With Violating U.S. Sanctions On Russia. A Russian Court and Government Interpreter Is Also Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions on Russia. Read more
January 26, 2023 - The Norwegian Defense Chief Eirik Kristoffersen said in an interview with Norwegian channel TV2 that Russia has approached nearly 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers in Ukraine since the start of the war, to date. Read more
January 25, 2023 - Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that The United States is attempting to destroy Russia and that a new global military alliance may be emerging. Read more
January 25, 2023 - The United States says that they will be making an announcement to send around 30 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as soon as Wednesday, but it could take a few months to deliver the tanks. Read more
January 24, 2023 - A new Joint Resolution has been introduced by United States Representative Dan Crenshaw that would allow for the use of military force against Mexican drug cartels in order to fight against drug trafficking into the United States. Read more
January 23, 2023 - The Russian Bologoye strategic missile division in Tver dispatched the Yars mobile surface-to-surface nuclear missile systems to "combat patrol missions," according to the Russian MOD, which says that it is scheduled training. Read more
January 23, 2023 - U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter said that he expects broad support in the United States to for the Netherlands to transfer allied F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, in an interview with Lithuanian news agency Delfi. Read more
January 23, 2023 - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". Read more
January 23, 2023 - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said on Friday that the statements about supplying Ukraine with any weapons, including those that are able to hit Crimea will "inevitably" lead to "an escalation". Read more
January 23, 2023 - State Department: The United States is warning China against material and security assistance to Russia in Moscow’s war on Ukraine, laying out Washington’s red line ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing early next month. 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 23, 2023 - The FBI Director Christopher Wray stated Thursday that he is "deeply concerned" regarding the artificial intelligence program run by the Chinese government. Read more
January 22, 2023 - Central Command forces conducted a partnered helicopter and ground assault raid in eastern Syria. Read more
January 21, 2023 - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". 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 20, 2023 - Pentagon's spokeswoman Sabrina Singh just said if Ukraine decides to carry out a military operation in Crimea, the United States would "be with Ukraine for as long as it takes". Read more
January 20, 2023 - Forces TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command forces partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces to conduct a partnered helicopter assault in eastern Syria on Jan. 18 capturing an ISIS Syrian provincial media and security operative. 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 19, 2023 - Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan says that Saudi Arabia is "open to settling trade in other currencies" other than the US dollar. Read more
January 19, 2023 - Germany says that they will be allowing the export of its tanks to Ukraine on the condition that the United States also sends tanks to the country. If Germany decides to do so, other NATO-allied countries say they will follow suit. 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 18, 2023 - Cloudflare Wins CISA Contract for Registry and Authoritative Domain Name System (DNS) Services. CISA is an operational component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Read more
January 16, 2023 - The Chinese Navy held "confrontational drills" in the South China Sea, according to state media, including Global Times, which stated that the drills were carried out "when a US carrier strike group had entered the region". 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 - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has put out a statement calling on the United States and Japan to "Abandon" their "Cold War" mentality and "ideological bias" against China. Read more
January 16, 2023 - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to disembowel himself after Kishida warned Russia any use of nuclear weapons would be an act of "hostility against humanity". Read more
January 16, 2023 - IAEA - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a Statement saying it will be boosting its presence within Ukraine in order to aid in preventing a nuclear accident from occurring during ongoing battles between Russia and Ukraine. 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 - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems to Ukraine. These are obviously "offensive" weapons now being supplied to Ukraine by NATO-allied countries. Read more
January 14, 2023 - Indonesia says that one of its warships, as well as a patrol aircraft and a drone have been monitoring a Chinese coast guard vessel in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a zone rich with resources that both China and Indonesia claim as their own. Read more
January 14, 2023 - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated on Wednesday that he "seriously doubts" that Chinese activities around the island of Taiwan mean that China is planning an imminent invasion of the island. Read more
January 14, 2023 - China is reportedly pressuring Argentina to allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to build a naval base in the Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego province within the country, allowing them a military base with close access to Antarctica. Read more
January 14, 2023 - The United States has begun sending a "large number" of tanks and other military vehicles to the port of Vlissingen in the Netherlands. on Wednesday, according to a report by Reuters, which has alarmed Russia. 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 14, 2023 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Last year, U.S. Central Command conducted 313 operations in Iraq and Syria as part of the mission to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS. Read more
January 14, 2023 - The pipeline connecting Lithuania to Latvia has exploded. Although sabotage is not being ruled out, the pipeline operator said that he does not "see any malign cause" or any "potential impact from outside". 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 - The British postal service company Royal mail says that it's facing a major disruption in international export services after a "cyber incident" occurred. 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 - China's military has released a statement that it carried out military exercises around the island of Taiwan practicing land and sea assaults. The exercises are the second such exercises in the region, the first having been carried out in December. Read more
January 09, 2023 - 57 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on January 8-9th, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
January 09, 2023 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) declined its request to send up to 1,000 police and military personnel into Kosovo in response to rising tensions between the Serbians and Kosovo authorities. Read more
January 09, 2023 - Two men, one of which is Iranian were arrested in Germany on suspicion of planning to carry out a terrorist attack with a bio-weapon. Read more
January 09, 2023 - Poland and Finland voiced support for supplying Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks after the two countries agreed to start sending heavy weaponry to the country to fight against the ongoing Russian war. 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 08, 2023 - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Russia is planning to mobilize up to 500,000 more conscripts into its military in the middle of January, a larger mobilization than the previous 300,000 Russia called up in October, 2022. Read more
January 08, 2023 - General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated that around 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have either died or been injured in the start of the fighting in Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. Read more
January 08, 2023 - The Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is calling for the rebuilding of a "world order" in order to counter the rise of "authoritarian regimes". 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 06, 2023 - Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan says that he believes that a coming recession is the most likely outcome of the recent spate of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation. Read more
January 06, 2023 - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon transited the Taiwan Strait on January 5th, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which it says was a 'routine' transit. Read more
January 06, 2023 - Alan Greenspan warned that if China invades Taiwan it could trigger an economic "Black Swan" event that could affect economies worldwide. The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020. Read more
January 05, 2023 - Russian state media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "Christmas truce" ceasefire for 36 hours from 12:00 on January 6th to 24:00 on January 7th. The offer was rejected by Ukraine, which said that it "should not be taken seriously". Read more
January 05, 2023 - China is running secret overseas police stations around the world, including unauthorized stations in the US, in order to surveil Chinese nationals in countries across the globe. Read more
January 05, 2023 - The British MI5 Security Service addressed threats to the UK posed by Iran, Russia, and China and is expected to declare the Iranian IRGC a terrorist organization in the coming weeks. 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 04, 2023 - The Iranian state-run news agency IRNA has reported that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Copse officer has been assassinated in front of his residential home in Tehran after being hit by four bullets. Read more
January 03, 2023 - The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020. 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 03, 2023 - The Hamas terrorist organization has threatened explosive violence and said that if Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir visits the Temple Mount, the visit would lead to violence and a declaration of war. Read more
January 01, 2023 - The Japanese embassy released a statement expressing "outrage" after Russia's New Year's Eve attack on Ukraine that it says resulted in the death and injuries of civilians, which included a Japanese journalist. Read more
January 01, 2023 - *UPDATE (2)* Syrian state news agency SANA, has reported that explosions were heard near Damascus, and reported that there were "separate indications" of Syrian air defense systems having been activated. 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 - The Liaoning Chinese aircraft carrier approached the U.S. territory of Guam while carrying out drills in the West Pacific from December 17th to December 27th. 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 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 30-31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 30, 2022 - USINDOPACOM: "Navy J-11 fighter pilot performed an unsafe maneuver during and intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace." 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 - The Russian Foreign Ministry reportedly put out a statement to Russian State news agency TASS that Moscow hopes that Washington will show enough prudence and is wise enough to prevent the situation from escalating to the point of a direct confrontation. 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 Serbian armed forces were put on the highest combat alert due to an order from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, according to Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic who spoke to the Serbian news agency Tanjug. Read more
December 26, 2022 - Ukraine called on the UN members states on Monday to remove Russia from the United Nations and to exclude it "as a whole" so that it no longer has the power veto UN Security Council resolutions. Read more
December 26, 2022 - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia is ready to resume the gas flow to Europe through the Yamal-Europe pipeline. 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 26, 2022 - The U.S. government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays. Read more
December 26, 2022 - The South Korean military says that it deployed fighter jets, helicopters "and other assets" in order to shoot down North Korean drones that it says crossed over the inter-Korean border on Monday "without South Korea's permission". Read more
December 26, 2022 - 71 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 25-26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 25, 2022 - The Chinese military said that they carried out "strike drills" around the island of Taiwan on Sunday in response to a "provocation" from both the United States and Taiwan. Read more
December 25, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 24-25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 22, 2022 - 39 Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 21-22nd, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Rare occurrences: Z-9 ASW plane, Y-20 Aerial Refueling aircraft. Bombers were also spotted. Read more
December 21, 2022 - "Over the past 48 hours, US Central Command forces conducted three helicopter raids in eastern #Syria resulting in the detention of six ISIS operatives". Read more
December 20, 2022 - The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that On December 19th, a Chinese Shupan-class survey ship entered into its territorial waters south of Yakushima. The MOD reported that this is the 9th time the Chinese navy has entered into Japan's territorial waters, and is a "cause for concern". 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 - On December 13th, China sent 18 nuclear-capable H-6 bombers around the island of Taiwan, which is highly unusual activity. It is the first time China has sent so many bombers at once. China is flying a higher number of aircraft around Taiwan recently. Check the ongoing report... 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 - According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a Norwegian P-3C Orion "Spy Plane" was intercepted by Russia over the Barents Sea. 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 - 150 Indian soldiers and 300 Chinese soldiers are reported to have clashed at the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. 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 12, 2022 - 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 more
December 11, 2022 - U.S. Central Command has reported that it has conducted a successful helicopter raid against ISIS at 2:57 a.m. on December 11th, which killed two ISIS officials. Read more
December 10, 2022 - Turkey has carried out airstrikes in the Duhok province in northern Iraq, according Lebanese news agency Al-Mayadeen, targeting Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) elements in the region. 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 09, 2022 - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the $858 billion defense bill which effectively removes the vaccine mandate for U.S. military personnel. Read more
December 08, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 7-8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - USCENTCOM - TAMPA, Fla. – "An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy patrol boat interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner as U.S. Navy ships transited the Strait of Hormuz, the evening of Dec. 5. Read more
December 06, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 06th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - North Korea has fired 90 rounds of multiple rocket launchers into the buffer zone between North and South Korea, as South Korea and the United States continue to carry out joint live-fire military drills near the border. 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
December 05, 2022 - North Korea has fired around 130 artillery shells off its east and west coasts, some of which landed in the buffer zone between the North's border with the South, according to the South Korean military. Read more
December 03, 2022 - China's semiconductor exports are on the decline amidst the United States moving microchip manufacturing in-house, possibly making an invasion of Taiwan by China more appealing. Read more
November 30, 2022 - Five vehicles that were rented by U.S. President Joe Biden's Secret Service detail went up in flames while in a parking lot on Monday a day after the President went on vacation in Nantucket, Massachusetts for Thanksgiving. 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 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 27th and 28th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 27, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 26th and 27th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 26, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th-26th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 25, 2022 - Two rockets targeted coalition forces at the US patrol base in al-Shaddadi, Syria, today at approximately 10:31 p.m. local time in Syria (4:31 p.m. EST). Read more
November 25, 2022 - Turkey has told Russia that it will be continuing to respond to attacks coming from northern Syria, after Russia requested that Turkey not upgrade the conflict in Syria into a full-scale offensive. Read more
November 25, 2022 - The Japanese Ministry of Defense has reported that fighters from the Japanese Air Self-Defense force (ASDF) were scrambled from November 22nd to 23rd due to "threat of territorial infringement" over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. Read more
November 25, 2022 - 6 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th, 2022 (by 6am), according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 25, 2022 - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Yerevan, Armenia and announced priorities for 2023. Read more
November 24, 2022 - WHITE HOUSE: "As Russia struggles on the battlefield, it is increasingly turning to horrific attacks against the Ukrainian people with punishing strikes damaging energy grid infrastructure, and deliberately doing so as winter approaches". Read more
November 24, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 24th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 24, 2022 - The United States is expanding military presence in the Philippines in order to counter Chinese presence in the region, as well as speeding up the implementation of the 2014 defense pact between the two countries that had been stalled under the previous Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Read more
November 23, 2022 - US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: "The United States continues to support Ukraine with additional military assistance to help defend itself, including from the Kremlin’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. Read more
November 23, 2022 - Ukraine: Russia fired 70 cruise missiles into Ukraine on November 23rd, killing six people and injuring 36. The head of the Ukrainian police Ihor Klymenko said rockets hit 16 'objects' within Ukraine. Read more
November 23, 2022 - The Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine has reported that Russia has hit the capital's infrastructure facilities. He later reported that there were explosions in various districts in Kyiv, hitting the "residential sector" and "critical facilities". Read more
November 23, 2022 - Iran has claimed that Israel killed an Iranian military officer with a roadside bomb in Damascus, Syria according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) on Wednesday. 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 23, 2022 - 3 Chinese military aircraft, including one submarine hunting helicopter and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 22-23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 22, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 21-22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a new report that the shelling has now stopped, and there are no radiation leaks detected as a result of the explosions. 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 20, 2022 - The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control has taken fire, causing explosions. Russia has blamed Ukrainian attacks for the explosions, claiming that Ukraine has carried out 12 strikes against the nuclear power plant. Read more
November 20, 2022 - Turkish air raids targeted 89 locations in Iraq and Syria, including the Iraqi locations of: Asos, Qandil, Hakurk, and Northern Syria locations of: Cizire, Tal Rifat, Kobani and Derik, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Read more
November 19, 2022 - The Swedish Security Service Reported on November 18th that gross sabotage on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have been confirmed. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said that traces of explosives have been found at the sites of the Nord Stream pipeline ruptures. Read more
November 19, 2022 - Syrian state news agency SANA is reporting that Israel carried out airstrikes on military positions after flying over the Mediterranean and targeting some military positions in the "central" and "coastal" regions of Syria, killing 4 soldiers. Read more
November 19, 2022 - A gas pipeline explosion occurred in Saint Petersburg, Russia (formerly known as Leningrad). Saint Petersburg Governor (Leningrad Oblast) Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported the explosion on his Telegram channel. 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 19, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has Reported that two Russian fighter aircraft made an "unsafe and unprofessional" approach toward the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG1) that was carrying out "routine operations" in the Baltic Sea. Read more
November 19, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 18th/19th according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 18, 2022 - Event: U.S. Consulate General Erbil is monitoring credible open-source reports of potential Turkish military action in northern Syria and northern Iraq in the coming days. The U.S. government continues to strongly advise U.S. citizens to avoid these areas. 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 entire North Korean internet was taken offline over a period of two and a half hours, according to a cybersecurity researcher. Read more
November 17, 2022 - Pakistan has shut down its southwestern border with Afghanistan for an indefinite period, according to both officials and local media on Monday. 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 16, 2022 - *Ongoing Report* POLAND - 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. Read more
November 15, 2022 - CENTCOM: "On Nov 8, CENTCOM forces intercepted a stateless dhow [sailing vessels used in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean] in the Gulf of Oman originating from Iran smuggling a massive volume of explosive material to Yemen. Read more
November 12, 2022 - British Ministry of Defense: "Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson. Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves "What was it all for?". Read more
November 12, 2022 - 14 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 11, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 11, 2022 - US AFRICA COMMAND: "Federal Government of Somalia combats terrorists with support from U.S. forces: At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike against the al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking the Somali forces." Read more
November 11, 2022 - Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Tuesday that China will be increasing the training of its military and preparation for war as the nation's security is increasingly unstable and uncertain. Read more
November 11, 2022 - The commander of the U.S. Strategic Command has said that the war in Ukraine is just a warm up and that the United States must be prepared for much more, around the corner, because the big one is coming. Read more
November 09, 2022 - The Japanese and South Korean Ministry of Defense reported that North Korea launched a short-range (SRBM) ballistic missile from the Sukchon area in South Pyongang Province. Read more
November 09, 2022 - Syria/Iraq - Airstrikes have been reported on the border between Syria and Iraq. Iranian-backed militia has reportedly blamed the United States for the attacks, but U.S. officials rejected the claims, saying that it wasn't them, but has confirmed that airstrikes were carried out. Al-Mayadeen has claimed that Israel carried out the drone strike. Read more
November 08, 2022 - Russia has been lamenting the sale of Alaska to the United States 155 years ago. Russian State Duma said that Russia could reclaim Alaska. Read more
November 07, 2022 - 63 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 7th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 07, 2022 - 46 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 6th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - Ties between North Korea and both Russia and China have been deepening as Russia and China stand in the way of holding North Korea responsible for continued provocations at the U.N. Security Council. 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 07, 2022 - The United States and South Korea have finished conducting large-scale bilateral air exercises called "Vigilant Storm" that was held from October 31st, 2022 to November 4th, 2022. Read more
November 06, 2022 - DoD authorizes the Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $600 million to Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first drawdown since August 2021. Read more
November 06, 2022 - Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin spoke to Sky News and told them that Russia has "evidence" that the special forces in the UK was involved in the attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, and claimed that he has proof, although as of yet no proof has surfaced. 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 06, 2022 - The US military carried out onsite weapons inspections in Ukraine in order to make sure that weapons provided to Ukraine by the United States are not being diverted. Finnish news is reporting the weapons are ending up in the hands of criminals in European countries. Read more
November 06, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 5th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 05, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 4th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - November 3, 2022 - The FBI has put out a warning of a "broad threat" to synagogues in the state of New Jersey. Read more
November 03, 2022 - Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin spoke to Sky News and told them that Russia has "evidence" that the special forces in the UK was involved in the attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, and claimed that he has proof. 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 northern 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 - Nord Stream AG has completed "initial data gathering" on the section of the Nord Stream pipeline that was damaged and concluded that there are 'technogenic craters' with a depth of 3 to 5 meters on the seabed located under the damaged section of the pipeline. 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
November 01, 2022 - Saudi Arabia has reportedly shared intelligence with the United States and warned of an impending imminent Iranian attack targeting both Saudi Arabia and Iraq, including Erbil, Iraq where US forces are stationed. Read more
November 01, 2022 - North Korea on Monday called on the United States and South Korea to stop carrying out joint military exercises, calling the drills a provocation that might cause "more powerful follow-up measures" from the North in response. Read more
October 31, 2022 - Three PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - 8 Chinese aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 30th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - 25 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 29th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 29, 2022 - KYIV - The Russian Defense Ministry put out a statement on Saturday saying that they are suspending the grain deal brokered by the United Nations allowing grain to be exported out of Ukraine after accusing Britain of aiding Ukraine in attacking its vessels in the Black Sea with drones. 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 29, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russia is claiming that the British Navy was involved in what the country calls a "terrorist attack" on the Nord Stream pipeline. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on Saturday that the British Navy had a part in orchestrating and staging a sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The British Ministry of Defense released a statement saying that Russia is "resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale". Read more
October 28, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 28th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 28, 2022 - US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said on October 26th that the United States will be cooperating with South Korea and Japan in order to ensure Taiwan's self-defense. 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 27, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft, 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 26, 2022 - 22 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels, 2 reconnaissance drones were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 26, 2022 - Intelligence update from the British Ministry of Defense for October 26th, 2022: "On 24 October 2022, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region announced that an explosive device had damaged the railway near the village of Novozybkovo, approximately 15km from the Russia-Belarus border. The line is the main rail link between Russia and southern Belarus. 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 26, 2022 - Due to U.S. forces conducting an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia, the Africa regional alert has been set to 2. Read statement from Africa Command.. Read more
October 25, 2022 - Norwegian Police Security Service arrested a scientist in Tromsoe, Norway suspected of being a spy for a Russian intelligence service. The suspect was researching "hybrid threats" tied to "Arctic Norway", according to Deputy PST chief Hedvig Moe. Read more
October 25, 2022 - Iran claims that it has arrested 10 agents allegedly working for Israel in West Azerbaijan province as part of an espionage network, according to Iranian state news agency Fars. Israeli officials claim to have struck 90% of Iran's military operations in Syria, targeting a drone assembly factory near Damascus. Read more
October 25, 2022 - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has put out a statement saying that emergency preparedness exercises of the Home Front Command will be taking place during the coming week. "alerts will be heard as part of practicing the emergency system in the localities and practicing behavior guidelines". Read more
October 25, 2022 - 16 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 25th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - 10 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 24th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 24, 2022 - South Korea Fires Warning Shots At North Korean Vessel After NLL Intrusion: South Korea has fired warning shots at a North Korean vessel after the South accused the North of crossing the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea, which the South calls the "de facto maritime border, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. Read more
October 23, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 22, 2022 - The US Army's 101st Airborne Division which consists of about 4,700 soldiers has been deployed to Europe, on the border of Romania and Ukraine, for the first time since World War 2 (80 years ago). Read more
October 22, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 22, 2022 - Iran has released an advisory to all of its citizens strongly advising them not to travel to Ukraine, and told Iranians currently living in the country to leave the country "for their own safety". Read more
October 21, 2022 - Syrian state media has claimed that Syria has shot down missiles fired by Israel at Damascus late on Friday. It said that they were intercepted and shot down in an area over Damascus close to Syria's shared border with Israel. Read more
October 21, 2022 - UKRAINE - Russia has declared martial law in the four regions that it has annexed in Ukraine, which include: Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. 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 21, 2022 - 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 more
