Threat Matrix 2024

Established in 2001, after the 9/11 attack on America and now in its 23nd year, this thread is designed to identify threats to America, both internal and external, and evaluate the probability of those threats occurring and the extent of potential damage. Discussions may stray into ‘tinfoil’ territory, but the goal is to peel back and confirm information so we can make informed decisions and actions. Incredible as it seems, “tinfoil” conspiracy theories have fast become realities so they can no longer be ignored outright, but must be evaluated and compared to current events.

2023 has been “historic”: Continued inflation Record illegal immigration Record crime Record housing prices and Unprecedented prime lending rate increases. Push to globalize the economy, food production and energy

- 2024 is a political year with all the deep divisions and turmoils that brings. - Political assassinations - The potential for a serious and deep recession - CBDC stripping Americans of their free use of money - Race and other ethnic wars in the US as illegals mark out territory - Continued massive increase in crime - Further movement towards implementing the goals of the WEF via its “global reset” - - Continued combat in Ukraine that could spill out into other parts of Europe - Potential Chinese move on Taiwan – breaking analysis - Israel and Hezbollah/Iran finally directly going at it. - Other political turmoil growing globally over a wide range of issues. - Potential for a wide variety of Black Swan events to create even greater problems. . And this is just a short list.

It has been my pleasure to continue this thread over the past few years. This thread hopefully is continuing the goals of when it started.

For those who care, my posts reflect my scanning of the interwebs to provide me with early warning concerning factors that can endanger my life and family. Yes, I’m what many would call a “prepper”, and proudly accept that characterization.

How can something happening half way around the world affect me personally? Wuhan virus, my friend is but one recent example. I noted it in TM Dec 2019 and was prepared when chaos hit in 2020.

Other events have secondary and tertiary affects that reach us via shortages and inflation – fossil fuel prices are the most common, as well as economic impacts. I simply share news items and often my opinions that shape my actions and preparations.

My posts are broken down into specific topics and regions. I highlight and evaluative opensource reports in those areas in regard to how it will affect the US. Sometimes it feels like trying to drink from a fire hose and I don’t expect this to let up, only increase as the year progresses.

Will we even make it to the 2024 elections without things flying apart? Will the democrats / leftist manage a way to steal the election? Will the US find itself in the early stages of a civil war / national split up? The year promises to be very bumpy, so buckle up and prepare yourselves for what is to come.

Air Raid Alerts now all across Ukraine, as some channels are claiming that Russia has launched yet another ICBM towards the country.

Terrorism - HIGH THREAT as of Oct 20, 2024

A Florida man was arrested Wednesday and charged with a plot to “reboot” the U.S. government by planting a bomb at the New York Stock Exchange this week and detonating it with a remote-controlled device, according to the FBI.
Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, of Coral Springs, Florida, was charged with attempt to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.

The FBI began investigating Yener in February based on a tip that he was storing “bombmaking schematics” in a storage unit. They found bomb-making sketches, many watches with timers, electronic circuit boards and other electronics that could be used for building explosive devices, according to the FBI. He had also searched online for things related to bomb-making since 2017, according to the FBI.

Yener also told undercover FBI agents that he wanted to detonate the bomb the week before Thanksgiving and that the stock exchange in lower Manhattan would be a popular site to target.

https://apnews.com/article/new-york-stock-exchange-attack-charge-0136576efbbfd327787f522eaf6857ae

Russia -

*****
Russia has used an ICBM in combat for the first time ever in the world.

Logistics –

In Russia, due to technical issues, half of the Airbus A320/A321neo fleet has been grounded. 34 planes are out of service, with some put into reserve to save engine resources. The issue lies in the problematic engines, which can’t be repaired locally or imported due to sanctions.

Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 30-40s with periods of rain and snow.

24 HOUR ROUND UP –

Just in - Ukrainian OWA-UAV’s struck Russian 105th assembly and testing building at the site located at the Kapustin Yar Nuclear Missile Test site at Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome. It is believed that this strike was in response to Russian ICBM strike on Dnipro.

Air Raid Alerts now all across Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports on a missile attack early this morning.
Shot down:
6/7 Kh-101 cruise missiles
0/1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
They add that there are no significant damages or injuries.

The Ukrainian Air Force claims that an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched by Russia from the Astrakhan region. In the last few days, rumors were spreading about the possible launch of a RS-26 Rubezh. The Air Force itself shared no specific details. The missile struck the Ukrainian city of Dnipro

The missile, which has never been used in combat before, was launched from Astrakhan and targeted critical infrastructure in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, it added.
Ukraine’s military did not specify if the attack caused any damage.

The solid fuel RS-26 Rubezh has a range of up to 6,000 km, however, the flight to Ukraine was only about 600 KM

Its warhead can carry four MIRVs with a total capacity of 1.2 megatons.

