Seems quiet, but I think much is being overwhelmed by Wuhan and impeachment shenanigans.
Wuhan Coronovirus -
Data reported by China (01/30/20) has 7783 confirmed cases with 170 deaths (2.1% mortality rate). It has also spread to every region in mainland China. 105 comfirmed cases have been reported elsewhere. Researchers continue to be concerned about the accuracy of the Chinese numbers and rumors of deliberate number fudging abound.
Yesterday, POTUS announced the formation of a coronavirus response task force. They reportedly been meeting since Monday.
Israel-
Hamas/PIJ shooting at Israeli military posts, Israel responds by blowing up Hamas facilities. Continued, sporatic IED balloon attacks. Pretty much standard fare. Very little news concerning continued palistanian protests to the Trump peace proposal. Noted yesterday, support of the plan by arab nations traditionally supporting the PA may have taken a lot of wind out of Abbas’ options to respond. Hamas’ desire to attain some kind of a truce with Israel the same. Hezebollah is relatively quiet with no overt actions observed so far.
Wuhan virus and impeachment continue to flood the interwebs.
Wuhan Coronovirus -
The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China.
Overnight the US State Department issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory for the entirety of mainland China. Currently 22 countries have confirmed cases of people infected by the Wuhan virus.
At the end of Thursday (local), China announced 9810 confirmed infections, (15,238 suspected) and 213 deaths (2.2%). Again, many continue to question if China is low-balling the numbers.
Israel-
More rockets and mortars were fired into southern Israel from Gaza over night. In response Israel bombed a number of Hamas facilities. So far both sides have been relatively restrained in their action/reaction following the release of the peace plan. Again, Israel states it holds Hamas totally responsible for any attacks launched by any Gaza based group. Additional ground gun/tank fire continuing into today as it is also the standard Friday “return” protests.
With 31 days until the 3rd national elections and with the peace plan on the table, it will be interesting to see just what Hamas, PIJ (et al) and Hezbollah do to influence both.
Also today, Israel conducted another test launch of its Jericho 3 missile. This new missile can easily strike Tehran (1600 Km) with a potential max range of 4000 Km.
Iran/Persian Gulf -
France has announced the start of a European naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz to guarantee the freedom of navigation throughout the Persian Gulf, and to promote deescalation with Iran.
N Korea -
OSINT / commercial satellite information indicates that there are no signs of a pending launch or engine test preparations at the Sohae launch facility. Information does indicate ongoing facility maintenance. Some are musing if the ‘Christmas present’ will be a Valentine’s day gift?