October 21, 2022 - "North Korea may be preparing to hold a large-scale event, as planes appeared to be parked in front of the Pyongyang International Airport terminal on Oct. 19th-20". Read more
October 20, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 20th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 20, 2022 - Russia has declared martial law in the four regions that it has annexed in Ukraine, which include: Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Read more
October 20, 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 20, 2022 - EUROPE - Expressen has used an underwater drone to film the damage to the ruptured Nordstream pipeline 262 feet below the ocean's surface. The following report is based on a translation of Expressen's findings. Read more
October 20, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 19th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 19, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 18th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 19, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korea has fired at least 250 artillery rounds into the buffer zone with South Korea on Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday. Read more
October 18, 2022 - NORAD - Russian Tu-95 bombers capable of being equipped with nuclear weapons were intercepted on October 18th (local time) after "entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone". Read more
October 17, 2022 - Ongoing Report: Chinese military aircraft have been spotted every day of the month of August, September, and October since Pelosi's visit to the island on August 2nd, 2022. PLAN vessels have also been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read more
October 17, 2022 - 5 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 16th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - The following countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately: China, Egypt, Kazakhstan. There are alerts for other countries embassy's floating around social media, but many of those look to be older, previously issued embassy alerts. Read more
October 16, 2022 - Sun Yeli, a spokesperson for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has reiterated China's stance that while China does not promise to renounce the use of force, they will do their best to achieve "peaceful reunification". 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 16, 2022 - On Thursday NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance will be giving Ukraine "hundreds of drone jammers" to counter the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones that Russia is using. Read more
October 15, 2022 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $725 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs". 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 15, 2022 - 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.. Read more
October 15, 2022 - 23 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 14th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 15, 2022 - South Korea put their military on high alert after the latest ballistic missile launch by the South. The move also followed North Korea sending aircraft near the shared border with the South and firing around 80 artillery shells. 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 - UK Government: British Air Strikes Against Daesh: "The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria." Read more
October 14, 2022 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "I am pleased that the Governments of Israel and Lebanon have agreed to establish a permanent maritime boundary between their two countries." 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 - 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. 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 - The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning Russia's annexation of the territories of Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, as well as the DPR and LPR regions. Read more
October 12, 2022 - The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Ukraine's military spy Chief of being a part of carrying out the attack on the Crimean Bridge. Russia has taken eight out of twelve suspects of the bombing into custody according to the FSB. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Department of Defense: "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with allies at NATO headquarters in Belgium this week to discuss the continued support for the defense of Ukraine, amid Russia's unprovoked invasion and recent attacks against civilian targets and infrastructure, according to a defense official. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Russia has ordered 2,400 Iranian-made Shahed drones from the Islamic Republic, and asked leaders of the G7 countries to give medium and long-range missile defense systems to protect against the them. Read more
October 12, 2022 - U.S. Department Of State: "Following years of mediation by the United States, the Governments of Israel and Lebanon today announced consensus on an historic agreement to establish a permanent maritime boundary between the two countries". Read more
October 12, 2022 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - The 16th annual Garuda Shield exercise started Aug. 3, this year expanding from a bilateral training event between the Indonesian and U.S. militaries to 14 participant nations Read more
October 12, 2022 - The United States has begun restricting visas from being issued to both current, and former members of the Taliban, as well as others over the repression of women and girls in Afghanistan, according to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday." Read more
October 12, 2022 - Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement earlier: "Our soldiers spotted a Hamas terrorist drone attempting to cross into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip a short while ago. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported that 15 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted in the "surrounding region" around the island of Taiwan on October 12th, 2022. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Statement by Ukrainian intelligence regarding the current situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (translated). "All six units are disconnected at the ZNPP, the occupiers are forcing employees to sign contracts with Rosatom. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Ukraine claims that Russia has been transferring Shahed-136 kamikaze drones to Belarus territory Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported. 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 11, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: "Stoltenberg: "hybrid and cyber attacks can trigger Article 5," and, "We are closely monitoring every incident that may constitute a hybrid or cyber attack against the NATO Allies and we are ready to take the necessary measures if needed." Read more
October 11, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Official spokesman for the Russian energy giant Gazprom Sergey Kupriyanov said Monday that a NATO mine destroyer, which is an explosive device was discovered near the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in 2015, according to the official Nord Stream company. Read more
October 11, 2022 - A drone strike in northeastern Syria led by the U.S.-led coalition was carried out on Monday, according to The Associated Press, which cited a Syrian official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Read more
October 11, 2022 - *Updates* The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has ordered Belarusian soldiers to deploy along with Russian forces near Ukraine as a response to what he called a clear threat from Ukraine and the West. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Germany's Foreign Ministry has reported that the German visa office located in Ukraine was damaged by rocket fire during Russia's attack on Kyiv in the morning. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Poland has put out an advisory recommending its citizens to leave Belarus territory as tensions increase between the two countries due to the conflict in Ukraine. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Poland is now checking the condition of its bomb shelters and taking inventory in light of recent developments, according to a Polish deputy minister Reuters reports. Read more
October 10, 2022 - U.S. Embassy In Ukraine: Security Alert. Event: Russia has launched attacks against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure as well as government facilities in Kyiv and elsewhere. Russia’s continued strikes in Ukraine pose a direct threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. Read more
October 10, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has claimed that Russia has lost 62,500 Russian soldiers from the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 to October 9th, 2022. 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 10, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin regarding the explosion on the Crimean bridge and said stated that the bombing, which he called a "terrorist attack" was staged by Ukrainian special services and that both the Ukrainian special services and citizens of Russia and foreign countries participated in the bombing. Read more
October 09, 2022 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a statement saying that although recent shelling took out the power at Zaporizhzhya , Ukrainian engineers have restored the external power supply to the currently Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Armenia and Azerbaijan Trade Accusations Regarding Being Fired Upon By The OtherStatements from the Armenia and Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense pages (statements translated from original languages).. Read more
October 09, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft (1 UAV), and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 9th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Ukrainian intelligence claims that Russia is attempting to draw Belarus into an open war with Ukraine. Read more
October 09, 2022 - TEHRAN - Two Iranian hackers from a group called "al-Tahara" hacked into the websites for two natural gas companies: Energean, and Israel Natural Gas Lines. Read more
October 09, 2022 - British Ministry of Defense Intelligence update for Ukraine, October 9th, 2022: "Early on 08 October 2022, an explosion damaged the Kerch Strait Bridge, the road and rail crossing which links Russian-occupied Crimea and the Krasnodar region of Russia. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding alleged provocation by Belarus (accusations by Belarus that Ukraine was planning an attack on Belarus territory) Read more
October 09, 2022 - NORD STREAM PIPELINE - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Sergei Sorobikin, former commander of Russia in Syria has reportedly been appointed the new senior commander of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. Read more
October 09, 2022 - There have been unverified rumors floating around Twitter stating that a Nord Stream sabotage investigator was found dead. We have not seen any evidence supporting these claims. If this can be verified, we'll post any information that we find on the matter. 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 - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Translated statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding alleged provocation by Belarus (accusations by Belarus that Ukraine was planning an attack on Belarus territory). 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 08, 2022 - RIA Novosti has reported that three people died in the bridge explosion, according to Russia's investigative committee. Read more
October 08, 2022 - 6 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 08, 2022 - A 12 mile long bridge linking Russia-annexed Crimea with Russia across the Kerch Strait has been severely damaged by a bomb. Read more
October 07, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put out a video address on Friday announcing that Ukraine has liberated 2,434 square kilometers (940 square miles), as well as 96 settlements in Ukraine's east in their recent offensive against Russian positions. 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 - Posted by official International Atomic Energy Agency account (IAEA): "Yesterday, an industrial zone outside the #Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was shelled, damaging the power transmission line that supplies power to the No. 6 reactor unit, which had to temporarily rely on emergency diesel generators for power." Read more
October 07, 2022 - CENTCOM statement: U.S. forces conducted a successful airstrike in northern Syria, killing both Abu-Hashum al-Umawi, a deputy Wali of Syria, and another senior ISIS official associated with him. 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 06, 2022 - U.S. special forces have reportedly carried out a helicopter raid in Assad-controlled territory in Syria, south of Qamishli in Northeast Syria overnight. Read more
October 06, 2022 - Swedish security service concluded its investigation on the four Nord stream pipeline leaks and stated: "There have been detonations at Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Swedish economic zone, which have caused extensive damage to the gas pipelines." Read more
October 06, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 6th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 06, 2022 - North Korea conducted firing drills with fighter jets and bombers on Thursday, flying aircraft near the South Korean border. 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 - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the United States has not only commenced joint live-fire missile drills with South Korea in the region, but is now sending nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan back to waters near the Korean Peninsula, according to officials at the U.S. Defense Department. Read more
October 05, 2022 - 33 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 5th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 - "In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against the al-Shabaab militant network in Somalia on October 1. The strike occurred near Jilib, about 370 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. 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 3, 2022 - EUROPE - The Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea is no longer leaking, according to a Nord Stream 2 spokesman. Read more
October 03, 2022 - 14 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 3rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 02, 2022 - 22 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 2nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 01, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 1st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 30, 2022 - White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the US military in Europe is ready for "any contingency" and says that multiple reinforcements have been sent to bolster US forces in Europe. Read more
September 30, 2022 - The Israeli intelligence firm called ImageSat International (ISI) has spotted an "irregular presence" of Russian TU-160 and TU-95 strategic bomber aircraft at the Olenya Airbase, which is located close to Finland on the Kola Peninsula near Murmansk. Read more
September 30, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 30th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 30, 2022 - Ukraine has said that they are officially submitting an application for membership to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 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 29, 2022 - Multiple reports that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant was on fire and that power unit Number 6 was damaged. Energodar's official channel, and Russian state media says that these reports are false. Read more
September 29, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 29, 2022 - 31 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 28th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 28, 2022 - ERBIL, IRAQ - The United States has shot down an Iranian Mojer-6 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) headed in the direction of U.S. forces in Erbil, Iraq. Read more
September 27, 2022 - Poland has issued a new travel alert advising against any travel to the Russian Federation in connection with the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland by the authorities of the Russian Federation as an "unfriendly state". Read more
September 27, 2022 - German authorities say that a pressure drop of both the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines look to be a "targeted attack". Explosions have been recorded in the area before the leaks were detected. 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 27, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 27, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 25, 2022 - 15 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 23, 2022 - There is a rumor going around regarding a coup in China. We see no evidence of any coup in China. If we do see some solid evidence, we'll put out an update. Read more
September 22, 2022 - AFRICOM - At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking Somali National Army forces near Buulobarde, Somalia, on Sept. 18. Read more
September 22, 2022 - Statement from Colonel Joe Buccino, CENTCOM communications director: "At approximately 12:25 am on Sept. 20th, seven ISIS fighters in two vehicles headed in the direction of the Internally Displaced Persons camp at al-Hol were interdicted by U.S. partnered Syrian Democratic Forces. Read more
September 21, 2022 - North Korean state media has reported that the country is not exporting weapons to Russia, and does not have any plans at all to do so. Read more
September 21, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that Russia will be drafting 300,000 reservists, and says that mobilization is necessary in order to "consolidate" Ukrainian territory that the country has occupied. Read more
September 21, 2022 - 38 Chinese military aircraft, and 6 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 21st, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 20, 2022 - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says that President Putin appears to be on the brink of proceeding with plans to hold "sham referenda" in areas of Ukraine and potentially preparing for potential mobilization measures. Russia says, "there will be no general mobilization" but may be martial law. Read more
September 19, 2022 - The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has accused Russia of attempting to shell a second nuclear power plant in the Mykolaiv region. The defense ministry posted a video allegedly showing the shelling taking place. Read more
September 19, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 19th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 19, 2022 - Biden on 60 Minutes: US would defend Taiwan if invaded by China. Officially, aside from comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden, the United States government hasn't made any declarations that they will be defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. Read more
September 19, 2022 - CENTCOM - TAMPA, Fla. – "At approximately 7:05 pm in Syria on September 18th, a rocket attack targeting the Green Village base in northeast Syria failed to strike US or Coalition forces or equipment. Read more
September 18, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 18th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 17, 2022 - After a ceasefire agreement was reached between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the countries Ministry of Defense is reporting no new activity, indicating that the ceasefire between the two countries is holding up thus far. Read more
September 17, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 17th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 17, 2022 - Germany has taken control of three Russian oil refineries, it said on Friday, September 16th. Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH, it announced will be placed under Germany's Federal Network Agency. 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 16, 2022 - SYRIA - The Syrian Ministry of Defense has reported an airstrike "with missile bursts" from the northeastern direction of Lake Tiberias, targeting Damascus International Airport, and some points south of Damascus, with "some material losses". Read more
September 16, 2022 - Fighting has been reported between Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, in which both countries have blamed each other for violating the ceasefire agreement. Read more
September 16, 2022 - DoD authorizes the Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $600 million to Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first drawdown since August 2021. Read more
September 16, 2022 - 43 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 16th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 15, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 15th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. 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 14, 2022 - Ongoing Report: Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire, with each side's Ministry of Defense putting out a version of events that conflicts with the other's. The below statements from each respective Ministry of Defense has been translated to English. Updated September 14th, 2022. Read more
September 14, 2022 - 24 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 14th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 13, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 13th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 13, 2022 - EUROPE - Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire, with each side's Ministry of Defense putting out a version of events that conflicts with the other's. The below statements from each respective Ministry of Defense has been translated to English. Read more
September 12, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft, and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 12th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, which included a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone. Read more
September 12, 2022 - Greece has fired on a Turkish vessel and said that it entered territorial waters. Turkey, on the other hand, says that the incident happened in international waters, and that Greece shot at it with 'harassment fire'. Read more
September 12, 2022 - UKRAINE - After the six-reactor Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor, the largest nuclear reactor in Europe, and one of the top 10 largest in the world had been disconnected from power for around a weeks time, it has now had its connection to Ukraine's power grid reestablished. 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 10, 2022 - After U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei on September 2nd, 2022, both Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan on a daily basis. Read more
September 10, 2022 - 43 Chinese military aircraft, and 9 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 10, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 9th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 08, 2022 - TAIWAN - 45 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 8th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 08, 2022 - DOD - The Defense Department has put out a statement saying that the Biden administration has approved another assistance package valued at $675 million in "U.S. assistance to Ukraine", along with another $2 Billion in long-term military financing to "European countries threatened by Russia". Read more
September 08, 2022 - Gas supplies to Europe won't be resumed until the West lifts sanctions against Moscow, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who said that Western sanctions against Russia are to blame for the Nord Stream pipeline being taken offline. Read more
September 08, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is "confident" that Russia hasn't lost a thing during Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Brief overview on what started the conflict in 2014. Brief conflict overview.. Read more
September 08, 2022 - The Pentagon has suspended deliveries of new Lockheed Martin's F-35 aircraft to the army after finding that a component of the jet uses an alloy made in China, which, according to a CNN report, and Interfax, violates federal defense procurement policies. Read more
September 08, 2022 - Japan's Ministry of Defense has released another update on Taiwan's defense strategy "to prevent an invasion by China at the furthest distance possible". Read more
September 08, 2022 - China has been increasingly aggressive about controlling the microchip industry and emboldened in its aggressive stance towards Taiwan since the U.S. pullout of Afghanistan, and the lack of direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict by the United States. Read more
September 08, 2022 - The Biden administration has announced plans to invest $50 billion in the US semiconductor industry, in order to "revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry and spur innovation while creating good-paying jobs in communities across the country," according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Read more
September 08, 2022 - Russian energy giant Gazprom has said that it has signed a deal with China to pay for Russian gas in the Chinese yuan and Russian ruble, rather than paying with the U.S. dollar. Read more
September 07, 2022 - According to a newly declassified U.S. Intelligence, Russia could be purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. The White House has indicated that Moscow looking to purchase arms from North Korea and claims that it is further evidence that Russia is desperate, and that its ammunition supplies are running low as its "special operation" on Ukraine passes its six and a half month mark. 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 07, 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. Read more
September 06, 2022 - Eight Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 6th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 05, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 5th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 04, 2022 - Seven Chinese military aircraft, one UAV, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 4th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 04, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has put out a statement saying that "unidentified drones" from PRC (People's Republic of China) have been reported "hovering over the barracks in Kinmen". Read more
September 04, 2022 - ZAPORIZHZHIA - One day after a visit by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) team, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was forced offline after an artillery shell fell between two reactors, damaging the main power line on Saturday morning, September 3rd. Read more
September 04, 2022 - RUSSIA - Siemens Energy corporation has put out a statement saying that an engine oil leak is no reason to stop the Nord Stream gas pipeline, and said that the leak should have been able to be sealed on site. Read more
September 03, 2022 - The U.S. was threatened by China with a delay of a new product launch from Nvidia if it did not stop with the tech export reduction, and stated that some products might have to leave Chinese manufacturing lines. Read more
September 03, 2022 - After a full month of straight Chinese incursions around the island of Taiwan following the visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on August 2nd, 2022, the Biden administration has announced a $1.1 Billion arms sale to Taipei, angering China. Read more
September 03, 2022 - Four Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA vessels have been spotted in waters surrounding Taiwan on September 3rd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 02, 2022 - 19 Chinese military aircraft, and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 2nd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 02, 2022 - The Taiwanese military have shot down an unidentified unmanned "civilian drone" near Kinmen, Taiwan on Thursday, September 1st. Japan's Ministry of Defense has also put out a statement, along with a map showing Taiwan's defensive strategy, meant to deter "Chinese aggression". The United States is also strengthening "alliance" with the Philippines. Read more
September 02, 2022 - UNITED STATES - Law enforcement agencies across the country are using a mysterious cellphone tracking tool that lies in an unregulated gray zone in regard to personal rights. Read more
September 01, 2022 - The Taiwanese military says they have shot down an unidentified unmanned "civilian drone" near Kinmen, Taiwan on Thursday, September 1st. Read more
September 01, 2022 - 53 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 1st, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 01, 2022 - The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom said that if China successfully invades the island of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people may suffer a similar fate as the Uyghurs in western China’s Xinjiang region. Read more
August 31, 2022 - KYIV - On Wednesday, August 31st, The United Nations International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) dispatched its team to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), amid rising tensions between The Russian Federation and the sovereign state of Ukraine. Read more
August 31, 2022 - The crude oil tanker "Affinity V", which is 826 feet long, and 147 feet wide ran aground in the Suez Canal, backing up Maritime traffic, according to local media and analysis of the ship's location in vessel tracking software. It has been released and is now back on course. Read more
August 31, 2022 - Israel has allegedly fired several missiles at the Aleppo International Airport, with "several missiles, causing material damage". This, on the same day that U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, in order to "consult on global and regional security challenges, including threats posed by Iran". Read more
August 30, 2022 - The U.S. Navy prevented a support ship from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) from capturing an unmanned surface vessel operated by the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Arabian Gulf, Aug. 29-30. Read more
August 30, 2022 - BAGHDAD - Following the resignation of the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Monday, August 29th, followers who supported him, stormed the green zone with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic rifle fire as Iraqi security forces fought back, sparking a major escalation in the political deadlock that has gripped the nation. Read more
August 30, 2022 - Location: Iraq (countrywide). Event: Ongoing demonstrations within and around the International Zone in Baghdad have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries. Read more
August 30, 2022 - Taiwan has fired live ammunition at a Chinese drone that had intruded over one of Taiwan's outer islands for the first time, on Tuesday, August 30th. Read more
August 30, 2022 - 783 Chinese military aircraft (spotted every day of the month so far), and 179 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read more
August 29, 2022 - Amid renewed shelling at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the UN's IAEA has decided to go ahead and visit the plant and has dispatched a team of nuclear specialists. The facility, which has a total of six nuclear reactors, has already been taken completely offline during shelling the previous week, according to the IAEA website. Read more
August 29, 2022 - 759 Chinese military aircraft (spotted every day of the month so far), and 168 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read more
August 29, 2022 - A security alert has been released by the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, which is located near Kosovo. Event: A persistent and ongoing cyber-attack is in process in Montenegro. Read more
August 29, 2022 - 23 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on August 28th, 2022, making the total military aircraft spotted this month around the island: 722, and vessels: 160. Read more
August 28, 2022 - The president of the BRICS International Forum, Purnima Anand told reporters on Thursday that both Russia and India no longer need the U.S. dollar, as they have turned to national currencies to conduct mutual settlements. Read more
August 28, 2022 - Final review and agreement of the U.N. Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which is its foundation for nuclear disarmament, was blocked by Russia due to its critical statements regarding Russia's invasion in nation of Ukraine. Read more
August 27, 2022 - After completing an international patrol mission on August 26th, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Oliver Henry, was denied clearance for a pre-scheduled resupply port call from the Solomon Islands, a country that has been strengthening ties in the Pacific with China. Read more
August 27, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the surrounding region of Taiwan on August 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 26, 2022 - WASHINGTON - Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, along with the Senate Homeland Security Governmental Affairs Committee has stated that China is attempting to recruit individuals, which are already employed inside the Federal Reserve (FED), as agents of international espionage. Read more
August 26, 2022 - The United States Treasury Department has issued a letter that contains a threat of possible sanctions for Turkey's leading business organization on the grounds of Russian Collaboration. Read more
August 26, 2022 - 35 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels have been spotted in the 'surrounding region' around Taiwan on August 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 25, 2022 - 653 Chinese military aircraft have been spotted around Taiwan every day so far for the month of August, and 139 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island every day since August 6th. Read more
August 25, 2022 - Israel is reportedly striking targets located in Syria. Explosions have been reported in Tartus, and Syrian state media says that its air defenses are engaging "hostile targets" over the Masyaf region in northwestern Syria. Read more
August 25, 2022 - On Ukraine's Independence Day, Wednesday, August 24th, A Russian missile strike hit a civilian train station in the small town of Chaplyne, which is in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Originally it was reported that 15 were deceased and 50 were wounded. The death toll has risen to 22. Read more
August 25, 2022 - CENTCOM: forces respond to attempted coordinated rocket attacks at Conoco, Green Village bases in northeast Syria. "U.S. forces responded today to rocket attacks at two sites in Syria, destroying three vehicles and equipment used to launch some of the rockets. Read more
August 24, 2022 - At U.S. President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted precision airstrikes in Deir ez-Zor Syria today. These precision strikes are intended to defend and protect U.S. forces from attacks like the ones on August 15 against U.S. personnel by Iran-backed groups. Read more
August 24, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels in the surrounding region of Taiwan on August 24th, 2022. Read more
August 23, 2022 - Gas flow from Nord Stream will be stopped for three days, from August 31st to September 2nd, according to Russian state news agency TASS, who says that the downtime is needed in order to repair the only fuel compressor unit that currently remains in operation. Read more
August 23, 2022 - Three foreign citizens, 2 from Russia and 1 from Ukraine, have been arrested while trying to enter an Albanian Military Plant, with 2 Albanian soldiers injured in the event. Read more
August 23, 2022 - KYIV - Wednesday, August 24th, will mark 31 years free from Soviet rule in Ukraine, but the date will come and go, without celebration, in fears of safety concerns, due to Russia's "special military operation." Read more
August 23, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and four PLAN vessels were spotted in waters surrounding Taiwan on August 23rd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 22, 2022 - 15 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels have been spotted in the region surrounding the island of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 22, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted in the 'surrounding region' near the island of Taiwan on August 21st, 2022. Read more
August 22, 2022 - The US Embassy in North Macedonia put out a message saying, "Look up! Today at 2:30 pm there will be a low-altitude flyover of two B-52s in Skopje". Read more
August 22, 2022 - The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that they are deeply concerned about increasing tensions in Northeastern Syria regarding a suspected Turkish drone attack that killed four teenage girls and injured 11 other people who were playing volleyball at a girl's center in Hasakah, Syria. Read more
August 21, 2022 - The daughter of famous Russian public figure and political scientist Alexander Dugin was killed in a vehicle explosion near on a highway near Moscow according to authorities and Russian state media. Read more
August 21, 2022 - On August 18th US military B-52 nuclear-capable bombers returned to the 'RAF' Fairford US Air Force base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom from the Minot Air Base in North Dakota. Read more
August 20, 2022 - Security Alert for the United States embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia in Africa. The U.S. Embassy in Somalia reminds U.S. citizens that terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. Read more
August 20, 2022 - *Update* Ukraine's Mykolaiv Regional State Administration has put out a radiation exposure notice on its official Facebook page for the Ukrainian population outside of the NPP surveillance zone. Read more
August 20, 2022 - On August 18th, 2022 the Department of Defense released a statement on Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks visit U.S. to Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Read more
August 20, 2022 - The United States Department of Defense has released a statement regarding another major security assistance package to be sent to Ukraine valued at $775 million. Read more
August 20, 2022 - Ukraine's Mykolaiv Regional State Administration has put out a radiation exposure notice on its official Facebook page. Mykolaiv is located near the Black Sea in southern Ukraine. Read more
August 19, 2022 - 51 Chinese military aircraft and 6 vessels were spotted around Taiwan on August 18th, 2022. Taiwan responded by monitoring the situation, deploying aircraft in CAP, naval vessels and land-based missile systems, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 19, 2022 - During a press briefing in Singapore, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet stated that the amount of unsafe interceptions by Chinese aircraft has increased over the last few months. The United States had carried out wargames simulating an attack by China in 2021, but failed miserably. Read more
August 19, 2022 - CHINA - After post-Taiwan tensions, including live-fire exercises around Taiwan and Chinese missiles falling in Japan's economic exclusion zone (EEC), Akiba Takeo, Japan's National Security Secretariat, and Yang Jiechi, Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor, have met in northern China. Read more
August 18, 2022 - The Chinese Ministry of Defense has reported that their military is carrying out joint military exercises that are co-hosted by 12 countries, with 37 countries in total participating. Read more
August 17, 2022 - Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy corporation says that gas prices in Europe could go over $4,000 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time in history on Tuesday. Read more
August 17, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan August 17th, 2022. Five of the Chinese military aircraft included two SU-30 and one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. 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 15, 2022 - 30 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted on the "east part of the median line" of the Taiwan Strait August 15th, 2022. Read more
August 14, 2022 - UNITED KINGDOM - There are major elections being held this fall around the world. In countries such as Australia, Israel, the UK, the United States, and Estonia, political campaigns are ongoing. Due to current price hikes on staple products and commodities, terms like recession and inflation are going around, but a new trend in UK campaigns has been mentioning The China Threat. Read more
August 14, 2022 - Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, in an analytical statement of world events, states that the U.S. is "Teetering on the brink of war" with China and Russia and owns some responsibility for its manifestation. Read more
August 14, 2022 - A five-member delegation, led by Senator Ed Markey (D) of Massachusetts, meeting in Taiwan to discuss security, economical, and trade topics, according to the American Institute in Taiwan. Read more
August 14, 2022 - White House teleconference press release: On call with Kurt Campbell regarding China and Taiwan and the recent tensions that have arisen in the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 14, 2022 - TAIWAN - The Foreign Ministry of Taiwan expressed with sincerity, its gratefulness to the United States for its constant presence around Taiwan and for taking specific action to safeguard the region and the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 14, 2022 - CRIMEA - Approximately 24 Su-35 aircraft have been lost during the special military operation in Ukraine, resulting in the Russian Federation resurrecting old and outdated fighter jets, according to a social media post from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Read more
August 13, 2022 - China is sending bombers and fighter jets to Thailand for joint exercises with Thailand's military on Sunday, August 14th, 2022. Read more
August 13, 2022 - NEW YORK CITY - In another escalation due to rising tensions, 5 Chinese state-run global companies have announced their decision to de-list from the New York Stock Exchange. Read more
August 11, 2022 - From the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), For the last two days, there have been two known incursions into the Alaskan Air Defense Zone, a buffer zone that sits between the airspace of Alaska and international air space, by Russian surveillance aircraft, which were detected, identified, and tracked off the coast. Read more
August 11, 2022 - SOUTHERN UKRAINE - Caught in crossfire, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, on the Dnieper River, near the town of Enerhodar, is being watched very closely by international eyes as the power plant receives heavy artillery rounds, causing fears of a Chernobyl-like nuclear incident. Read more
August 10, 2022 - On August 9th at 3:20 pm local time, a very powerful explosion shook Crimea, as the Saky Russian air base in the annexed region explodes into flames, marking a major escalation in the war in Ukraine. Plumes of smoke filled the sky, causing residents and tourists to flee the city as first responders raced towards the blast. 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 09, 2022 - The Chinese military has said that they would be continuing their live-fire military drills Monday, August 8th, 2022 in the waters and skies around the island of Taiwan, focusing on anti-submarine and air-to-ship strikes. 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 08, 2022 - The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign ministers released a joint statement regarding Taiwan calling an end to China's provocative exercises around the island of Taiwan, after which the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) condemned the statement and called it scrap paper. Read more
August 07, 2022 - According to multiple Israeli sources around 935 rockets have been fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Rockets were also fired into Israel just minutes after the ceasefire deadline had been reached. Read more
August 07, 2022 - 66 Chinese military aircraft and 14 vessels were detected around Taiwan on August 7th, 2022. 22 of the aircraft had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and the southwest ADIZ according to Taiwan's MOD. Read more
August 07, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 14 Chinese vessels conducted an air-sea operation on the surrounding area of Taiwan on August 6th, 2022. Chinese state-run television also says that China will be carrying out regular drills from now on. Read more
August 07, 2022 - GAZA - Another airstrike has claimed the life of another PIJ Top Commander, Khaled Mansour, targeted at an apartment building in the crowded Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza, as the Israeli Defense Force continues their offensive against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Read more
August 07, 2022 - SOCHI, RUSSIA - Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, met today to secure an end to the global food crisis and resume exporting Ukrainian grain. Read more
August 06, 2022 - TAIWAN - (From Taiwanese Translation) Taiwanese official Ou Yang Li-hsing, who was the vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and led missile production has died of a "sudden heart attack" at 57 years old in the hotel that he was saying in. Read more
August 05, 2022 - Rockets are now firing at Israel from Gaza. The IDF stated, "More sirens are now sounding in cities across central Israel. Read more
August 05, 2022 - The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs have announced a list of "countermeasures" in response to Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island of Taiwan. Read more
August 05, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported that 49 Chinese aircraft flew into the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait on August 5th, 2022. Read more
August 05, 2022 - *NEW UPDATES* Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that they are currently carrying out strikes on the Gaza Strip after "direct threats" posed by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Read more
August 05, 2022 - Russia has kicked 14 Bulgarian diplomats from the country and declared them persona non grata, in what looks to be a response to Bulgaria expelling 70 Russian diplomats over the summer. Read more
August 05, 2022 - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after having visited the island of Taiwan visiting the heavily fortified Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) that sits between the North and South Korean border on her way to Seoul, the Capital of South Korea. Read more
August 04, 2022 - Chinese state-affiliated media announced live fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait. The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that five Chinese missiles are 'presumed' to have landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Read more
August 04, 2022 - The U.S. Department of State has put out a worldwide travel alert, advising against traveling abroad after Sunday's drone strike where two R9X Hellfire missiles killed al-Qaeda leader, and Osama bin Laden successor, Ayman al-Zawahri. Read more
August 04, 2022 - White House Statement On Senate Ratification of the NATO Accession Protocols for Sweden and Finland. "Today, the Senate overwhelmingly endorsed our close partners Finland and Sweden joining NATO. This historic vote sends an important signal of the sustained, bipartisan U.S. commitment to NATO, and to ensuring our Alliance is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow"... 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 03, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft entered into the surrounding area of Taiwan on August 3rd, 2022, and 21 Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwan's ADIZ just one day before that, after Pelosi's visit to the island according to the country's MOD. Read more
August 03, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft entered into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on August 2nd, 2022 after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi touched down in Taiwan. Read more
August 02, 2022 - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was confirmed to have been on the aircraft heading toward the Island of Taiwan and has now landed safely. The U.S. air force had been authorized to open fire in case there was any interference from the Chinese on the plane that carried Pelosi. Read more
August 02, 2022 - There have been many reports, and sightings of Chinese military vehicles, equipment and tanks in the Chinese city of Xiamen and the province of Fujian, which sits straight across from the island of Taiwan. Read more
August 02, 2022 - According to Taiwan's official state news The Central News Agency (CNA) and the Xiamen Airlines website, China's Fujian region has announced August 2nd that airspace flow control will be implemented, and a "large number of flights have been canceled". Read more
August 02, 2022 - US Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to travel to Taipei on Tuesday. Chinese military vessels and aircraft have been spotted carrying out tactical moves by touching the median line in the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 02, 2022 - The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has carried out a successful drone strike in Afghanistan against al Qaeda leader al-Zawahiri. Read more
August 02, 2022 - The first shipment of grain left Odessa, Ukraine on Monday, August 1st, at 5:30 GMT, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. 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
August 01, 2022 - As Pelosi is expected to arrive in the Asia Pacific, growing concerns come from other countries who are in support of China instead of the United States and an independent Taiwan. Read more
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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."
CIA Director: Chinese President Has Instructed Military To Be Ready By 2027 For Invasion On Taiwan - WASHINGTON - CIA Director William Burns said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered China's military to "be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion" of the island of Taiwan.
Burns spoke at Georgetown University on Thursday and said that Xi has been watching Russian President Vladimir Putin's drawn-out war on Ukraine.
"On Taiwan, I guess I would say our assessment at CIA is that I wouldn’t underestimate President Xi’s ambitions with regard to Taiwan. He has been pretty clear about that over the years," Burns stated.
He continued by saying, "I think he has watched very carefully – it seems to us – Putin’s experience in Ukraine and been a little bit unsettled and sobered by that as well".
"We know as a matter of intelligence he has instructed the People’s Liberation Army to be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion."
He added, "Now, that does not mean that he's decided to conduct an invasion in 2027, or any other year, but it's a reminder of the seriousness of his focus and his ambition".
"Therefore, I think it’s very much in our interest as a policy matter in the United States to make clear our commitment to the status quo, to make clear we are not interested as a country in changing that status quo, that we are deeply opposed to anyone trying to change that unilaterally, especially by the use of force".
"And to continue to do all we can to help Taiwan defend itself and think through how best to do that to deter what would be a sort of deeply unfortunate conflict for everyone involved, including China as well".
Taiwan has been sending military aircraft and drones into the airspace around the island of Taiwan, some of which cross into Taiwan's air defense identification zone nearly every single day since former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island on August 2nd, 2022.
Before Pelosi's visit to the island, China's incursions around the island were far less frequent and were not daily occurrences.
China also began sending frequent reconnaissance drones around Taiwan, which were not generally sent around the island before Pelosi's visit occurred.
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.
34 Chinese Military Aircraft, 9 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan February 1st, 2023 - 34 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on February 1st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, six were J-16 fighter jets, four were J-10 fighter jets, two were Y-8 electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft, two were SU-30 multi-role aircraft, one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a BZK-007 reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
20 of the detected military aircraft were reported to have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "34 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities".
A second statement by the MOD said, "20 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, J-11*2, J-10*4, J-16*6, BZK-005 UAV RECCE, BZK-007 UAV RECCE, Y-8 EW, Y-8 ASW and Y-8 ELINT*2) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated".
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.
Another $2.2 Billion In Aid To Ukraine Expected To Be Announced "Very Soon" - WASHINGTON - The United States is preparing a $2.2 billion package worth of military aid to Ukraine, and is expected to contain longer-range rockets than the United States has previously been willing to give to Ukraine, as well as other weapons and ammunition.
White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton said that the United States will be announcing additional security assistance to Ukraine "very soon".
"I expect we're going to have more security assistance to announce soon," Dalton told reporters.
From the start of Russia's war on Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 to January 19th, 2023 the total dollar amount of military equipment given to Ukraine adds up to $26.7 billion.
Part of the $2.2 billion would be allocated to purchase the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), which is manufactured by Boeing Co, according to a report by Reuters.
The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb has a range of about 94 miles, which is longer-ranged than other weapons given by the United States thus far, but does not reach as far as the longer-ranged guided missile system (ATACMS) requested by Ukraine, but rejected by the United States capable of a range o 185 miles. Read More
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
Netblocks: Iranian Internet Network Cut, Disruption In Connectivity - Netblocks Internet Observatory: "Confirmed: Network data show a disruption to internet connectivity in Iran with high impact to Mazandaran Province; authorities are attributing the incident to fiber optic cuts on the path between Babol and Sari".Read Notice
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".
USAF General Says He Believes US Will Be At War With China In 2025 - General Mike Minihan, who heads the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command has warned that he believes the United States will be at war with China in 2025. View Documents.
The following is a memo which is dated in the future (February 1, 2023) and according to The Drive has been confirmed as authentic by a spokesperson of the Air Mobility Command (AMC).
SUBJECT: February 2023 Orders in Preparation for - The Next Fight:
1. SITUATION. I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025. Xi secured his third term and set his war council in October 2022. Taiwan's presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a reason. United States' presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a distracted America. Xi's team, reason, and opportunity are all aligned for 2025. We spent 2022 setting the foundation for victory. We will spend 2023 in crisp operational motion building on that foundation. If you want to know what the operational motion I demand looks like, look at what Total Force Team Charleston did in January.
2. COMMANDER'S INTENT. Go faster. Drive readiness, integration, and agility for ourselves and the Joint Force to deter, and if required, defeat China. This is the first of 8 monthly directives from me. You need to know I alone own the pen on these orders. My expectations are high, and these orders are not up for negotiation. Follow them. I will be tough, fair, and loving in my approach to secure victory.
3. END STATE. A fortified, ready, integrated, and agile Joint Force Maneuver Team ready to fight and win inside the first island chain. Maximize the use of the force and the tools we currently have and extract full value from things that currently exist. Close the gaps: C2, navigation, maneuver under attack, and tempo.
4. RISK. Run deliberately, not recklessly. You will be governed by the principle of calculated training risk, which you shall interpret to mean the avoidance of death, serious injury, and Class A damage to attain higher readiness, integration, and agility. If the Tactic, Technique, and Procedure you are developing increases AMC's ability to fight and win inside the first island chain ... move out. If you are comfortable in your approach to training, then you are not taking enough risk.
5. OT&E. Attached are our OT&E efforts from 2022 Fall PHOENIX Rally, which will guide our preparation but are not intended to limit creativity of approach. This is not an all- encompassing list. I expect you to move out briskly on the monthly tasks, anticipate the projected tasks and weave them eloquently into your units' training and operational battle rhythms.
6. FEBRUARY. (a) All AMC aligned personnel with weapons qualifications will fire a clip into a 7-meter target with the full understanding that unrepentant lethality matters most. Aim for the head. (b) All AMC personnel will update vRED. (c) All commanders will acknowledge this order directly to me immediately. Then, report all 2022 accomplishments preparing for the China fight, and forecast major efforts in 2023 through command chains by COB 28 February 2023.
7. MARCH (Projected). (a) All units will report progress toward established OT&E requirements for INDOPACOM Operations discussed and reviewed at Fall PHOENIX Rally. (b) All AMC personnel will consider their personal affairs and whether a visit should be scheduled with their servicing base legal office to ensure they are legally ready and prepared. (c) KC-135 units will coordinate to provide a conceptual means of air delivering 100 off-the- shelf size and type UAVs from a single aircraft.
8. APRIL (Projected). (a) All units will report their integration and operation plans for MOBILITY GUARDIAN 2023 to include all events (lead-in and concurrent) they wish to include for credit.
9. ADMIN. AMC/A3 will formalize these orders in FRAGO format. Completion, progress, reporting, reporting format, and advancement will be measured, driven, and collected by our AMC/A3 Team through ARC, NAF and EC leadership. LET'S GO!"
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."
U.S. Navy visits Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Holds Bilateral Strategic Dialogue - US PACIFIC FLEET: "WASHINGTON -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Gene Black, traveled to Japan to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Rear Adm. Nobuyuki Takenaka, Director General, Operations and Plans Department, Maritime Staff Office, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), for a bilateral strategic dialogue at the Japanese Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Jan. 25, 2023.
The dialogue built upon the Strategic Approach Plan, originally signed by the JMSDF and the United States Navy in 2020. The Strategic Approach strengthens existing cooperation, addresses mutual strategic priorities and promotes collaborative development of defense capability.
“I am deeply grateful for the remarkable hospitality I was shown during my visit to the Japanese Ministry of Defense. It was my honor to work alongside the JMSDF to identify opportunities to strengthen our longstanding partnership,” said Black. “I believe in our shared efforts to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific and I’m optimistic about how our combined determination will manifest in collective military advantages.”
Rear Adm. Takenaka echoed the strategic value of the partnership, reflecting on the importance of ongoing dialogue.
“The United States Navy and JMSDF exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region based on the newly developed National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy of both countries, deepening our mutual understanding,” he said. “We renewed our commitment to further improving our interoperability and interchangeability in order to protect the free and open oceans and the order and values based on international law.”
The U.S. – Japan alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The two navies routinely operate together to deepen interoperability to enable mutual action. Recent successful joint exercises, including RIMPAC and MALABAR, demonstrate the effectiveness of the bilateral framework and the mutual benefit strong partnerships deliver.
The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces."
Image: "221009-N-DW158-1021 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 9, 2022) A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60J Seahawk lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 9. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gray Gibson)".
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."
U.S.-Albanian Leaders Discuss NATO, Bilateral Relations - U.S. and Albanian defense leaders met today at the Pentagon to make a strong bilateral alliance even stronger. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Defense Minister Niko Peleshi met as the two nations marked the 30th year of their nations' defense relationship.
The men last spoke during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein Air Base last week. Albania, a NATO ally, is providing aid to Ukraine as the country battles against Russian invaders.
"Over the past three decades, our relationship has only deepened," Austin said at the beginning of the meeting. "Our forces train and exercise together. They work alongside each other in coalition operations.”
Albanian troops have served alongside U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and Latvia. "More recently, we appreciate Albania[‘s] support and hosting Defender Europe '21,"Austin said.
The secretary also said he appreciated that Albania has volunteered to host Defender Europe '23
"We're meeting at a critical time for European security,"the secretary said. "Last week's contact group underscored the importance of moving urgently to strengthen Ukraine against Russian aggression and to strengthen our shared security."
Austin thanked the Albanian minister for the lethal and humanitarian aid his country is providing Ukraine. Albania is also deploying forces to bolster NATO's defense in the East.
Peleshi told Austin his country is proud to be a member of NATO and an ally of the United States. He said his country wants to do what is needed. "We have been very active in international missions, NATO missions, U.N. missions and operations because we want to deserve being an ally of the great, most powerful political alliance," he said."
Russia Says Tanks Being Sent to Ukraine By NATO Allies A "New Level Of Confrontation" - MOSCOW - Russia’s Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechayev released a statement after the United States and Germany announced sending tanks to Ukraine that called the decision an "extremely dangerous decision" that "takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation".
While addressing Germany's decision to allow their Leopard 2 tanks to be sent to Ukraine, the ambassador said the following:
"On January 25, 2023, the German government approved the delivery of Leopard 2 heavy battle tanks to the Kyiv regime. Other countries that are armed with such equipment are allowed to re-export it to Ukraine.
This extremely dangerous decision takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation and contradicts the statements of German politicians about the unwillingness of the FRG to get involved in it. Unfortunately, this happens over and over again. Once again, we are convinced that Germany, like its closest allies, is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis, it is set up for its permanent escalation and unlimited pumping of the Kyiv regime with more and more deadly weapons. "Red lines" are a thing of the past.
The choice of Berlin means the final refusal of the Federal Republic of Germany to recognize the historical responsibility to our people for the terrible, timeless crimes of Nazism during the Great Patriotic War, the consignment to the oblivion of the difficult path of post-war reconciliation between Russians and Germans. With the approval of the leadership of the FRG, battle tanks with German crosses will again be sent to the "eastern front", which will inevitably lead to the death of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population.
Berlin adopted this decision on the 80th anniversary of the breaking of the blockade of Leningrad, in which hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens died. It destroys the remnants of mutual trust, causes irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations, and casts doubt on the possibility of their normalization in the foreseeable future."
British Challenger 2 Tanks To Be Delivered To Ukraine
British Challenger 2 tanks are also to be delivered to Ukraine by the end of March, according to British Deputy Defense Minister Alex Chuck.
“Our intention is that it will be at the end of March,” Chuck said (cited by TASS). Training of the Ukrainian military to manage and maintain British tanks should start on Monday, January 30," Chuck stated.
Russia: Shipments Will Be A Legitimate Target For Russian Aerospace Forces
Russian Foreign Minister has put out a warning and sent a note to members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that any shipments that contain military equipment will become a legitimate target for Russian Aerospace Forces.
Russia: Delivery Of Uranium Shells To Ukraine By US Will Be Considered The Use Of Dirty Bombs - MOSCOW - The delivery of Western-made uranium shells to Ukraine will be regarded by Russia as "the use of dirty nuclear bombs" and said that the depleted uranium shells used for the Leopard 2 tanks lead to "contamination of the area" and outbreaks of cancer.
At talks in Vienna on military security and arms control, Konstantin Gavrilov, head of the Russian delegation said, "We warn Western sponsors of the Kyiv military machine from encouraging nuclear provocations and blackmail".
The Russian diplomat went on to say, "We know that the Leopard 2 tank, as well as the Bradley and Marder infantry fighting vehicles, are armed with uranium-core armor-piercing projectiles, the use of which leads to contamination of the area, as happened in Yugoslavia and Iraq" .
"If Kyiv is supplied with such shells for NATO heavy military equipment, we will consider this as the use of dirty nuclear bombs against Russia, with all the ensuing consequences," the diplomat added.
Gavrilov claimed that Western countries "forced" Germany to make the decision to transfer "armored vehicles" to Ukraine.
Gavrilov said, “First, the allies threatened Berlin with international isolation in case of refusal to transfer the Leopards. Then none other than the representative of the US State Department, Ned Price, announced “imminent news” regarding the direction of the German “beast” to Kyiv. This is how transatlantic “solidarity” is forged, — said the head of the delegation".
Russian state-run news RIA Novosti cited the diplomat as saying that Germany made a "conscious" choice in favor of "German tanks with crosses on their armor again attacking Russian soldiers," and said that the Russian army will be destroying them.
Novosti stated that a "doctor of the military sciences" named Konstantin Sivkov told the Russian news agency that the Leopard 2 ammunition load includes armor-piercing sub-caliber depleted uranium shells, which it says leads to "contamination of the area" and "outbreaks of cancer".
Biden Announces Abrams Tanks to be Delivered to Ukraine - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "President Joe Biden announced today that the United States will provide Ukraine with 31 M1 Abrams tanks. That is the required number to equip an entire Ukraine tank battalion. View Fact Sheet
These tanks are needed, Biden said, because Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and will be better prepared for additional counter-offenses.
"They need to be able to counter Russia's evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term. They need to improve their ability to maneuver in open terrain. And, they need an enduring capability to deter and defend against Russian aggression over the long term," the president said.
The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. And, they're also extremely complex to operate and maintain. Along with the tanks, the U.S. will be giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively repair and maintain these tanks on the battlefield, he said.
Ukrainian troops will be given training on logistics and maintenance as soon as possible, as actual delivery of these tanks will take some time, he said.
This morning, Biden said he had a long conversation with NATO allies, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding continued close coordination and support of Ukraine.
Biden mentioned strong allied support for Ukraine, which will include German Leopard 2 tanks, a German Patriot missile battery, Challenger 2 tanks from the United Kingdom, and AMX-10 armored fighting vehicles from France.
"This is about helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian land. It is not an offensive threat to Russia," he said.
"The expectation on the part of Russia is we're going to break up, we're not going to stay united. But we are fully thoroughly totally united," Biden said, speaking of the 50 nations that are part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Senior administration officials said earlier today that these Abrams tanks will be procured through Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funding.
Unlike the presidential drawdown authority, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry rather than delivering equipment that is drawn down from DOD stocks.
The officials also noted that eight M88 recovery vehicles will also be shipped to Ukraine, to accompany the 31 tanks.
Washington: $400 Million In Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine, Including Abrams Tanks - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the procurement of Abrams tanks for Ukraine via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. View Fact Sheet
This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to building the capacity of Ukraine's Armed Forces, now and into the future. Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority (PDA), which DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures new capabilities. This $400 million USAI package represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional capabilities to Ukraine.
The capabilities in this package include: 31 Abrams tanks with 120mm rounds and other ammunition; Eight Tactical Vehicles to recover equipment; Support vehicles and equipment; Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.
Alongside the battalion of Abrams tanks provided by the United States, a European consortium is committing to provide two battalions of Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the near term. The United States will continue to work with our Allies and partners to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs to counter Russian aggression and ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people.
In total, the United States has now committed more than $27.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $29.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and more than $27.1 billion since the beginning of Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24, 2022."
US And Germany Both Agree To Send Tanks To Ukraine - WASHINGTON/BERLIN - Both the United States and Germany have agreed to send tanks to Ukraine after Germany had said it wouldn't be allowing its Leopard 2 tanks to be sent to Ukraine by NATO allies unless the United States also agreed to send tanks of its own to the country.
U.S. President Joe Biden made a statement that said, "today I'm announcing the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of 1 Ukrainian battalion".
"Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it will enhance Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objective".
The German government also confirmed that it will be sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine from the stocks of the German Armed Forces, and will, in addition, be allowing allies to send the German-made Leopard 2 tanks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz released a statement that said, "Ladies and gentlemen, that is the right principle. We are dealing with very effective weapons systems, and it is the right thing for us to never provide these weapons systems on their own, but always in close cooperation".
According to the German Defense Ministry, the German-made tanks could be delivered to Ukraine within the next three months.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke on air on the Die Welt TV channel and said "This (deliveries of tanks - TASS note) will not happen earlier than in three or four months".
German Spokesman Steffen Hebestrait said, "The federal government has decided to provide the Ukrainian armed forces with Leopard 2A6 battle tanks. This is the result of intensive meetings that Germany has held with European and international partners".
"Germany will issue permits to partner countries that want to send Leopard 2A6 to Ukraine from their own stocks".
Russia's Response To The Announcements
Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov replied to the announcement of Abrams tanks being supplied to Ukraine by saying that it was "quite a failure" for "technological reasons," according to Russian state news agency TASS.
“I am convinced that many experts understand the absurdity of this idea too. It’s just that such a plan is quite a failure in terms of technological aspects, and most importantly, this is a clear overestimation of the potential that this will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he said to reporters Wednesday.
He added that "so far there are a lot of mutually exclusive statements, media reports, leaks and so on from Germany and the United States." and said that "It is clear that not everything is going smoothly there, and in the [North Atlantic] alliance itself, not everything is so smooth, and not everything is going smoothly with the presence of tanks".
A report by TASS estimated that Ukraine can receive around 100 modern Western tanks, and had already received 350 to 400 Soviet-made tanks, which were mainly T-72s.
Allied Tanks Ukraine Will Be Receiving'
The following countries either are sending, or are considering sending tanks to Ukraine: Germany, Poland Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Britain, Denmark, and France.
Biden Announces Shipment Of 31 Abrams Tanks To Ukraine - WASHINGTON - U.S President Joe Biden has announced that the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
During a speech, Biden said "and today, today I'm announcing the the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of 1 Ukrainian battalion".
"Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it will enhance Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objective".
He added, "The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They are also extremely complex to operate and maintain. So we're also giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks on the battlefield".
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."
Medvedev: Russia May Nationalize Property Of US And EU Citizens In Response To Sanctions - MOSCOW - Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, and former president Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia may be nationalizing the property of people who are registered in the United States, European Union, and other "unfriendly" jurisdictions in the midst of new "anti-Russian" sanctions.
He said that Russia is being threatened with arrests of assets of Russian citizens, as well as companies located outside of Russia.
"just like that, without any sanctions," Medvedev said, adding "in a carpet fashion," and "out of spite," and went on to say that, "this must be responded to in a quite symmetric manner".
On his VK social media page on Saturday, he said, "With the arrest of assets of foreigners and foreign companies in Russia based on country principle. And maybe, with the nationalization of the property of people registered in unfriendly jurisdictions. Like the EU, EU member states and a number of singing-along states of the Anglo-Saxon world will take part in this".
"Thankfully, we have vast experience and we have a law on this issue. A harsh one," he said.
Russian state-run news agency TASS said that "a number of states" have announced "harsh" sanctions against Russia, including financial and technological sectorial restrictions against 64 Russian agencies enforced by the European Union.
Among the agencies were the "Presidential Administration, Russian Defense Ministry, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and other state structures, as well as companies of military-industrial, energy, plane building and financial sectors of Russia," the news report said.
It added that a number of Russian politicians which include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and other Russian citizens have also been "blacklisted".
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."
KFOR Soldiers emergency response evaluated during Exercise Cavalry Guardian - US Military: "CAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo — Kosovo Force, Regional Command-East recently conducted exercise Cavalry Guardian, an emergency response training exercise, geared toward testing team cohesion, resilience under stress and job proficiency, near Camp Novo Selo on Jan. 10, 2023.
During the training, Soldiers from Austria, the U.S., and Great Britain competed to provide the best reaction to an emergency scenario involving role players and emergency response personnel from KFOR.
“This training has helped us to spread awareness amongst even the lowest level of Soldiers how to deal with complex road traffic accidents, especially when they involve multiple casualties,” said British Army Capt. Hugo Hunter, exercise director and safety coordinator.
During the exercise scenario, Soldiers had to complete a very complex iteration with a combination of an unexploded ordnance scenario, a crime scene or weapons cache, a mass casualty event with four civilians and one KFOR Soldier.
On scene, the Soldiers had to coordinate with Film City Fire and Rescue to cut out a role-playing member of KFOR who was simulating they were trapped in the crashed vehicle. Once the victim was freed, competitors requested KFOR aviation unit support to provide medical evacuation.
“[This training] is important because these guys are out patrolling every day, so this is something that they would be likely to come across,” said U.S. Army Maj. Brendan Williams, KFOR Regional Command-East Operations Officer and logistics support for the exercise. “Not to this extreme, but accidents are probably the most common thing that they are going to deal with. So knowing how to treat casualties, knowing how to get those casualties follow-on care quickly, and reporting quickly, is very important.”
The joint exercise also enhanced the interoperability of several NATO partners and allies to include the U.S., the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Poland, the International Military Police, Film City Fire Services and the Joint Logistics Support Group. By working together, they enhanced the readiness of both their specialties and the competitors through training and developing best practices.
“We have a pretty unique situation in Kosovo where the threat to KFOR Soldiers is not as high as many other theaters and it gives us the best opportunity to practice our training, tactics and procedures, and really learn how to develop best practices,” Hunter said. “It's only through training that we better ourselves and perform to a higher standard.”
The plan is to continue to provide this vital training to Soldiers of future rotations of KFOR. The exercise director, Hunter hopes it will expand to include many other countries with further iterations.
KFOR RC-East comprises 10 contributing NATO partner nations. Its mission is to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, as mandated by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999."
NY Army Guard aviation Soldiers mobilize for Mideast mission - US Army: "ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Almost 400 New York Army National Guard Soldiers will soon leave for a deployment to Kuwait.
The Soldiers from Rochester, Dunkirk and Long Island will train in Pennsylvania and Texas before heading to the Middle East for 10 months.
Some 350 Soldiers are assigned to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, trained to provide logistics and maintenance support to the helicopter units of an Army combat aviation brigade.
Forty-five Soldiers are members of Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, and fly CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters.
The 642nd Aviation has elements in Rochester and Dunkirk in western New York and in Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma on Long Island. The battalion is part of the New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade.
The 642nd will conduct farewell ceremonies at the Army Aviation Support Facilities in Rochester and Ronkonkoma. The Soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, will participate in the Rochester ceremony.
The 642nd will train for two weeks at Fort Indiantown Gap near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and for about two months in Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying to Kuwait.
The Soldiers from Bravo Company will also train at Fort Indiantown Gap and Fort Hood. They will be under the control of their battalion at Fort Hood and in Kuwait while they fly missions to support Army forces in the region.
The 642nd will support the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 185th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade during operations throughout the region.
The 642nd Aviation Support Battalion deployed to Kuwait in 2013 and 2014 as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducting support operations across the Middle East.
In 2005, the battalion, then known as the 642nd Divisional Aviation Support Battalion, deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and the 42nd Infantry Division.
During that deployment, the battalion conducted 180 combat logistics patrols covering nearly 60,000 miles while repelling multiple attacks by insurgent forces. The unit also recovered three downed aircraft.
During the deployment, two Purple Hearts were awarded and six vehicles were lost to enemy fire, but no Soldiers were killed.
In New York, Soldiers of the battalion responded to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and supported operations after Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion is a New York Army National Guard aviation company that is part of an aviation battalion headquartered in Massachusetts.
The Soldiers fly the CH-47F helicopter, the largest in the Army’s inventory.
The company deployed to Afghanistan, where the heavy lift and high-altitude capabilities of the CH-47 were vital. The unit served in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008, 2012 and 2013, and 2018.
Soldiers from the company participated in state responses to Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and the “Snowvember” Storm in 2014. Last fall, the unit deployed an aircraft and crew to Florida to help respond to Hurricane Ian.
In May, a Bravo Company CH-47 recovered a pontoon in danger of sweeping over Niagara Falls.
Currently, 1,800 New York Army National Guard Soldiers are deployed overseas.
The 369th Sustainment Brigade has deployed 260 Soldiers in Kuwait, supporting the 10,000 Army Soldiers of Task Force Spartan.
The 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, a UH-60 helicopter unit based in Latham and Ronkonkoma, has 250 troops deployed in Kuwait.
The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, along with companies from the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, and the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry — 1,130 Soldiers — are operating in the Horn of Africa, securing U.S. military facilities in the area.
And in Germany, 140 Soldiers of Task Force Orion, from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, are training Ukrainian soldiers as part of the U.S. support for that nation’s war effort."
Army announces unit preparation for potential deployments in support of European allies and partners - WASHINGTON – The Department of the Army announced the preparation of Army units for potential deployment to backfill units currently in Europe. This potential deployment would not constitute a change to current force posture levels.
It would ensure the United States continues to be well positioned to provide a robust deterrent and defensive posture alongside our Allies across the European continent. The United States will continue to adjust its posture as needed in response to the dynamic security environment.
Elements from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters are preparing for a potential deployment to replace units currently in Europe. Preparation for this potential deployment provides flexibility to reassess conditions and respond to a dynamic security environment.
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."
Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged With Violating U.S. Sanctions On Russia - Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged With Violating U.S. Sanctions On Russia. A Russian Court and Government Interpreter Is Also Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions on Russia.
US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: "Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a five-count Indictment charging CHARLES MCGONIGAL and SERGEY SHESTAKOV with violating and conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) and with conspiring to commit money laundering and money laundering.
SHESTAKOV is also charged with making material misstatements to the FBI. The defendants were arrested on Saturday evening, and they will be presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Charles McGonigal, a former high-level FBI official, and Sergey Shestakov, a Court interpreter, violated U.S. sanctions by agreeing to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch.
They both previously worked with Deripaska to attempt to have his sanctions removed, and, as public servants, they should have known better. This Office will continue to prosecute those who violate U.S. sanctions enacted in response to Russian belligerence in Ukraine in order to line their own pockets.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “The FBI is committed to the enforcement of economic sanctions designed to protect the United States and our allies, especially against hostile activities of a foreign government and its actors. Russian oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska perform global malign influence on behalf of the Kremlin and are associated with acts of bribery, extortion, and violence.
As alleged, Mr. McGonigal and Mr. Shestakov, both U.S. citizens, acted on behalf of Deripaska and fraudulently used a U.S. entity to obscure their activity in violation of U.S. sanctions.
After sanctions are imposed, they must be enforced equally against all U.S. citizens in order to be successful. There are no exceptions for anyone, including a former FBI official like Mr. McGonigal. Supporting a designated threat to the United States and our allies is a crime the FBI will continue to pursue aggressively.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In 2014, the President issued Executive Order 13660, which declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in Ukraine.
To address this national emergency, the President blocked all property of individuals determined by the U.S. Treasury to be responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threatened the security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, or who materially assist, sponsor, or provide support to individuals or entities engaging in such activities.
Executive Order 13660 and regulations issued pursuant to it prohibit making or receiving any funds, goods, or services by, to, from, or for the benefit of any person designated by the U.S. Treasury.
On April 6, 2018, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Oleg Deripaska as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy (the “OFAC Sanctions”).
According to the U.S. Treasury, Deripaska was sanctioned for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation and for operating in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy.
CHARLES MCGONIGAL is a former Special Agent in Charge (“SAC”) of FBI’s Counterintelligence Division in New York, who retired in 2018. While working at the FBI, MCGONIGAL supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska. SERGEY SHESTAKOV is a former Soviet and Russian diplomat who later became a U.S. citizen and a Russian interpreter for courts and government offices.
In 2021, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV conspired to provide services to Deripaska, in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Deripaska in 2018. Specifically, following their negotiations with an agent of Deripaska, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska.
As part of their negotiations with Deripaska’s agent, MCGONIGAL, SHESTAKOV, and the agent attempted to conceal Deripaska’s involvement by, among other means, not directly naming Deripaska in electronic communications, using shell companies as counterparties in the contract that outlined the services to be performed, using a forged signature on that contract, and using the same shell companies to send and receive payments from Deripaska.
MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV were aware that their actions violated U.S. sanctions because, among other reasons, while serving as SAC, MCGONIGAL received then-classified information that Deripaska would be added to a list of oligarchs considered for sanctions as part of the process that led to the imposition of sanctions against Deripaska.
In addition, in 2019, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV worked on behalf of Deripaska in an unsuccessful effort to have the sanctions against Deripaska lifted.
In November 2021, when FBI agents questioned SHESTAKOV about the nature of his and MCGONIGAL’s relationship with Deripaska’s agent, SHESTAKOV made false statements in a recorded interview.
CHARLES MCGONIGAL, 54, of New York, New York, and SERGEY SHESTAKOV, 69, of Morris, Connecticut, are charged with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the IEEPA, one count of violating the IEEPA, one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
SHESTAKOV is also charged with one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI New York Field Office’s Counterintelligence Division and the valuable assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Rebecca T. Dell, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Norwegian Army: Russia Has 180,000 Solders Killed Or Wounded In Ukraine To Date - NORWAY - The Norwegian Defense Chief Eirik Kristoffersen said in an interview with Norwegian channel TV2 that Russia has approached nearly 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers in Ukraine since the start of the war, to date.
"Russian losses are beginning to approach around 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers," he stated.
"Ukrainian losses are probably over 100,000 dead or wounded. In addition Ukraine has about 30,000 civilians who died in this terrible war".
Both Ukraine and Russia give extremely low estimates regarding their own losses and possibly inflated estimates of their opponent's losses.
United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley had announced an estimate of 100,000 dead or wounded in November of last year for both Ukraine and Russia.
Kristoffersen said, "Russia is able to continue (this war) for quite a long time. What worries most is whether Ukraine is going to be able to keep the Russian air force out of the war," he said.
He added that they have been able to keep Russia's air force largely out of the war "thanks to Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses".
Most of Russia's attacks on Ukraine for the last few months have been using long-range missiles on Ukrainian targets.
Regarding tanks that the Norwegian General has called for the delivery of, which has been delayed by indecisiveness by Germany, Kristoffersen said "If they're going to go on the offensive in the winter, they (Ukrainians) need it fast".
Medvedev: Alliance Of Countries "Annoyed With US" Might Appear - MOSCOW - Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that The United States is attempting to destroy Russia and that a new global military alliance may be emerging.
The statement was written on his Telegram channel on Sunday, where he said "The Ramstein meeting and heavy weapons supplies to Kyiv leave no doubt that our enemies will try to maul or even destroy us endlessly. And they have enough weapons for that. They could also start producing new ones if need be".
He continued saying that he came to two conclusions. First, it would be "very difficult," and second, "in the event of a prolonged conflict, a new military alliance may appear at a certain moment in time, comprising those countries who will be annoyed with the Americans," and added their allies as well.
Claiming that the world would be a stable place again when the United States abandons Europe and added, "what will be left from poor Ukrainians unless it is too late."
US To Announce Sending 30 M1 Abrams Tanks To Ukraine - WASHINGTON - The United States says that they will be making an announcement to send around 30 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as soon as Wednesday, but it could take a few months to deliver the tanks.
An AP report, as well as a report by Foreign Affairs and PBS Defense Correspondent Nick Schifrin says that U.S. officials have informed him that Washington will announce sending about 30 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, in coordination with an announcement by Germany that their Leopard 2 tanks can be sent to the country.
Germany had said they would not allow the German-made Leopard 2 tanks to be sent by NATO-allied forces to Ukraine unless the United States also made the decision to send its own tanks.
Poland has been asking Germany for authorization to send the German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. An official has said that they would approve the request if it is made.
U.S. officials are still working out the details, but said that it would be under the upcoming Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package providing "longer-range funding" for weapons and equipment to be purchased from commercial vendors, according to the AP report.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spoke to Russia's state-run news TASS and said, "Reflections about red lines are now in the past. The United States has unequivocally declared its intention to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. It is impossible not to notice this reality."
Regarding Germany allowing their tanks to be sent to Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Such shipments do not bode well for the future of [Russian-German] relations. They will, undoubtedly, leave and unavoidable mark for the future of these relations".
Peskov said that Russia's relations with Germany are "already at a rather low point," and added "We do not observe any substantial dialogue with Germany or other EU, NATO countries".
Joint Resolution Introduced To Use Military Force Against Mexican Drug Cartels - WASHINGTON - A new Joint Resolution has been introduced by United States Representative Dan Crenshaw that would allow for the use of military force against Mexican drug cartels in order to fight against drug trafficking into the United States.
The joint resolution would allow "all necessary and appropriate force" against nine Mexican drug cartels including: The Sinaloa Cartel. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, The Gulf Cartel, The Los Zetas Cartel, The Northeast Cartel, The Juarez Cartel, The Tijuana Cartel, The Beltran-Levya Cartel, The La Familia Michoacana, or Knight Templar Cartel.
Crenshaw was interviewed by Fox News and said, "We are at a point now where their resistance is not only hurting them, it’s killing our citizens. We have to say enough is enough. … You’d better work with us, because we don’t want to do this without you, but we will.”
He added, “They’re some of the most capable, most well-funded, most dangerous organizations on the planet, and they’re right there. And Mexico is at risk of becoming a failed state. We have to work together with their government to deal with this.”
What's In The Joint Resolution?
The joint resolution that was submitted states: "To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for trafficking fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance into the United States or carrying out other related activities that cause regional destabilization in the Western Hemisphere".
"Whereas armed cartels such as Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are responsible for trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances into the United States;"
"Whereas fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances kill ap- proximately 80,000 Americans every year and is the lead-ing cause of death for American men between the ages of 18 and 45;"
"Whereas the Sinaloa Cartel and the Los Zetas Cartel, among others, consistently engage in violence against each other and other cartels, creating instability mere miles from the border of the United States;"
AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES1 ARMED FORCES
"IN GENERAL, The President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those foreign nations, foreign organizations, or foreign persons affiliated with foreign organizations that the President determines"
Russia Dispatches Yars Nuclear Missile Systems To "Combat Patrol Missions" - Tver - The Russian Bologoye strategic missile division in Tver dispatched the Yars mobile surface-to-surface nuclear missile systems to "combat patrol missions," according to the Russian MOD, which says that it is scheduled training.
Last Monday the Russian Ministry of Defense said, "The Bologoye missile division has dispatched autonomous launchers of the strategic mobile missile system Yars to combat patrol missions. The crews are performing assigned tasks and on-the-fly instructions, including intensive maneuvering on combat patrol routes".
Russian state news agency TASS reported that the Yars crews are carrying out 100-kilometer (62 mile) march and practicing in countering sabotage and reconnaissance groups along the way.
The report also said that the missile units are practicing stealth deployment in the forest while support units carry out extracting special equipment from zones of 'hypothetical' chemical contamination, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
TASS said that the scheduled combat training is to check the readiness of personnel, military equipment and weapons for long-term duty on combat patrol routes.
US Expecting To Support Netherlands In Transferring F-16 Jets To Ukraine - EUROPE - U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter said that he expects broad support in the United States to for the Netherlands to transfer allied F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, in an interview with Lithuanian news agency Delfi.
In an interview with Delfi, Carpenter was asked if Washington is ready to allow the Netherlands to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. He said , “We have long been of the opinion that what our allies supply is their business".
"And we support the countless contributions (to defense - delfi) that our allies have made for Ukraine. And this has been true from the very beginning of the war, when we discussed legacy Soviet systems, to the present period, when we discuss main battle tanks and more sophisticated air and missile defense capabilities and systems." he continued.
"And so I expect there will be broad support in the United States for our allies to continue to increase their contributions".
Netherlands news agency RTL reported that "like other Western countries", the Netherlands had "previously contributed" to "dozens" of old Soviet tanks that the Czech Republic has given over to Ukraine to help defend the country against Russia's ongoing invasion.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos,Switzerland defense minister Kajsa Ollongren spoke to Bloomberg and said "That is certainly something we are willing to do".
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra also said that there are "no taboos" in supplying Ukraine "regular equipment", RTL reported.
The German-Made Leopard Tanks Cannot Be Given Without Germany's Permission
Regarding Leopard 2 tanks, Ollongren said that it must take place within a coalition within Europe or NATO, as the Netherlands to not currently possess Leopard 2 tanks, they are renting 18 of them from Germany.
As Leopard-2 tanks are German made, authorization must be given by Germany before any NATO country will be allowed to supply them to Ukraine.
"We are waiting for Germany's position on this, but I am in favor of trying to find a solution and sending tanks to Ukraine," Ollongren said to Bloomberg at Davos.
The Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Lithuania, and Lavia have all posted the following statement on social media: "We, [Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania] Foreign Ministers, call on Germany to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine now. This is needed to stop Russian aggression, help Ukraine and restore peace in Europe quickly. Germany as the leading European power has special responsibility in this regard".
U.S. Declares Russian Wagner Group A Transnational Criminal Organization - WASHINGTON - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". The Wagner group is known to be the private army of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House national security council spokesman, John Kirby announced the move on Friday that the Treasury Department will be applying the new designation in the coming days, which will place the Wagner group in the same category as international mafia and organized crime groups.
The move will allow the United States to apply a broader range of sanctions on the group worldwide, as well as affiliated companies in Africa and in other countries internationally.
During Kirby's statement he said, "Wagner “is a criminal organization that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses".
“We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting Wagner,” he added.
The new designation comes as the White House released evidence, including images of Russia allegedly accepting a delivery of arms from North Korea that it stated was intended to aid Wagner forces on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Washington also released images dated November 18th that it says show Russian rail cars traveling back and forth from Russia and North Korea.
“The arms transfers from are in direct violation of United Nations security council resolution,” Kirby said.
“These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity with these actions, and there’ll be more to come,” Kirby said.
According to Kirby's statement, around 50,000 Wagner soldiers are fighting in Ukraine along side Russian soldiers, including 40,000 convicts that were recruited from various prisons, and 10,000 contractors.
“We are seeing indications, including in intelligence, that tensions between Wagner and the Russian defense ministry are increasing,” Kirby said.
“Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. Publicly, Prigozhin and his fighters have criticized Russian generals and defense officials for their performance in Ukraine," he added.
White House: "The White House announced Friday new sanctions to be put in place by the U.S. Treasury Department next week on the Wagner Group, designating the Russian private military company as a transnational criminal organization".
"The Biden administration urged other countries to join the U.S. in targeting the group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch and confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has been playing a key role in Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine."
"The administration also released newly declassified photos taken in November of what it says are Russian rail cars delivering infantry rockets and missiles from North Korea for use by Wagner forces. It submitted the imagery to the U.N. Security Council panel charged with enforcing North Korea sanctions to push for action on what it believes is a violation of Security Council resolutions on arms transfers."
"VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara spoke Friday with John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, about the significance of the designation and possible further actions concerning the Wagner Group, which the administration says has recruited 40,000 convicts to fight in Ukraine."
Russia: Western Air Defense Systems And Tanks To Ukraine To Bring About Escalation - MOSCOW - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said on Friday that the statements about supplying Ukraine with any weapons, including those that are able to hit Crimea will "inevitably" lead to "an escalation".
She drew attention to one report in particular in by the New York Times claiming that Washington is considering supplying Ukraine with additional weapons to be used to attack Crimea.
"We regard all this as an open, provocative instigation by the West and a raising of the stakes in the conflict, which will inevitably lead to greater casualties and a dangerous escalation," Zakharova stated.
She also said the West is "plunging ever deeper into the conflict in Ukraine," and said that Ukraine is using the Dnepropetrovsk tragedy to secure more weaponry from the United States.
"A freelance adviser to the office of the President of Ukraine, Alexey Arestovich, initially admitted that the Ukrainian air defense’s actions were the cause of the tragedy, but then he began to backtrack," she stated.
"Zelensky's regime is shamelessly trying to use this tragedy to press the West for tougher anti-Russian sanctions and new arms shipments," she added.
State Department: US Warns China of Red Line in Ukraine War Ahead of Blinken Visit - VOA: "State Department: The United States is warning China against material and security assistance to Russia in Moscow’s war on Ukraine, laying out Washington’s red line ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing early next month.
Tuesday, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Michael Chase spoke to Song Yanchao, deputy director of China’s Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission, according to a U.S. official who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity.
This week’s military-to-military talks come as the U.S. is monitoring closely any decisions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in response to Russian requests for security assistance. The U.S. official took note of reports about Multiple Visits to China by Russian transport aircraft.
“If we see the PRC taking action to systemically assist Russia evade sanctions, of course there will be costs,” said Price.
Tuesday’s two-hour talks came after China turned down a U.S. offer for military de-confliction talks between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe earlier this month.
During a press conference at the State Department after the U.S.-Japan 2+2 talks last week, Austin said he has asked his Chinese counterpart to meet the U.S. “halfway” and keep “open lines of communication” to avoid miscalculation.
Wei is retiring in March. Li Shangfu, a new member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Military Commission (CM) is widely seen as the PRC’s next minister of national defense.
Li was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2018 due to Chinese purchases of advanced Russian fighters and missile systems. But the U.S. sanctions would not prevent Li from holding official meetings with American officials, according to a State Department official.
During Tuesday’s talks, the U.S. official told VOA that China also raised concerns about a potential visit to Taiwan by the new U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy said last year he would visit Taiwan if he became the house speaker, a move that would anger China.
China claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy, a claim rejected by Taiwan.
U.S. diplomats and military officials have pointed out that the House of Representatives operates independently from the Biden administration and cautioned China against an overreaction near the Taiwan Strait that may lead to an “unintended” military accident.
“We can’t hold our foreign policy hostage to things that China may or may not do,” said a senior State Department official."
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".
FBI Director Deeply Concerned About Chinese Government's AI Program - WASHINGTON - The FBI Director Christopher Wray stated Thursday that he is "deeply concerned" regarding the artificial intelligence program run by the Chinese government.
During the panel session at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland he said Chinese ambitions with artificial intelligence has been “built on top of massive troves of intellectual property and sensitive data that they’ve stolen over the years".
He also said that China could use the artificial intelligence technology to advance its methods regarding cyberattacks, repress people that China sees as dissidents, as well as those located overseas, use it to steal intellectual property.
“That’s something we’re deeply concerned about, and I think everyone here should be deeply concerned about,” he said.
“AI is a classic example of a technology where I have the same reaction every time. I think, ‘Wow, We can do that?’ And then I think, ‘Oh god, they can do that.'" he stated.
While speaking at the World Economic Forum panel session Wray also said that "The level of collaboration between the private sector and the government, especially the FBI, has made significant strides".
CENTCOM Conducts Ground Assault Raid In Eastern Syria - Central Command forces conducted a partnered helicopter and ground assault raid in eastern Syria.
CENTRAL COMMAND STATEMENT: "CENTCOM Conducts Partnered Helicopter and Ground Assault Raid in Syria TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command forces conducted a partnered helicopter and ground assault raid in eastern Syria, Jan. 21, capturing two ISIS-Syria members, Abdallah Hamid Muslih al-Maddad AKA Abu Hamza al-Suri, an ISIS facilitator, and Husam Hamid al-Muslih al-Maddad, al-Khayr, ISIS facilitator and logistician, and one associate.
One civilian received minor injuries. "The injured civilian was escorted by our partner forces to a nearby medical care facility along with an accompanying family member," said Colonel Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson.
"He received care and was released back to his family." "This operation reaffirms CENTCOM's steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring defeat of ISIS," said Buccino.
"The capture will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability to further plot and carry out attacks that threaten regional security and stability."
"ISIS represents a threat to our partners and to the people of Iraq and Syria and beyond," he added. "Our mission to defeat ISIS alongside our Syrian Democratic Forces partners continues."
U.S. Declares Russian Wagner Group A Transnational Criminal Organization - WASHINGTON - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". The Wagner group is known to be the private army of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House national security council spokesman, John Kirby announced the move on Friday that the Treasury Department will be applying the new designation in the coming days, which will place the Wagner group in the same category as international mafia and organized crime groups.
The move will allow the United States to apply a broader range of sanctions on the group worldwide, as well as affiliated companies in Africa and in other countries internationally.
During Kirby's statement he said, "Wagner “is a criminal organization that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses".
“We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting Wagner,” he added.
The new designation comes as the White House released evidence, including images of Russia allegedly accepting a delivery of arms from North Korea that it stated was intended to aid Wagner forces on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Washington also released images dated November 18th that it says show Russian rail cars traveling back and forth from Russia and North Korea.
“The arms transfers from are in direct violation of United Nations security council resolution,” Kirby said.
“These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity with these actions, and there’ll be more to come,” Kirby said.
According to Kirby's statement, around 50,000 Wagner soldiers are fighting in Ukraine along side Russian soldiers, including 40,000 convicts that were recruited from various prisons, and 10,000 contractors.
“We are seeing indications, including in intelligence, that tensions between Wagner and the Russian defense ministry are increasing,” Kirby said.
“Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. Publicly, Prigozhin and his fighters have criticized Russian generals and defense officials for their performance in Ukraine," he added.
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.
Pentagon Says If Ukraine Carries Out Strike On Crimea US Would Be With Ukraine - Pentagon's spokeswoman Sabrina Singh just said if Ukraine decides to carry out a military operation in Crimea, the United States would "be with Ukraine for as long as it takes".
"This department has said that we will be with Ukraine for as long as it takes. That includes an operation in Crimea. That is a sovereign part of their country and they have every right to take that back".
Note: This does not necessarily mean that the United States will set soldiers down on the ground in Crimea to aid Ukraine in the fighting, but it is one of the strongest messages than have been put out thus far in regards to US support for the country.
A NYT report claimed 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.
CENTCOM Conducts Partnered D-ISIS Operation With Syrian Democratic Forces - CENTRAL COMMAND - "CENTCOM Conducts a Partnered D-ISIS Operation with the Syrian Democratic Forces TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command forces partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces to conduct a partnered helicopter assault in eastern Syria on Jan. 18 capturing an ISIS Syrian provincial media and security operative.
The individual was involved in the planning and facilitation of ISIS operations in and outside of the region as well as global recruiting efforts. Extensive planning went into this operation to ensure its successful execution. Initial assessments indicate no civilians were killed or injured.
"This operation reaffirms CENTCOM's steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring defeat of ISIS," said Col. Joe Buccino, CENTCOM spokesperson.
"The capture of this ISIS operative will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability to further the plot and carry out global attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians. "ISIS continues to represent a threat to the U.S. and partners in the region.
CENTCOM maintains a sufficient and sustainable presence in the region and will continue to counter threats against regional security."
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.
Saudi Arabia: "Open To Trade In Other Currencies" Other Than The Dollar - Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan says that Saudi Arabia is "open to settling trade in other currencies" other than the US dollar.
Al-Jadaan told Bloomberg TV from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland., “There are no issues with discussing how we settle our trade arrangements, whether it is in the US dollar, whether it is the euro, whether it is the Saudi riyal".
He added, “I don’t think we are waving away or ruling out any discussion that will help improve the trade around the world".
Egypt, Iran, India and Russia are also planning on dropping the US dollar, with China quietly trying to dethrone the US dollar, according to a Report by Foreign Policy last year.
Germany Will Allow Export Of Tanks To Ukraine If US Also Sends Tanks - Germany says that they will be allowing the export of its tanks to Ukraine on the condition that the United States also sends tanks to the country. If Germany decides to do so, other NATO-allied countries say they will follow suit. Britain already plans to send them. The U.S. Coast Guard is tracking a Russian vessel off Hawaii. Read Full Article
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.
Cloudflare Wins CISA Contract for Registry and Authoritative Domain Name System (DNS) Services - Cloudflare Wins CISA Contract for Registry and Authoritative Domain Name System (DNS) Services. CISA is an operational component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Read Full Article
Chinese Navy Holds "Confrontational Drills" In South China Sea - BEIJING - The Chinese Navy held "confrontational drills" in the South China Sea, according to state media, including Global Times, which stated that the drills were carried out "when a US carrier strike group had entered the region".
The report by Global Times said that the US carrier only "stirred up tensions" and had "limited military significance".
The Chinese state media said the drills included the Shandong aircraft carrier group, several different types of warships and dozens of warplanes and that the aircraft carrier conducted realistic combat-oriented "confrontational exercises" in the South China Sea, citing the PLA Navy in a statement released on Saturday.
It also said that the drills simulated hostile attacks by aircraft, and that J-15 fighter jets took off from the Shandong and carried out "interception training".
The PLA Navy statement also said that the carrier group practiced "cross-service multidimensional attack and defense on the surface, in the air and underwater".
US Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Begins Operating In South China Sea
The US Navy announced on Thursday that the Nimitz carrier strike group had begun operating in the South China Sea. Global Times reported that it was being tailed by two Chinese vessels.
Global Times said that the US carrier strike group is "attempting to threaten China" but "actually have limited military significance" and that it "will only stir up tension in the region".
The state-run media made sure to point out the recent war game scenario run by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies "indicated that the US would lose its aircraft carriers should they interfere in a possible conflict in the Taiwan Straits".
Although the report by Global Times said that the US would "lose its aircraft carriers" the war game scenarios indicated only the loss of two of its aircraft carriers.
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.
China Responds To US-Japan Joint Statement On January 11th - BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has put out a statement calling on the United States and Japan to "Abandon" their "Cold War" mentality and "ideological bias" against China.
A report by Russian Sputnik news cited the spokesperson as saying, “Countries in the region are for justice and against hegemonism. They hope to engage in cooperation, not confrontation. They aspire for true multilateralism and reject small circles that incite bloc confrontation".
He was cited as adding the the United States and Japan should “stop creating imaginary enemies and stop trying to sow the seeds of a new Cold War in the Asia-Pacific, and not become disrupters of a stable Asia-Pacific".
The spokesperson also addressed the joint statement hat the United States and Japan released on January 11th by the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee.
The joint statement claimed that China is attempting to “reshape the international order” and “unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East China Sea” which it says is a reason for concern.
Wang said, “The wording on China in this joint statement smacks heavily of a zero-sum Cold War mentality and contains groundless smears and attacks on China".
“The US and Japan claim to advance regional peace and security, but engage in finding pretexts for a military build-up and the willful use of force," he continued.
"They claim to champion a free and open Indo-Pacific, but put up various exclusionary blocs to create division and confrontation. They claim to uphold the rules-based international order, but trample on international law and the basic norms governing international relations and grossly interfere in other countries’ internal affairs".
Russian Official Told Japanese Prime Minister To Disembowel Himself - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to disembowel himself after Kishida warned Russia any use of nuclear weapons would be an act of "hostility against humanity".
The Japanese Prime Minister said in a statement, "We state unequivocally that any use of a nuclear weapon by Russia in Ukraine would be an act of hostility against humanity and unjustifiable in any way. And we will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's abhorrent attacks on critical infrastructure".
On a Telegram channel, Medvedev said that Kishida "betrayed the memory of hundreds of thousands of Japanese who burned in the nuclear fires of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," referring to the two nuclear bombs that the United States dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Medvedev continued by saying, "He should remind the US president about this and demand repentance, even if it was not brought by the American leadership for this act of war. But no, Kysida is just a service staff for the Americans. And servants cannot have courage".
He then said that Kishida should perform "seppuku" on himself, which is a ritualistic Japanese form of suicide once used by ancient Samarai warriors.
"It remains to feel sorry for the Japanese. "After all, such a shame can be washed away only after committing seppuku right at the meeting of their Cabinet. Although the concept of honor of this generation of Japanese vassals is not inherent," Medvedev added.
IAEA To Boost Presence In Ukraine To Prevent Nuclear Incident - IAEA - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a Statement saying it will be boosting its presence within Ukraine in order to aid in preventing a nuclear accident from occurring during ongoing battles between Russia and Ukraine.
IAEA Director Grossi said that he will be visiting Ukraine next week in order to establish a "continuous presence of nuclear safety and security experts at all the country’s nuclear power facilities, significantly stepping up the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help prevent a nuclear accident during the current military conflict".
The Statement says the Director General will be traveling to the South Ukraine and Rivne Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and the Chornobyl site. It also said that the IAEA already has a presence of up to "four experts" at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is the largest in all of Europe.
“As this tragic war enters its second year, we must continue to do everything we can to avert the danger of a serious nuclear accident that would cause even more suffering and destruction for the people of Ukraine and beyond,” Director General Grossi said.
He added, "As this tragic war enters its second year, we must continue to do everything we can to avert the danger of a serious nuclear accident that would cause even more suffering and destruction for the people of Ukraine and beyond,” Director General Grossi said".
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.
UK Prime Minister Pledges Battle Tanks To Ukraine - EUROPE - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems to Ukraine. These are obviously "offensive" weapons now being supplied to Ukraine by NATO-allied countries.
Indonesia Monitoring Chinese Vessel In Its EEZ - INDONESIA - Indonesia says that one of its warships, as well as a patrol aircraft and a drone have been monitoring a Chinese coast guard vessel in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a zone rich with resources that both China and Indonesia claim as their own.
Vessel monitoring data shows the CCG 5901 moving through the Natuna Sea near the Tuna Bloc gas field and the Vietnamese Chin Sao oil and gas field since December 30th, 2022, according to an Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative that spoke to Reuters.
Laksamana Muhammad Ali told Reuters on Saturday that Indonesia had sent a maritime patrol plane, a warship and a drone to monitor the Chinese vessel.
"The Chinese vessel has not conducted any suspicious activities. However, we need to monitor it as it has been in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for some time," he was cited as saying.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) does allow vessels the freedom to navigate through a country's exclusive economic zone.
Although Indonesia claims the region as its exlusive economic zone, China rejects the claim and says that the area is within its nin-dash-line territorial claim.
DOD "Seriously Doubts" Chinese Activities Around Taiwan Mean China Planning Imminent Invasion - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated on Wednesday that he "seriously doubts" that Chinese activities around the island of Taiwan mean that China is planning an imminent invasion of the island.
“We’ve seen increased aerial activity in the straits, we’ve seen increased surface vessel activity around Taiwan,” Austin said at a press conference that was held along with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their Japanese counterparts.
He added, “But whether or not that means that an invasion is imminent, you know, I seriously doubt that".
Despite this, the United States has been bolstering ties in the Indo-Pacific, including relations with Japan. If a Chinese invasion of Taiwan did happen and the United States were to come to Taiwan's aid, U.S. bases in Japan would be vital for the U.S. to operate out of due to their close proximity to Taiwan.
Blinken told reporters, “Both of our countries, Japan and the United States, have complex and consequential relationships with China. “And there are clearly aspects of intense competition between us".
He continued, “We’re not looking for conflict. We’ll manage the competition responsibly, but we will compete vigorously".
“We will seek to keep these lines of communication open and do all that we can to establish guardrails, to prevent competition, as I said, from entering into conflict".
China Trying To Establish Naval Base In Argentina, US Convincing UK To Approve F-16s To The Country - SOUTH AMERICA - China is reportedly pressuring Argentina to allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to build a naval base in the Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego province within the country, allowing them a military base with close access to Antarctica.
Although quite far from America's southern border, having a base in South America would also allow its naval forces close access to the United States.
A Report by Dialogo Americas said that a military base in that location would allow China to "control the passage between the Atlantic and Pacific," as well as "monitor communications throughout the hemisphere," citing French news agency Intelligence Online.
On November 28th, 2022 Alberto Rojas, director of the International Affairs Observatory at Chile’s Finis Terrae University, spoke to Diálogo and said, “A possible Chinese base in Ushuaia would allow Beijing to have a permanent enclave in the Southern Hemisphere, with projection toward the South Atlantic which, depending on the conditions negotiated with Argentina, could allow for the construction of facilities, as well as the presence of naval units and military contingents in this quadrant".
He added, “China could intercept all kinds of regional communications with a clear economic and strategic impact, in addition to gaining the potential to maintain permanent monitoring of maritime transit".
Intelligence Online reported that Chinese Communist Party official Shuiping Tu who is based in Argentina, as well as a state-owned HydroChina Corp representative in South America is leading negotiations.
The news site said that the Chinese Communist Party Official persuaded Tierra del Fuego Governor Gustavo Melella to change his mind on Chinese investment in Tierra del Fuego.
Rojas said, "In the geopolitical context, the presence of a Chinese base in South America could be interpreted as an important strategic move by Beijing. “The Belt and Road [BRI] project announced by China in 2013 seeks to have a clear projection toward this area of the continent".
He added, “And if this base in Ushuaia materializes, it could become the first of many others, both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or the Andean area".
He also said that the BRI was a “global infrastructure development and international cooperation strategy” and that it allows China to increase its dominance and control over developing countries.
China currently has three "operational enclaves" overseas, according to the report. One is located in Djibouti in East Africa, the Ream naval base in Cambodia, and a base in Tadjikistan, currently being constructed in the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region.
On April 27th, U.S. Army General Laura J. Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, told Miami based newspaper Infobae, “I see it like this: They are facilities of an authoritarian government, which does not let Argentines access them, except if they go there to visit".
He added, “What are they up to? They [China] don’t have the same concerns we do in terms of freedom and a free, secure, and prosperous Western Hemisphere. I’m concerned about it. And it’s run by a state-owned enterprise and the People’s Liberation Army. What are they using that facility for?”.
US Sends Large Number Of Tanks To Europe, Allies To Send Tanks To Ukraine - EUROPE - The United States has begun sending a "large number" of tanks and other military vehicles to the port of Vlissingen in the Netherlands. on Wednesday, according to a report by Reuters, which has alarmed Russia.
NATO allied countries are also now voicing support to send battle tanks to Ukraine in order to aid the country in the ongoing war with Russia.
Reuters cited Col. Robert Kellam who is overseeing the operation as saying, "There's about 1,250 pieces of military equipment coming into this port".
Included in the equipment being sent to the Dutch port are: M-1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.
Russian state news RIA Novosti, however, cited the report by Reuters saying that the United States has been to "massively transport tanks to Eastern Europe".
Both reports say that the transfer of weapons to Poland and Latvia is part of strengthening and reinforcing NATO's eastern flank.
RIA Novosti reported that in December the United States "had already transferred about 700 combat vehicles to Poland, including Abrams tanks" as part of the "Atlantic Resolve" program that began in 2014 in order to strengthen "American Presence in Europe" Novosti reported.
The Russian news agency claimed that Moscow has "repeatedly noted" that the NATO alliance is "aimed at confrontation".
Allied Countries Talk Of Sending Battle Tanks To Ukraine
Although Britain has moved towards sending battle tanks to Ukraine, a Politico report says that Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz is not likely going to be willing to send tanks to Ukraine "without taking his lead from Washington".
Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit spoke at a press conference in Berlin and said, “There is no change in the situation now because of the step that the British government has announced".
Britain has voiced their own willingness to send tanks to Ukraine. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak has told the UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace to expand Britain's security assistance to Ukraine to "include the provision of tanks," according to a report by the Financial Times on January 11th.
The report said that the United Kingdom will "work with partners" and "go further and faster with our support for Ukraine including the provision of tanks.”
The Financial Times report said, “If a deal is made for the supply of Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine by the British Army, this will be the first time that a Western country will supply Ukraine with modern heavy battle tanks".
A Downing Street spokesperson told the Financial Times, "“We are accelerating our support to Ukraine with the kind of next-generation military technology that will help to win this war".
The spokesperson said, “We are accelerating our support to Ukraine with the kind of next-generation military technology that will help to win this war".
The spokesperson added, “It is clear that battle tanks could provide a game-changing capability to the Ukrainians.”
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.
DOD: U.S., Partners Find Success in Mission to Defeat ISIS - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Last year, U.S. Central Command conducted 313 operations in Iraq and Syria as part of the mission to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS.
More than 95% of those operations were in partnership with either the Iraqi Security Force or the Syrian Democratic Forces.
As a result, nearly 700 ISIS fighters were killed and another 374 were detained. No U.S. service members were killed as part of the efforts.
"This really speaks to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform and also the enduring commitment of the United States—from the strategic all the way down to the tactical level—to completing this fight," said Dana Stroul, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East.
During a conference call Wednesday, Stroul told journalists the mission to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria remains a key priority of the national defense strategy, and it's one senior leaders in Washington follow closely. She also said that, despite successes, ISIS remains a threat, and there is still more work to be done.
One advantage the U.S. has against ISIS is the relationships it has, not just with Iraq and the Syrian Democratic Forces, but also with partners around the world. Stroul said a recent trip to Finland to discuss the state of the fight against ISIS, demonstrated this.
"What was striking to me is the enduring commitment not only of the United States, but` of our European partners, as well as New Zealand, Australia and others," she said. "Our partners across the world recognize the importance of this mission, recognize that ISIS still remains a threat, and are committed to this coalition."
Also of value are the advancements made by Iraq since the U.S. transitioned a year ago to an advise, assist, enable and intelligence-sharing mission there, said Army Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. He said the U.S. continues to retain a presence in Iraq, at the invitation of the Iraqi government.
"In Iraq, things continue to improve in terms of their ability to demonstrate and actually execute independent operations as they're building capabilities, capacity and competence towards gaining an independent ability to conduct enduring operations, sustainable, enduring operations against ISIS," he said.
The general said much has changed in Iraq since the last time he was in the country in 2005. Baghdad, he said, is "alive and awake and illuminated at night," and the Iraqi military is engaged in operations that are part of the “Defeat ISIS” mission in Iraq, as well as providing security for the Arabian Gulf Cup soccer tournament being held Jan. 6-19 in Iraq for the first time in 44 years.
"So, [there is] progress and continued room to grow and build the capacity and capability, but [ also a] very capable force," he said.
Stroul said the U.S. also remains committed to the D-ISIS mission in Syria, in partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
"Not only are U.S. forces continuing to prosecute unilateral operations against ISIS, but we maintain a robust pace of partnered operations with the SDF, who are the only combat-credible, capable and committed partner present in northeast Syria today willing to join us in this fight," she said.
Of importance are the number of ISIS detainees—as many as 10,000—who are in the custody of Syrian Democratic Forces in northeast Syria.
"We know that ISIS continues to have its eyes on these detainees and sees them as the path to reconstituting and resurging across the Middle East, which is why we must stay the course [and] continue to work with the coalition in supporting the SDF to maintain custody of these detainees in a secure and humane manner."
Explosion On Pipeline Connecting Lithuania To Latvia - LITHUANIA - The pipeline connecting Lithuania to Latvia has exploded. Although sabotage is not being ruled out, the pipeline operator said that he does not "see any malign cause" or any "potential impact from outside".
The Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said that the incident will be investigated and that sabotage on the pipeline is not being ruled out.
Natural gas transmission operator Amber Grid's chief executive Nemunas Biknius spoke to reporters and said, "According to the initial assessment, we do not see any malign cause, but the investigation will cover all possible options. We do not see the signs of any potential impact from outside".
Biknius said that the pipeline (constructed in 1978) has recently had maintenance work done on it, and that officials will be investigating whether the maintenance work on the pipeline had anything to do with the explosion.
"All reasons will be investigated and clarified in the coming days," Biknius stated.
Flames from the explosion rose at least 160 feet into the air, and the explosion was seen for up to 11 miles away, according to a report by BBC.
Panevėžys county Police said the pipeline caught fire at about 5pm local time on Friday, prompting an evacuation from the village Valakėliai located near the pipeline.
Firefighters were able to get the flames under control at 9:00pm local time. Customers fuel supply has been diverted to another pipeline for the time being.
The mayor of Pasvalys district posted photos of the explosion on Facebook and wrote (translated), "In Pasvalys district near Valakeliai, a high pressure gas pipeline exploded. This is next to the road Pasvalys - Šiauliai. Special services are at work".
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."
British Royal Mail Has "Cyber Incident" Disrupting Services - BRITAIN - The British postal service company Royal mail says that it's facing a major disruption in international export services after a "cyber incident" occurred.
"We are temporarily unable to despatch items to overseas destinations. "Some customers may experience delay or disruption to items already shipped for export," Royal Mail stated.
It added, "Our import operations continue to perform a full service with some minor delays."
The "cyber incident" has occurred around the same time that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States released an alert saying that the Notice to Air Missions System (NOTAM) failed and caused an outage resulting in grounded flights.
It is not yet clear if that incident was related to a cyberattack.
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.”
China Practices Land And Sea Assaults Around Taiwan Citing Provocative Actions By External Forces And Taiwan - BEIJING - China's military has released a statement that it carried out military exercises around the island of Taiwan practicing land and sea assaults. The exercises are the second such exercises in the region, the first having been carried out in December.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command released a statement regarding the “joint combat readiness patrols and actual combat drills” in the surrounding area around Taiwan.
On the same day Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported 57 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels having been spotted around the island of Taiwan, 28 of which entered into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
The PLA Eastern Theater Command said, "The exercise focused on land strikes, sea assaults and other subjects, aiming to test the troops’ joint combat capability and resolutely counter the collusive and provocative acts of the external forces and the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces".
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that the actions by China "“have severely disrupted the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and surrounding waters".
Taiwan's Presidential Office said that China is making "groundless accusations" and strongly condemned the military drills around the island.
The statement released by Taiwan's Presidential Office said that "The nation’s military has a close grasp of the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding area and responds calmly. Our people can rest assured".
The military exercises came after the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon transited the Taiwan Strait on January 5th, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which it says was a 'routine' transit.
China had notified the United States in June of 2022 that the Taiwan Strait is a part of their maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and not international waters, opposing the U.S. view that the strait is part of international waters. They have also given a warning to the U.S. to stay out of the Strait saying that they have sovereign rights over it.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the time, "Our policy hasn't changed, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be true for the PRC. We're seeing growing coercion from Beijing".
"We've witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilizing military activity near Taiwan. That includes PLA aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months — and on a nearly daily basis," he added.
US Pacific Fleet: 7th Fleet Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait
U.S. Pacific Fleet statement: "The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit Jan. 5 (local time) through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law. The ship transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal State".
China Says Taiwan Strait Part Of Their EEZ, Warns US To Stay Out
China notified the United States in June of 2022 that the Taiwan Strait is a part of their maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and not international waters, opposing the U.S. view that the strait is part of international waters. They have also given a warning to the U.S. to stay out of the Strait saying that they have sovereign rights over it.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, "Our policy hasn't changed, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be true for the PRC. We're seeing growing coercion from Beijing".
"We've witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilizing military activity near Taiwan. That includes PLA aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months — and on a nearly daily basis," he added.
China's Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe responded by saying that "If anyone dares to secede Taiwan from China, we will not hesitate to fight. We will fight at all costs, and we will fight to the very end. This is the only choice for China".
The ministry of foreign affairs released a statement saying "The biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the obdurate separatist activities of the “Taiwan independence” forces and the US’s connivance and endorsement of such activities".
They put out another statement saying "The US has deployed military aircraft and warships in the SCS on a regular basis and its reconnaissance aircraft have electronically impersonated the civil aircraft of other countries there many times. A US nuclear-powered submarine even hit an “uncharted seamount” there".
"Apparently, “militarization” and “endangering freedom of navigation” are more accurate when used to describe the US’ behaviors" the ministry added.
Wang Wenbin, the ministry's spokesman had also said that China "has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait" and that "It is a false claim when certain countries call the Taiwan Strait 'international waters' in order to find a pretext for manipulating issues related to Taiwan and threatening China's sovereignty and security".
Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Martin Meiners was cited by Bloomberg as saying "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, and that includes transiting through the Taiwan Strait".
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said that the comments by China were a 'fallacy' and that "The Taiwan Strait is international waters, and the waters outside our territorial waters are subject to the 'freedom of the high seas' principle of international law".
She said, "We understand and support the U.S. freedom of navigation missions' contribution to promoting regional peace and stability".
57 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan January 8-9th, 2023 - 57 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on January 8-9th, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted twelve were J-16 fighter jets, six were J-11 fighter jets, three were BZK-005 reconnaissance UAV drones, two were SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, two were H-6 nuclear capable bombers, and one was a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
28 of the aircraft spotted crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "57 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities".
A second statement by the MOD said, "28 of the detected aircraft(BZK-005 UAV RECCC*3, J-11*6, SU-30*2, J-10*2, J-16*12, H-6*2, and KJ-500)had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated"
NATO Says No To Serbia About Deploying Soldiers To Kosovo - KOSOVO - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) declined its request to send up to 1,000 police and military personnel into Kosovo in response to rising tensions between the Serbians and Kosovo authorities.
Vucic said, "They [NATO's KFOR] replied they consider that there is no need for the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo ... citing the United Nations resolution approving their mandate in Kosovo".
The Serbian government requested permission from NATO to deploy up to 1,000 army and police personnel to Kosovo, according to Serbian President President Aleksandar Vucic in December.
Vucic stated, "The government will ask for the return of hundreds and no more than 1,000 army and police troops".
He also said that Serbia emailed the request that evening, and physically handed it in to the NATO mission in Kosovo KFOR, at a border crossing
Vucic said, however, at the time that he did not "expect to get a positive answer".
After the request was put in, the Commander of KFOR said in a NATO released statement that he has the military personnel and capability to provide security.
Although he did not reply to the request directly, he said "We expect all actors to closely coordinate with KFOR and refrain from provocative shows of force to ensure the safety and security of all communities."
He added, "KFOR has full capability, including personnel, to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities, everywhere in Kosovo."
"Since October, we have been reinforcing our presence, including with additional troops and patrols in northern Kosovo this week".
Tensions had Continued To Rise in December after 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, as well as the police to Kosovo.
Two Arrested In Germany, One Iranian Suspected Of Planning Bio-Weapon Attack - BERLIN - Two men, one of which is Iranian were arrested in Germany on suspicion of planning to carry out a terrorist attack with a bio-weapon.
Authorities in Münster, Germany said that the 32-year-old Iranian man is suspected of "having procured cyanide and ricin" in order to carry out an "Islamic-motivated attack" according to a (translated) article by German news agency Bild.
The news agency said that the Federal Criminal Police Office had been investigating the Iranian man "for days" and that a "friend of the secret service" warned the German security authorities that there was a danger of a "chemical bomb attack".
On Sunday morning North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) said, "We had a serious tip that prompted the police to intervene that night".
Reul was cited as saying that police are investigating the matter "at high pressure" and that results of the investigating "have yet to be awaited," according to a translation of the article.
What Is Ricin, Where Does It Come From?
Ricin, which comes from the Latin word ricinus (meaning tick) due to its resemblance to ticks, is a poison naturally found in castor beans, which can be fatal if eaten. CDC Ricin Fact Sheet.
Although the hard coating on the outer shell of the bean prevents the ricin from releasing into the body if eaten, if they are chewed or crushed the ricin is released, making them toxic. Ricin Q&A
What Is Cyanide, Where Does It Come From?
Cyanide is also found in certain foods, such as cassava, lima beans, almonds, apricot seeds, apple seeds, peach seeds, and other fruit seeds. The chemicals can be metabolized into cyanide. CDC Fact Sheet On Cyanide.
Poland And Finland Supports Sending Leopard 2 Tanks To Ukraine - EUROPE - Poland and Finland voiced support for supplying Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks after the two countries agreed to start sending heavy weaponry to the country to fight against the ongoing Russian war.
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Saturday said that Poland could transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine on the condition that a Leopard-coalition was formed, according to the European news channel Visegrad24.
The Polish Prime Minister's office said on Twitter "Poland has been trying for months to ensure that modern, heavy equipment, anti-aircraft, anti-missile equipment is delivered to Ukraine".
Polish news channel MTV cited Parliamentary Defense Committee chair Antti Häkkänen as saying that Finland should provide Ukraine with German-manufactured Leopard 2 battle tanks if other European countries also decide to do so.
Finnish news agency YLE also reported on this, and said that Germany must approve any deployment of Leopard 2 tanks by other countries.
YLE also cited the German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht as saying that no other countries were supplying such tanks to Ukraine, and that Germany will not be doing so "unilaterally".
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.
Ukraine: Russia To Mobilize 500,000 more Conscripts - KYIV - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Russia is planning to mobilize up to 500,000 more conscripts into its military in the middle of January, a larger mobilization than the previous 300,000 Russia called up in October, 2022.
Andriy Cherniak, an official within the Main Military Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry told Politico Saturday that the new mobilization will focus on large cities, as well as strategic industrial centers located within Russia.
“This time the Kremlin will mobilize residents of big cities, including the strategic industries centers all over Russia,” Cherniak stated.
The report contradicts a statements put out by Russia in December saying that talking about another mobilization would be "pointless" because only half of those that have already been mobilized have been actually sent to Ukraine thus far.
Vadym Skibitsky, Ukraine’s deputy military intelligence chief said "If Russia loses this time around, then Putin will collapse,” and said that Ukraine expects the next mobilization to be announced on January 15th, after the holiday period finishes in the country.
“They are putting their emphasis on numbers of men and equipment and hoping to overwhelm our side.” he said.
Wednesday, however, retired Russian colonel general and Duma deputy Andrey Gurulyov, said that there are "no reasons or conditions" for Russia to announce another mobilization in the next six month time period.
“Not everyone who was mobilized earlier has been sent to the battle,” he said.
In a video statement released on January 5th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said “Russia will not be able to conceal in silence its preparations for a new wave of aggression against Ukraine and the whole of Europe. The world will know in all details — how and when the aggressor is preparing a new escalation in this war".
“And every new mobilization step of Russia will be known to the world even before Russia makes it. We will ensure this," Zelensky added.
US General: 200k Killed Or Wounded In Ukraine War - WASHINGTON - General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated that around 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have either died or been injured in the start of the fighting in Ukraine on February 24th, 2022.
Milley said, "You're looking at well over 100,000 Russian soldiers killed and wounded. Same thing probably on the Ukrainian side," and added that about 40,000 civilians have been killed so far during the conflict.
Figures released by both Ukraine and Russia, however, tell a different story. In August Valeriy Zaluzhniy, the Ukrainian armed forces chief said that Ukraine had only lost 9,000 soldiers. Russia also reported that they had only lost 5,937 solders since the start of the conflict.
Ukraine also Claimed that it has killed over 110,740 Russian Soldiers, but neither country post many updates regarding their own losses, and the losses that are posted are quite conservative compared to the number estimated by General Milley.
Milley said, "There has been a tremendous amount of suffering, human suffering," and said that the number of resulting refugees due to the war is between 15 and 30 million.
A report by the United Nations puts the figure at 7.8 million, but that number does not include those who had to evacuate their homes due to the fighting but who are still in Ukraine.
Ukraine Claims Russian Losses At 110,740 Soldiers - KYIV - The Ukrainian armed forces claim that Russian losses since the beginning of its war on Ukraine stand at 110,740 soldiers as of January 7th, 2023, and also claim that 490 Russian soldiers were killed in the past day alone.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the following (I have translated the document from its original Ukrainian to English):
Total Russian losses according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and Ukraine's Ukrinform news agency are as follows: "3,066 tanks (+2 over the past day), 6,125 armored combat vehicles (+1), 2,062 artillery systems (+3), 431 multiple launch rocket systems, 217 air defense systems (+2), 285 aircraft 272 helicopters, 4,798 motor vehicles (+1), 16 warships/cutters, 1,844 unmanned aerial vehicles, 182 special equipment units. A total of 723 enemy cruise missiles were shot down."
Japan's Trade Minister Urges To Rebuild A "World Order" To Counter Authoritarian Regimes - JAPAN - The Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is calling for the rebuilding of a "world order" in order to counter the rise of "authoritarian regimes".
During a speech made by Nishimura at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, he said "We must rebuild a world order based on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law".
There has been a "growing concern" since the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine that China and Russia will begin to use their energy supplies and manufacturing supply chains in order to stop the West from opposing their military and diplomatic goals, according to a report by Japan Today.
The report cited Nishimura as saying that leaders from the Group of Seven "industrialized nations" are likely to discuss how to respond to economic coercion when they hold their meeting in May in Hiroshima.
The Japanese Minister said that democracies need to protect their industrial power, and defend against the loss of technologies, in particular those technologies that can be used for military purposes.
He also pushed for more cooperation between the United States and Japan that go beyond semiconductors, to biotechnology, quantum science and artificial intelligence.
Nishimura said that Japan will be working more closely with the United States on export controls.
"It is ... absolutely imperative for us to reinforce our cooperation in the area of export controls. We will implement strict export controls grounded in international cooperation while engaging closely in the exchange of views with the United States and other relevant countries," he stated.
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.
Alan Greenspan Says Coming Recession Is Likely - Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan says that he believes that a coming recession is the most likely outcome of the recent spate of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation. Read Full Article
Greenspan: Chinese Invasion Of Taiwan Could Cause Economic Black Swan Event - Alan Greenspan warned that if China invades Taiwan it could trigger an economic "Black Swan" event that could affect economies worldwide. The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020. Read Full Article
7th Fleet Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait Despite China's Warnings - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon transited the Taiwan Strait on January 5th, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which it says was a 'routine' transit. Read Full Article
Russia Offers Christmas Truce, Ukraine Says It Should Not Be Taken Seriously - Russian state media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "Christmas truce" ceasefire for 36 hours from 12:00 on January 6th to 24:00 on January 7th. The offer was rejected by Ukraine, which said that it "should not be taken seriously". Follow Our Investigative Journalist
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry replied saying, "We welcome the «ceasefire offer». russians should celebrate Christmas and all subsequent holidays together with their families. During the regrouping of the occupiers, we promise not to shoot them in the back".
The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs then put out a statement saying, "President @ZelenskyyUa has proposed a clear Peace Formula of ten steps. Russia has been ignoring it and instead shelling Kherson on Christmas Eve, launching mass missile and drone strikes on New Year. Their current “unilateral ceasefire” can not and should not be taken seriously",
China Running Secret Overseas Police Stations Worldwide - China is running secret overseas police stations around the world, including unauthorized stations in the US, in order to surveil Chinese nationals in countries across the globe. Read Full Article
British MI5 Addresses Threats From Iran, Russia, And China - The British MI5 Security Service addressed threats to the UK posed by Iran, Russia, and China and is expected to declare the Iranian IRGC a terrorist organization in the coming weeks. Read Full Article
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."
Iran Reports IRGC Officer Assassinated In Tehran On Anniversary Of Soleimani Assassination - IRAN - The Iranian state-run news agency IRNA has reported that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officer has been assassinated in front of his residential home in Tehran after being hit by four bullets, according to IRC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency.
IRNA reported that Qasim Fathullahi, who was commander of Basij mobilization forces under the IRGC's Tharallah Headquarters command near the Imam Sajjad Mosque in Tehran was targeted in front of his home in the Mokhtari district in Tehran.
The assassination comes as Iran remembers the assassination of IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani which was carried out by a U.S. drone strike aided by Israeli intelligence on January 3rd, 2020 at the Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was cited by IRNA as saying that "taking revenge on the blood" of Soleimani "is certain", calling him a Martyr.
Raisi was cited as saying that the "enemy has used all its power with various kinds of facilities, including military, cyber, media, political and economic war" and that Iran has defeated its enemies "in all wars by following insightful guidance from the revolution leader".
The Iranian news agency said that "US terrorists assassinated General Soleimani, the commander of the Qods Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis,the former commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), along with their companions by targeting their vehicles outside Baghdad International Airport on January 3 on a direct order from US President Donald Trump".
Soleimani led the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's elite Quads Force and aided in orchestrating paramilitary groups outside of Iran. The IRGC is considered a terrorist organization in the United States.
Chinese Incursions Every Year Have Been Nearly Doubling Since 2020 - TAIPEI - The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020 according to an AFP database using data from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
The following is the number of Chinese military aircraft spotted around the island in the last few years based on reports from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense:
2022: 1,727 military aircraft | Sorties: 1,241. 2021: 960 military aircraft | Sorties: 538. 2020: 380 military aircraft | 380 Sorties.
Lee Hsi-min, Taiwan’s former chief of general staff, told AFP, "They want to show their determination, their will and to coerce the United States: don’t get too close to their red lines, don’t cross their red lines".
What Is A Sortie? In air operations, a sortie is an "operational flight by one aircraft" according to the United States Department of Defense.
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
Hamas And PIJ Threaten War In Response To Israeli Official Announcing Temple Mount Visit - The Hamas terrorist organization has threatened explosive violence and said that if Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir visits the Temple Mount, the visit would lead to violence and a declaration of war. Read Full Article
Japan Expresses Outrage After One Of Its Reporters Injured in Russian New Year Attack On Ukraine - JAPAN - The Japanese embassy released a statement expressing "outrage" after Russia's New Year's Eve attack on Ukraine that it says resulted in the death and injuries of civilians, which included a Japanese journalist.
The statement said, “The Embassy of Japan is deeply outraged by the repeated massive attack on the civilian population and civilian objects in Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, which resulted in the death and injury of civilians, including a Japanese journalist".
The Japanese photo journalist, 36 year old Sekita, who works for the Asahi Shimbun which is a Japanese Newspaper was injured from falling debris after a missile hit the Alfavito Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The missile damaged multiple floors of the hotel, as well as residential buildings and 3 schools located near the hotel.
One person is reported to have been killed as a result of the attack. Sekita, who was one of the injured, was reported to have been injured in the leg but is expected to recover from the injury.
Syrian State-Media Reports Syrian Air Defense Systems Activated Over Damascus - SYRIA - Syrian state news agency SANA, has reported that explosions were heard near Damascus, and reported that there were "separate indications" of Syrian air defense systems having been activated.
The reports come as Benjamin Netanyahu re-gains the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
Usually reports of Syrian air defense systems being activated over Damascus indicates that Israeli airstrikes, usually on Iranian or Iranian-backed proxy targets, are taking place. This report will be updated after more information is released.
UPDATE: Israeli based i24NEWS cited Syrian State media as saying that Israel allegedly carried out a strike on Damascus early Monday, and that Syrian air defenses responded to the alleged Israeli attack.
*UPDATE* SANA news agency reported that two Syrian soldiers were killed and two others were wounded in the alleged Israeli strikes on the Damascus International Airport which they said brought the airport temporarily out of service.
The Syrian news agency tweeted: "Military source: The Israeli enemy carried out an air aggression at dawn today with bursts of missiles from the direction of the northeast of Lake Tiberias, targeting Damascus International Airport and its surroundings".
Reuters cited regional intelligence sources as saying that the alleged airstrikes hit an outpost controlled by the Iranian Quds Force and militias associated with the Quds force.
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".
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Approached Guam - GUAM - The Liaoning Chinese aircraft carrier approached the U.S. territory of Guam while carrying out drills in the West Pacific from December 17th to December 27th.
The aircraft carrier was also spotted by the Japanese Ministry of Defense and reported in a statement on December 25th.
The statement said that the Liaoning was spotted 416 miles southeast of Okinotorishima, about 384 miles northwest of Guam before it returned to waters around Taiwan and Japan.
Chinese state propaganda site Global Times said that it appears that this is the first time the Liaoning aircraft carrier has ever approached Guam.
“The U.S. is building a group of military bases in Guam, Japan and Australia targeting China, with Guam being a core forward operating base featuring all types of military services," Global Times stated.
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.
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 30-31st, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 30-31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one was a BZK-007 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Two of the spotted military aircraft entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense posted a statement that said, "9 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (BZK-007 UAV RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
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."
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted December 29-30, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "9 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 EW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
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."
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Approached Guam, Japan, Taiwan - USINDOPACOM: "Navy J-11 fighter pilot performed an unsafe maneuver during and intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace."
The aircraft carrier was also spotted by the Japanese Ministry of Defense and reported in a statement on December 25th.
The statement said that the Liaoning was spotted 416 miles southeast of Okinotorishima, about 384 miles northwest of Guam before it returned to waters around Taiwan and Japan.
Chinese state propaganda site Global Times said that it appears that this is the first time the Liaoning aircraft carrier has ever approached Guam.
“The U.S. is building a group of military bases in Guam, Japan and Australia targeting China, with Guam being a core forward operating base featuring all types of military services," Global Times stated.
The Global Times continued, "Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy was recently spotted for the first time sailing close to Guam, a key US military node in the second island chain, during its ongoing exercises in the West Pacific, a move analysts said on Thursday showed that the Chinese carrier is ready to defend the country against potential US attacks launched from there, including military interference attempts over the Taiwan question".
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 Says It Hopes US Wise Enough To Prevent Confrontation - The Russian Foreign Ministry reportedly put out a statement to Russian State news agency TASS that Moscow hopes that Washington will show enough prudence and is wise enough to prevent the situation from escalating to the point of a direct confrontation. Read Full Article
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
Serbian Troops Put On Highest Level Combat Readiness - SERBIA - The Serbian armed forces were put on the highest combat alert due to an order from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, according to Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic who spoke to the Serbian news agency Tanjug.
The Defense Minister said, "The President of Serbia, as commander-in-chief, ordered tonight that the Serbian Armed Forces be at the highest level of combat readiness, i.e. preparedness to the level of the use of armed force, i.e. the armed potential of the Serbian Armed Forces".
The Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic stated: "In line with the order of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Alexandar Vucic, I have ordered to put on full combat alert all units of the Interior Ministry."
Ukraine Calls On Removal Of Russia From United Nations - KYIV - Ukraine called on the UN members states on Monday to remove Russia from the United Nations and to exclude it "as a whole" so that it no longer has the power veto UN Security Council resolutions.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry released a statement that said, "Ukraine calls on the member states of the UN ... to deprive the Russian Federation of its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and to exclude it from the UN as a whole".
The Ministry added that Russia "illegally occupies the seat of the USSR in the UN Security Council" since the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991.
"From a legal and political point of view, there can be only one conclusion: Russia is an usurper of the Soviet Union's seat in the UN Security Council," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated.
"Three decades of its illegal presence in the UN have been marked by wars and seizures of other countries' territories" the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry added.
Russia Ready To Resume Gas Flow To Europe Via Yamal Pipeline - MOSCOW - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia is ready to resume the gas flow to Europe through the Yamal-Europe pipeline.
Russian state news TASS cited Novak as saying, "The European market remains relevant, as the gas shortage persists, and we have every opportunity to resume supplies".
He said "For example, the Yamal-Europe pipeline, shut down over political motives, remains unused," and added, "Right now, the implementation of additional gas supply volume through Turkey after a gas hub is created there is being discussed. We actively work with the countries that will take part in this project, as well as with the consumers that require gas from Russia".
Novak was then cited by TASS as saying, "Today, we can say with certainty that there si demand for our gas. So we continue to view Europe as a potential market for our produce. It is clear that a wide-scale campaign has been initiated against us, which ended with sabotage against the Nord Stream pipeline".
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".
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan - The U.S. government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays. Read Embassy Alert
Effective immediately, the Embassy in Islamabad is prohibiting all American staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel. Furthermore, as Islamabad has been placed on a Red Alert citing security concerns while banning all public gatherings, the embassy is urging all Mission personnel to refrain from non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad throughout the holiday season.
Actions to Take: Exercise vigilance at events, places of worship, and avoid locations with large crowds. Review your personal security plans. Carry identification and follow requests from law enforcement. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates.
South Korea Attempts To Shoot Down Suspected North Korean Drones Crossing Line Separating Two Countries - SEOUL - The South Korean military says that it deployed fighter jets, helicopters "and other assets" in order to shoot down North Korean drones that it says crossed over the inter-Korean border on Monday "without South Korea's permission".
The Joint Chiefs of Staff put out a statement saying that the South Korean military detected "multiple unidentified objects" which it "presumed to be unmanned aerial vehicles", in border areas of Gyeonggi Province from 10:25 am.
It said that the vehicles traveled across the Military Demarcation Line separating North Korea from South Korea, and were spotted flying "in those areas" in Gimpo, Ganghwa Island and Paju, which led South Korea to temporarily suspend civilian flights.
In response to the flights, South Korea sent fighter jets, helicopters and warplanes to "get rid of them" but said that it was unconfirmed whether or not "they carry any weapons".
A report by South Korean news agency Yonhap said that the military also deployed a KA-1 light attack aircraft, but for an "unknown reason" it crashed in Hoengseong County, which is located about 140 kilometers east of the South Korean Capital of Seoul.
71 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 25-26th, 2022 - 71 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 25-26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the military aircraft spotted, 18 were J-16 fighter jets, 12 were J-11 fighter jets, 6 were J-10 fighter jets, 6 were SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, 1 was a CH-4 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, 1 was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, 1 was a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft and 1 was a WZ-7 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.
Taiwan's Ministry of defense released a statement that said, "71 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement said, "47 of the detected aircraft (J-11*12, SU-30*6, CH-4 UCAV RECCE*1, J-10*6, J-16*18, Y-8 EW*1, Y-8 ASW*1, KJ-500*1, WZ-7 UAV RECCE*1) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
China Carried Out "Strike Drills" Around Taiwan In Response To "Provocation" - BEIJING - The Chinese military said that they carried out "strike drills" around the island of Taiwan on Sunday in response to a "provocation" from both the United States and Taiwan.
On December 25th, the PLA Eastern Command announced live-fire exercises as well as patrols around the island of Taiwan in response to "provocations" from the United States.
Spokesman for the Eastern Theater Colonel Shi Yi said, "The PLA Eastern Command will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty & territorial integrity".
China has condemned the new National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the United States congress that authorized $10 billion in security assistance to Taiwan.
Taiwan says that the NDAA contains provisions that "cause serious damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and its foreign ministry said "China deplores and firmly opposes this U.S. move" in a statement released on Saturday.
The new defense law also contains an amendment that restricts the U.S. government from purchasing products that contain microchips manufactured by Chinese companies.
The Chinese foreign ministry said, "The case ignores the facts to exaggerate a 'China threat', wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs and attacks and smears the Chinese Communist Party, which are serious political provocations to China".
Taiwan's MOD Releases Statement On Chinese "Strike Drills" Around Taiwan - Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense issued a press release explaining that the CCP held a joint combat readiness patrol and firepower strike drill in the sea and airspace around Taiwan, undermining regional peace and stability (December 25, 2011):
Taiwan's MOD (translated): "In response to the CCP’s Eastern Theater Command holding a joint combat readiness patrol and firepower strike exercise in the sea and airspace around Taiwan today (25th), the Ministry of National Defense stated that the actions of the CCP once again highlighted its mentality of using force to resolve differences and undermine regional peace and stability.
The national army uses joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance methods to fully grasp the relevant developments, and in accordance with the principle of "guarding the center line, guarding the territorial sea, and guarding sovereignty", it dispatches troops to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the cooperation between Taiwan and the United States will help the freedom, openness, peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The National Army will continue to strengthen military preparations based on enemy threats and self-defense needs. The CCP’s related “military intimidation” actions are clearly aimed at deterring Chinese people, which will not help its international image.
The National Army is absolutely determined, capable, and confident in defending national sovereignty and ensuring national defense security."
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 24-25th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 24-25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone. One of the aircraft spotted entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
Taiwan's MOD also said, "1 of the detected aircraft (BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
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.
39 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On December 21-22nd, 2022 - 39 Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 21-22nd, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Rare occurrences: Z-9 ASW plane, Y-20 Aerial Refueling aircraft. Bombers were also spotted. Read Full Article
USCENTCOM conducts three raids in eastern Syria - CENTCOM - TAMPA, Fla. – "Over the past 48 hours, US Central Command forces conducted three helicopter raids in eastern Syria resulting in the detention of six ISIS operatives, including al-Zubaydi, an Islamic State Syria Province Senior Official involved in the planning and facilitation of ISIS attacks in Syria.
Extensive planning went into these operations to ensure their successful execution. Initial assessments indicate no civilians were killed or injured.
“These partnered operations reaffirm CENTCOM’s steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM Commander. “The capture of these ISIS operatives will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks.”
Japan: Chinese Vessel Entered Territorial Waters - JAPAN - The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that On December 19th, a Chinese Shupan-class survey ship entered into its territorial waters south of Yakushima. The MOD reported that this is the 9th time the Chinese navy has entered into Japan's territorial waters, and is a "cause for concern".
The Japanese Ministry of Defense posted the following message: (translated): "On December 19th, it was confirmed that a Chinese Navy Shupan-class survey ship had entered Japanese territorial waters south of Yakushima. This is the ninth time since November this year that the Chinese navy has entered the territorial waters, and this is a cause for concern. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will resolutely protect our territory, waters and airspace."
Full Statement Released From The Japanese MOD (translated)
"On the trend of the China Maritime Supervision Paper. Reiwa 4 year 12 month 19 day (Mon) 3:20 am, Maritime Self-Defense Force, China Navy system.
1 Dupin-class survey ship (ship number "26") is about 50km southeast of Tanegashima (Kagoshima Prefecture). In the sea area, it was confirmed that it was moving westward in the sea area.Then the survey
The ship entered the connecting waters of Japan in the south of Tanegashima Island, and around 6:50 a.m. on the same day, Yakushima. It was confirmed that it entered the Japanese territorial sea in the south.
Then, around 10:30 p.m. on the same day, the survey ship was sent to Kuchinoerabujima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture).It was confirmed that it came out of the territorial sea of Japan in the west and sailed toward the southwest.
"P-1" (Kanoya) belonging to the JMSDF 1st Aviation Group collects necessary information and monitors security."
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
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On December 14th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels were spotted on December 14th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. The number of Chinese vessels spotted around the island are higher than usual today. Ongoing December Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft, one was a Y-8 reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "11 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 RECCE) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
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
29 Chinese Military Aircraft, Including 18 Nuclear Capable Bombers, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 12-13th, 2022 - 29 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 12-13th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Included in the aircraft spotted were 18 nuclear capable H-6 fighter jets. Ongoing December Report
Of the military aircraft spotted, there were 18 H-6 nuclear capable bombers, one Y-8 reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one J-11 fighter jets.
21 of the detected aircraft, including 18 nuclear capable H-6 bombers entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "29 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement by the MOD said, "21 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 RECCE, Y-8 ASW, J-11 and H-6*18) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated".
Russia: Norwegian P-3C Orion "Spy Plane" Intercepted By Russia Over Barents Sea - MOSCOW - According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a Norwegian P-3C Orion "Spy Plane" was intercepted by Russia over the Barents Sea.
In response to spotting the P-3C reconnaissance plane over the Barents Sea, Russia scrambled a MiG-31 fighter jet of the Northern Fleet's air defense quick reaction alert forces to intercept the Norwegian aircraft.
Russia’s National Defense Operations Center reported, "The Russian fighter’s crew identified the aerial target as a Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and shadowed it over the Barents Sea. No violations of the state border of the Russian Federation were allowed."
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that, "The crew of the Russian fighter identified the air target as the R-3C Orion base patrol aircraft of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and escorted it over the Barents Sea. As a result of the professional actions of the fighter crew, tracking and control over the maneuvers of the foreign aircraft was ensured.”
Russian state news agency TASS cited the Center as saying that the Russian fighter jet "safely returned to its home airbase," after the Norwegian P-3C reconnaissance plane made a U-turn from Russia's state border.
"The Russian fighter’s flight proceeded in strict compliance with international airspace usage requirements over neutral waters without crossing air routes or flying dangerously close to foreign aircraft," TASS cited them as saying.
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
Chinese, Indian Troops Clash In Tawang, India - TAWANG - 150 Indian soldiers and 300 Chinese soldiers are reported to have clashed at the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China on December 9th. 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
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 11-12th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 11-12th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Ongoing December Report
CENTCOM: Helicopter Raid In Syria Kills 2 ISIS Officials - CENTCOM - U.S. Central Command has reported that it has conducted a successful helicopter raid against ISIS at 2:57 a.m. on December 11th, which killed two ISIS officials.
Of the two ISIS officials, one was Anas, which was a Province Official in Syria involved in "the group's deadly plotting and facilitation operations in eastern Syria".
Central Command reported that "initial assessments" indicated that no civilians were killed or injured as a result of the raid.
The press release said that "The United States remains committed to countering the global threat from ISIS in partnership with local forces. ISIS continues to pursue an aggressive operational agenda, including external attacks that threaten US allies and partners in the region and beyond."
“ISIS continues to represent a threat to the security and stability of the region. This operation reaffirms CENTCOM’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the group’s enduring defeat,” said Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson. “The death of these ISIS officials will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks in the Middle East.”
13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 10-11th, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 11-12th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Ongoing December Report
Turkey Carries Out Airstrikes In Duhok, Iraq - IRAQ - Turkey has carried out airstrikes in the Duhok province in northern Iraq, according Lebanese news agency Al-Mayadeen, targeting Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) elements in the region.
News sources of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) report that Turkey has established 58 military bases in the mountains within the region over the last couple of years.
11 Chinese Military Aircrfat, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 9-10th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan December 9-10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Ongoing December 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
House Passes $858 Billion Defense Bill Removing Vaccine Mandate For Military Personnel - WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the $858 billion defense bill which effectively removes the vaccine mandate for U.S. military personnel. Read Full Article
24 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. - 24 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 8-9th, 2022 *Unusual Activity Reported* Ongoing December Report
27 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 7-8th, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 7-8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, four were J-10 fighter jets, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, one was a CH-4 UCAV reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, and one was a BZK-005 UAV reconnaissance (RECCE) 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, "27 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
Another statement by the MOD said, "11 of the detected aircraft (J-10*4, CH-4 UCAV, J-16*4, Y-8 ASW, BZK-005 UAV) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ."
Unsafe and Unprofessional Action by IRGCN Vessel in the Strait of Hormuz - USCENTCOM - TAMPA, Fla. – "An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy patrol boat interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner as U.S. Navy ships transited the Strait of Hormuz, the evening of Dec. 5.
Expeditionary sea base platform ship USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) and guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) were conducting a routine transit in international waters when the patrol boat approached.
The Iranian vessel attempted to blind the bridge by shining a spotlight and crossed within 150 yards of the U.S. ships – dangerously close, particularly at night.
The U.S. ships safely deescalated the situation through the employment of audible warnings and non-lethal lasers. U.S. Navy ships continued their transit without further incident.
The IRGCN’s actions violated international standards of professional and safe maritime behavior, increasing the risk of miscalculation and collision.
“This dangerous action in international waters is indicative of Iran’s destabilizing activity across the Middle East,” said Col. Joe Buccino, CENTCOM spokesman."
20 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted On December 06th, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 06th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, two were nuclear capable H-6 bombers and one was a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "20 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement by the MOD said, "7 of the detected aircraft (J-16*4, KJ-500 and H-6*2) had entered Taiwan’s southwest and southeast ADIZ."
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
North Korea Fires 90 Rounds Of Multiple Rocket Launchers Into Buffer Zone With South - SEOUL - (from translation): North Korea has fired 90 rounds of multiple rocket launchers into the buffer zone between North and South Korea, as South Korea and the United States continue to carry out joint live-fire military drills near the border.
The rounds fired by North Korea landed in the Northern Maritime Buffer Zone of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) which is a violation of the 9/19 military agreement.
A spokesperson for the North Korean Army's General Staff said (translated), "Since yesterday (5th) and today at around 9:15, the situation has been raised that the enemy is firing multiple rocket launchers and howitzers in the vicinity of the front again." “I gave an order to the artillery squads to immediately fire live ammunition at sea for the purpose of warning of a strong countermeasure."
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.
North Korea Fires 130 Artillery Rounds Off West And East Coasts - PYONGYANG - North Korea has fired around 130 artillery shells off its east and west coasts, some of which landed in the buffer zone between the North's border with the South, according to the South Korean military.
South Korea says that the shells entering the buffer zone violates the 2018 inter-Korean agreement that was designed to reduce tensions between the two countries.
South Korea sent warnings to the North regarding the incident, according to a statement by the South Korean defense ministry.
The artillery shell firing was reportedly in response to joint military drills between South Korea and the United States.
North Korean state news KCNA put out a statement saying that, "The enemy should immediately cease military actions that cause escalation of tensions in areas near the front lines where visual surveillance is possible."
"We sternly warn the enemy not to stir up unnecessary escalation of tension along the front lines," it said.
The United States and South Korea have been carrying out joint land-based firing drills in Cheorwon County, which is near the border with the North, and will be continued on Tuesday.
China's Semiconductor Exports Decline, Increasing Possibility Of Taiwan Invasion - BEIJING - China's semiconductor exports are on the decline amidst the United States moving microchip manufacturing in-house, possibly making an invasion of Taiwan by China more appealing. Read Full Article
5 Vehicles Rented By Biden's Secret Service Catch Fire - NANTUCKET - Five vehicles that were rented by U.S. President Joe Biden's Secret Service detail went up in flames while in a parking lot on Monday a day after the President went on vacation in Nantucket, Massachusetts for Thanksgiving.
The Secret Service had rented five vehicles for Biden and his family last week, and all five were consumed in the fire.
The vehicles included a Ford Explorer, Chevy Suburban, Infinity QX80, Jeep Gladiator, and a Ford Expedition.
The Nantucket airport put out a statement that said, "At approximately 5:22 am Airport shift staff observed an active fire in the rental car overflow area through the Airport's Closed Circuit Television System."
"Staff activated the Alert system and responded to the fire in Airport-3, where they were met by responding units from Nantucket Fire Department and Nantucket Police Department," the statement added.
"Combined fire resources responded and contained the fire. Several vehicles were damaged. The Airport is currently coordinating with rental car agencies and agency partners to ensure scene safety, There is no longer an active fire at this time: the Airport is open, and aeronautical operations are not affected."
The Biden family has spent Thanksgiving holidays on the Nantucket island for the last 40 years, which makes it likely that if it was an assassination attempt, it was planned based on knowledge of the yearly trip.
The cars burst into flames less than 24 hours after Biden and his family returned. No one was reported to be hurt in the incident, the fire has since been brought under control, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
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
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On November 27-28th, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 27th and 28th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted, one was a CH-4 UCAV reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Three of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense statement said, "9 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
Another statement by the MoD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (CH-4 UCAV RECCE, Y-8 EW and Y-8 ASW) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ. R.O.C, flight paths as illustrated."
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 26-27th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 26th and 27th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
The military aircraft that was spotted included two J-10 fighter jets and two J-16 nuclear capable bombers.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement by the MoD said, "4 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2 and H-6*2)had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 Vessels Spotted Around Island of Taiwan November 25-26th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th-26th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense . Read Ongoing Report
Among the 11 Chinese aircraft that were spotted, 4 of them were H-6 nuclear capable bombers. Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "11 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
An additional statement said, "5 of the detected aircraft (CH-4 UCAV and H-6*4) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
CENTCOM Spokeman statement on rocket attacks near al-Shaddadi, Syria - Two rockets targeted coalition forces at the US patrol base in al-Shaddadi, Syria, today at approximately 10:31 p.m. local time in Syria (4:31 p.m. EST).
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.
Turkey: We Will Continue To Respond To Attacks From Northern Syria - ANKARA - Turkey has told Russia that it will be continuing to respond to attacks coming from northern Syria, after Russia requested that Turkey not upgrade the conflict in Syria into a full-scale offensive.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a statement that "Turkey’s priority is to prevent the terrorism threat (from northern Syria) permanently,” and said that agreements that had been agreed to prior to the conflict should be adhered to.
On Wednesday Senior Russian negotiator Alexander Lavrentyev said that the reason that Turkey should refrain from a full fledged offensive in Syria is because it could escalate the level of violence in the region.
Japanese MOD: Threats Of Territorial Infringement - The Japanese Ministry of Defense has reported that fighters from the Japanese Air Self-Defense force (ASDF) were scrambled from November 22nd to 23rd due to "threat of territorial infringement" over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.
Statement from the Japanese Ministry of Defense: "From November 22nd to 23rd, due to the threat of territorial infringement over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, fighters from the ASDF Northern Air Defense Force scrambled to respond. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to take all possible measures 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Japan's territory and the peaceful lives of its citizens. "
6 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 25th - 6 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th, 2022 (by 6am), according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "6 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
Lukashenko: If Russia Collapses, CSTO Countries Will Be Under The Rubble - BELARUS - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Yerevan, Armenia and announced priorities for 2023.
Lukashenko was cited by Russian state news RIA novosti as saying, "Recently, the thesis has been developing in the media: the fate of the CSTO from the operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. If Russia wins, the CSTO will live; if, God forbid, it does not win, the CSTO will not exist. And in our countries, too, many hotheads began to discuss I feel that we have come to a common opinion: if, God forbid, Russia collapses, then under these rubble is our place".
“We are not going to leave the political and military-political arena. The CSTO will exist, and no one will collapse anywhere. But we need unity,” he added.
The CSTO is the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which serves as an intergovernmental military alliance in Eurasia consisting of the following six post-soviet states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Ukraine Power Outages from Russia’s Missile Strikes - WHITE HOUSE: "As Russia struggles on the battlefield, it is increasingly turning to horrific attacks against the Ukrainian people with punishing strikes damaging energy grid infrastructure, and deliberately doing so as winter approaches.
These strikes do not appear aimed at any military purpose and instead further the goal of the Putin regime to increase the suffering and death of Ukrainian men, women and children.
It also shows Russia is willing to increase the risk of a nuclear safety incident that could not only further harm Ukraine, but affect the entire region as well. The United States and our allies and partners will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself including air defense.
Today, we announced an additional $400 million security assistance package that includes additional munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and heavy machine guns to help Ukraine counter these urgent threats.
We are in constant touch with Ukraine on its energy infrastructure needs and are working with allies and partners to support Ukraine – including the United States’ provision of $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance since February with more than $250 million for winterization efforts to distribute heating fuel, generators, shelter repair materials, and blankets.
Russia continues to underestimate the strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people and its attempt to demoralize them will fail yet again."
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Ukraine Power Outages from Russia’s Missile Strikes - WHITE HOUSE: "As Russia struggles on the battlefield, it is increasingly turning to horrific attacks against the Ukrainian people with punishing strikes damaging energy grid infrastructure, and deliberately doing so as winter approaches.
These strikes do not appear aimed at any military purpose and instead further the goal of the Putin regime to increase the suffering and death of Ukrainian men, women and children.
It also shows Russia is willing to increase the risk of a nuclear safety incident that could not only further harm Ukraine, but affect the entire region as well. The United States and our allies and partners will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself including air defense.
Today, we announced an additional $400 million security assistance package that includes additional munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and heavy machine guns to help Ukraine counter these urgent threats.
We are in constant touch with Ukraine on its energy infrastructure needs and are working with allies and partners to support Ukraine – including the United States’ provision of $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance since February with more than $250 million for winterization efforts to distribute heating fuel, generators, shelter repair materials, and blankets.
Russia continues to underestimate the strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people and its attempt to demoralize them will fail yet again."
US Expanding Military Presence In Philippines, Speeding Up 2014 Defense Pact - PHILIPPINES - The United States is expanding military presence in the Philippines in order to counter Chinese presence in the region, as well as speeding up the implementation of the 2014 defense pact between the two countries that had been stalled under the previous Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
During her three day visit to the Philippines, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with the current president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and addressed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and expressed the "unwavering" commitment to the Philippines.
The visit was multi-purposed and served not only to deter Chinese aggression in the region, but also mend the previously faltering ties between the United States and the Philippines.
7 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 24th, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 24th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Among the 7 Chinese aircraft that were spotted, 2 of them were J-11 fighter jets. The 4 Chinese vessels "continued to operate around the sea" surrounding Taiwan.
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 by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "7 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
"A second statement by the MoD said, "The detected aircraft (J-11*2) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
$400 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine - US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: "The United States continues to support Ukraine with additional military assistance to help defend itself, including from the Kremlin’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, today I am authorizing our twenty-sixth drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This $400 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and air defense equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories.
This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to an unprecedented level of approximately $19.7 billion, since the beginning of the Administration.
The United States will continue to stand with more than 40 allies and partners in support of the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination. The artillery ammunition, precision fires, air defense missiles, and tactical vehicles that we are providing will best serve Ukraine on the battlefield.
We are joined in our efforts by France and the UK, including the £50 million in air defense systems offered by UK Prime Minister Sunak during his recent visit to Kyiv, and we note Sweden’s recent air defense commitment valued at nearly $300 million.
We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, so it can continue to defend itself and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table when the time comes. We stand United with Ukraine."
Kyiv: Russia Fired 70 Cruise Missiles Into Ukraine, Killing 6, Injuring 36 - Ukraine: Russia fired 70 cruise missiles into Ukraine on November 23rd, killing six people and injuring 36. The head of the Ukrainian police Ihor Klymenko said rockets hit 16 'objects' within Ukraine.
"In particular, I can confirm that a house in Vyshhorod was hit in the Kyiv region. Three people were killed and 20 were injured. In total, we have recorded the death of 6 of our citizens in Ukraine, and 36 citizens were injured. This applies only to the evening and midday shelling by Russia - by the enemy of our country," Klymenko stated.
Infrastructure Facility Hit In Kyiv Knocking Power Out In Ukraine, Moldova, Transnistria And Other Locations - UKRAINE - The Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine has reported that Russia has hit the capital's infrastructure facilities. He later reported that there were explosions in various districts in Kyiv, hitting the "residential sector" and "critical facilities".
The mayor said (translated), "A hit in one of the infrastructure facilities of the capital. Stay in shelters! The air raid continues,"
Pro-Russian Ukrainian media Strana then reported that the mayor later said "they hit the residential sector and critical facilities," and that there were interruptions in both electricity and water supply as a result.
Russian state news RIA Novosti has also reported that an infrastructure facility was hit in Kyiv and that the Russian military has been hitting "military and energy infrastructure" since October 10th, 2022, which was two days after the explosion took place on the Russian Crimean bridge.
RIA claimed that since the Crimean bridge explosion, air raid alerts have been sounded in Ukrainian regions every single day, at times throughout the country.
On November 1st, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that around 40% of the energy infrastructure in Ukraine had been knocked out, leading to widespread power outages across the country.
RIA Novosti reported that explosions were heard in Lviv, and said that the city is "de-energized", and that they were also heard in Ladyzhyn in the Vinnytsia region, where it says there is a thermal power plant stationed.
It also said that Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia were left partially without power and that emergency shutdowns had begun in the regions of Cherkasy and Sumy, adding that the region of Odesa has been "completely de-energized".
Moldova has also announced power outages in Chisinau, as well as other regions, as well as Transnistria, according to the Russian state news agency.
The current temperature in Kyiv, Ukraine is 30 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below freezing, while Moldova is 42 degrees Fahrenheit which sits above freezing.
Ukrainian authorities are urging citizens to stock up on supplies in preparation for rolling blackouts as a result of Russia's continued attacks on the Ukrainian power grid throughout the winter.
Winter in Ukraine lasts from December through to March with the WHO citing average temperatures at 27 degrees Fahrenheit, and can reach -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Iran Claims Israel Killed Iranian Military Officer In Syria - TEHRAN - Iran has claimed that Israel killed an Iranian military officer with a roadside bomb in Damascus, Syria according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) on Wednesday.
The officer who was killed was named Colonel Davoud Jafari and was an adviser of the IRGC Aerospace Force operating in Syria, according to the Tasnim News Agency.
On November 8th Israel is alleged to have carried out strikes on Iranian fuel shipments that were on their way to Lebanon, according to Lebanese news agencies, who said that the attack killed 25 Iranian-backed militants and wounded 10 others.
The Jerusalem Post reports that the IDF have been carrying out a 'continued campaign' against Iranian-backed militants in order to disrupt Iran's activities in Syria and prevent the country from creating proxies within Syria.
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.
3 Chinese Military Aircraft (One Helicopter), 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 22/23rd, 2022 - 3 Chinese military aircraft, including one submarine hunting helicopter and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 22-23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
Of the Chinese military aircraft, two were J-16 fighter jets, and one was a KA-28 antisubmarine (ASW) submarine hunting helicopter.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "3 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
A second statement by the MoD said, "The detected aircraft (J-16*2 and KA-28 ASW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest and east ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
17 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted November 21-22, 2022, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 21-22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
12 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 20-21st, 2022.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
November 21-22 statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense: "17 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
"6 of the detected aircraft (J-10*4, Y-8 ASW and BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
November 20-21 statement by Taiwan's MOD: "12 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities."
"5 of the detected aircraft(H-6*5) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
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.
IAEA: Explosions At The Russian Controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Have Stopped - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a new report that the shelling has now stopped, and there are no radiation leaks detected as a result of the explosions.
The IAEA has put out a new statement saying, "Since this morning, shelling at the site of Ukraine’s #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (#ZNPP) has stopped. There has been damage to parts of the site, but no radiation release or loss of power. IAEA experts will conduct an assessment tomorrow."
The IAEA said that repeated shelling damaged buildings at the site of Ukraine's Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) yesterday and this morning, but that the shelling, which IAEA Director General Grossi calls "one of the most intense such episodes in recent months" has stopped.
Radiation levels remain normal, and there are no reports of any casualties, the IAEA reports. The power plant's external power supplies also were not affected by the latest shelling.
“Once again, we were fortunate that a potentially serious nuclear incident did not happen. Next time, we may not be so lucky. We must do everything in our power to make sure there is no next time,” Director General Grossi said.
“Even though there was no direct impact on key nuclear safety and security systems at the plant, the shelling came dangerously close to them. We are talking metres, not kilometres. Whoever is shelling at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, is taking huge risks and gambling with many people’s lives,” he added.
Explosions At The Russian Controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russia Blames Ukraine - UKRAINE - The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control has taken fire, causing explosions. Russia has blamed Ukrainian attacks for the explosions, claiming that Ukraine has carried out 12 strikes against the nuclear power plant.
The IAEA acknowledged the explosions, but did not place blame on either side, and instead expressed outrage regarding the attacks on the plant and said that it was "unacceptable" and that "whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately".
IAEA's director general Rafael Grossi said “The news from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely disturbing. Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable. Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately."
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.
Explosions At The Russian Controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russia Blames Ukraine - UKRAINE - The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control has taken fire, causing explosions. Russia has blamed Ukrainian attacks for the explosions, claiming that Ukraine has carried out 12 strikes against the nuclear power plant.
The IAEA acknowledged the explosions, but did not place blame on either side, and instead expressed outrage regarding the attacks on the plant and said that it was "unacceptable" and that "whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately".
IAEA's director general Rafael Grossi said “The news from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely disturbing. Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable. Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately."
Turkey Carries Out Airstrikes In Syria/Iraq, Strikes 89 Targets - SYRIA/IRAQ - Turkish air raids targeting Kobane, Syria, and two other villages in the region are reported by Kurdish-led forces as having killed multiple people, causing "deaths and injuries" after striking 89 targets just days after Turkey blamed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) for a bombing in central Istanbul last Sunday.
Among the locations targeted by the Turkish airstrikes were ammo depots and shelters on Kurdish military bases in both northern Iraq and Syria.
The locations where targets were hit in Iraq: Asos, Qandil, Hakurk, and the locations where targets were hit in Northern Syria were Cizire, Tal Rifat, Kobani and Derik, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.
The Defense Ministry also said that "so-called directors of the terrorist organization were among those neutralized".
The airstrikes were called "Operation Claw-Sword" and targeted People's Protection Units (YPG), the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), according to the Jerusalem Post.
Farhad Shami, who is a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) put out a statement saying, “Kobane, the city that defeated Isis, is subjected to bombardment by the aircraft of the Turkish occupation."
Shami also said that there were Turkish airstrikes on two heavily populated villages in Aleppo, as well as Hasakeh.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Turkey blanketed the two provinces with over 20 airstrikes in total.
The Turkish Defense Ministry had put out a tweet earlier Sunday saying that "“The hour of reckoning has come. The treacherous attacks of the scoundrels are being held accountable!"
Turkey's Defense Ministry said that the strikes that it carried out was in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations charter that allows attacks for self-defense purposes.
The Turkish Defense Ministry put out a tweet saying, "A PENÇE KILIÇ AIR OPERATION was carried out in the regions in the north of Iraq and Syria that were used as a base by terrorists in their attacks on our country."
Statement By Turkey's Ministry of Defense
"By neutralizing the PKK/KCK/YPG and other terrorist elements; In order to prevent terrorist attacks against our people and security forces from the north of Iraq and Syria, to ensure border security and to destroy terrorism at its source;
In line with our self-defense rights arising from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the PENCE KILIÇ AIR OPERATION was carried out in the regions in the north of Iraq and Syria, which are used as a base by terrorists in their attacks on our country."
Traces Of Explosives Found At Nord Stream Rupture Sites - SWEDEN - The Swedish Security Service Reported on November 18th that gross sabotage on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have been confirmed. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said that traces of explosives have been found at the sites of the Nord Stream pipeline ruptures. Read Full Article
Syria Claims Israeli Airstrikes Targeted Military Positions, Killing 4 Soldiers - SYRIA - Syrian state news agency SANA is reporting that Israel carried out airstrikes on military positions after flying over the Mediterranean and targeting some military positions in the "central" and "coastal" regions of Syria, killing 4 soldiers.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not commented on the matter, and don't usually disclose information on military operations going on within Syria, but are known to target Iranian proxies and military assets and Hezbollah convoys in the region.
SANA cited a "military source" as saying, “Nearly at 6.30 Saturday morning, the Israeli enemy carried out an aggression over the Mediterranean from the direction of Banyas, targeting some points in the central and coastal regions as the Syrian air defenses intercepted the missile aggression."
The source said that four soldiers were "martyred" and another wounded. In addition, material damages were reported.
The news agency also reported that two soldiers were killed, and three others wounded on November 13th in another strike on the al-Sha’ayrat airport in the Homs countryside.
Gas Pipeline Explosion In Saint Petersburg, Russia - RUSSIA - A gas pipeline explosion occurred in Saint Petersburg, Russia (formerly known as Leningrad). Saint Petersburg Governor (Leningrad Oblast) Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported the explosion on his Telegram channel.
The Telegram channel said, "Firefighters and rescuers extinguish a fire caused by a gas pipeline depressurization between Berngardovka and Kovalevo. There is no threat to the population and the spread of fire to residential areas. The causes of the incident are being established."
Drozdenko said that there is no threat to to the population, or a spread of fire to residential locations. RIA reported that there was one person injured in the explosion.
The news agency reported that the Ministry of Emergency Situations said that the fire was caused by a "depressurization of the gas pipeline".
RIA cited the governor as saying that the pipeline pressure has now been reduced, and that the "Vsevolozhsk thermal power plant has been switched to fuel oil to ensure uninterrupted heat supply".
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
Russian Aircraft Makes "Unprofessional Overflight" Of NATO Ships In Baltic Sea - BALTIC SEA - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has Reported that two Russian fighter aircraft made an "unsafe and unprofessional" approach toward the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG1) that was carrying out "routine operations" in the Baltic Sea.
NATO allied forces attempted to communicate with the fighter aircraft, but the Russian aircraft "failed to respond" to Allied force's attempts at communicating.
The two Russian fighter aircraft flew at an altitude of 300 feet and a distance of 80 yards from the NATO allied fleet.
The report by NATO said that the "unsafe and unprofessional" actions occurred in a "known danger area" that had been activated for air defense training, as well as the fighter aircraft's altitude and proximity to the NATO allied fleet.
NATO reported that its forces "acted responsibly" and fulfilled its mission, "in full compliance with international air and maritime regulations", and said that NATO will respond appropriately to any interference with NATO's "lawful activity in the area" regarding any actions deemed to endanger the safety of Allied aircraft, ships or their crews.
The statement also said that "NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat".
17 Chinese Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On November 18th, 19th - 17 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 18th/19th according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Security Alert: U.S. Consulate General Erbil, Iraq - Nov 18th - Event: U.S. Consulate General Erbil is monitoring credible open-source reports of potential Turkish military action in northern Syria and northern Iraq in the coming days. The U.S. government continues to strongly advise U.S. citizens to avoid these areas. Read Security Alert
Actions to Take: Avoid border areas. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. Keep a low profile. Monitor local media for updates.
The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Iraq remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. For more information, please visit the Iraq Country Information page on travel.state.gov. Please also review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas.
Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq – U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Resumes Consular Services for U.S. Citizens (Nov 3rd)
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has resumed offering routine consular services for U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens in Iraq can now schedule appointments for passport and notary services, or to register their children with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil.
To request an appointment in Baghdad, please send an email to [email protected] To request an appointment in Erbil, visit the Consulate General’s website. If your passport has expired or will expire in the next six months, we urge you to renew it in Baghdad or Erbil as soon as possible.
The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Iraq remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens in Iraq. For more information, please visit the Iraq Country Information page on travel.state.gov. Please also review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas. Read Security Alert
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
Entire North Korean Internet Taken Offline - PYONGYANG - The entire North Korean internet was taken offline over a period of two and a half hours, according to a cybersecurity researcher who Spoke To Reuters. Read Full Article
Reuters cited Junade Ali as saying, "This isn’t like a single web server is being taken offline. The network stress is so great their Domain Name System (DNS) servers have been taken offline and eventually the key routers allowing traffic in and out of the country entirely."
Ali told Reuters that the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and Naenara, another North Korean government website appeared to be hit with the 'brunt' of the "suspected attack" before the internet was taken completely offline.
Other sites affected by the suspected cyberattack was the Air Koryo national airline and "major" internal email servers.
Pakistan Shuts Down Border Crossing With Afghanistan After Both Sides Exchange Fire - Pakistan has shut down its southwestern border with Afghanistan for an indefinite period, according to both officials and local media on Monday. 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.