The accuracy of this missile is 90m-250m CEP and for conventional strikes absolutely inaccurate,

Damage assessment is still ongoing. The missile apparently was equipped with dummy warheads - not even conventional explosives - so any damage will be from impacts. It is unlikely that Russian has fitted these ICBMs with a ‘tactical’ low yield warhead. Russia currently has numerous delivery systems for a tactical nuke that they are using conventional warheads with.

***
The U.S. Embassy in the Ukrainian Capital of Kyiv will return to normal operations tomorrow, after it was closed on Tuesday due to fears of a major Russian missile attack against the city; with Ukrainian Intelligence claiming earlier today that the reports of an imminent large-scale attack, were a Psychological-Warfare Operation by Russia.
NOTE - Apparently the alert was based on the preparations by Russia to fire an ICBM at Ukraine

***
Ukraine drones attacked an industrial enterprise in Kostantinovsk district of Rostov region, Russia, causing fires, - according to governor

***
Russian losses per 21/11/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff

+1510 men
+8 tanks
+24 AFVs
+50 artillery systems
+1 MLRS
+2 AD systems

Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -

Russian forces pushing south of Pokrovsk along three lines of attack, penetrating into Ukraine defenses.

Russian Territory –

British made cruise missiles hit the command post in Maryino of Kursk region.

Summary —

Not only is this the first use of an ICBM against Ukraine, it is the FIRST combat use ever. Absent conventional warheads, this attack was to send a message to NATO over the deep strike authorization for ATACMS and British/French cruise missiles - don’t.

Their targeting is designed for nuclear weapons, so pinpoint accuracy is not necessary. Their sole other purpose at this stage is terror.
Impact of debris is what they have and it can do some damage, but it is indiscriminate in what it hits.

Launch site places the missiles on a different transjectory than most of the common cruise and drone attacks, likely finding a hole in the ADA coverage. However, with only Patriot systems, and no THADS the warheads will easily penetrate.

This is a escalation in the situation. It is unlikely that Russia will use strategic level nukes (in the mega ton range) in this war as smaller, tactical nukes (kiloton range) would be more suitable.

I lean towards a scenario where IF Russia explodes a warhead, it would be exoatmospheric over Ukraine / Europe to avoid any blast damage. However, if it generates and EMP that damages the electronics in the west, such an act would be seen as open war.

For now the weapons escalation is front and center to the war. On the ground, Russia is still grinding out small gains in the Donbas region with continued elevated losses.

Belarus -

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told the BBC a few weeks ago that Putin might supply the Houthis with “Bastion” anti-ship missiles if Western countries authorize Ukraine to strike Russian territory with their own missiles.

Europe / NATO General –

A Danish Navy vessel boarded the Chinese cargo vessel Yi Ping after it was discovered it had destroyed 2 undersea telecom cables in the Baltic Sea.

Denmark exercised the right under Art. X of the Submarine Cables Convention. It’s been done only once before, by the USA in 1959

“Chinese-flagged bulk carrier MV Yi Peng 3 appears to have deliberately dragged anchor to break two underwater telecoms cables in the Baltic Sea.”

The vessel sailed from Russia & the captain is Russian

ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant

- Ceasefire negotiations continue between Lebanon/Hezbollah and Israel. Both sides have some pretty hardened demands that may not be met by the other.

- biden institutes an new shipment delay of bombs

——— GENERAL ——————————-

The UN Security Council vote on a Gaza ceasefire resolution was vetoed by the US because it failed to address the hostage release.

***
The Biden Administration has decided to delay the shipment of approximately 20,000 MK84 bombs, even as Israel is at its peak in the war against Hezbollah and Hamas. These bombs are crucial to the Israeli Air Force’s aerial weaponry arsenal.

***
ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged Gaza war crimes, and Hamas leader Al-Masri, says reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Gallant committed crimes, Israel acceptance of court’s jurisdiction is not required

Gantz: Hague court ruling is ‘moral blindness and historical disgrace’ that will never be forgotten

***
Lebanon ceasefire update: Senior officials in Israel say that if an agreement is reached on the last subject in dispute, we will have a ceasefire within a week.

Israel is cautiously optimistic on the eve of Hochstein and Dermer’s meeting tonight.

The two main issues are The Israeli freedom of action in Lebanon in the event of a violation and the composition of the supervisory committee in Lebanon.

As far as Israel is concerned, freedom of action in Lebanon is a red line. It is not clear whether it must appear in the agreement with Lebanon or whether their agreement will require the US to grant a party document backing up such an action.

——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-

Relatively quiet - possibly due to affects from a record breaking rainstorm that hit the area.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Hezbollah neighborhoods in S Beirut continue to be leveled. Israel has also issued a large evacuation alert for nearly all the suburbs around Tyre.

——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-

IAF hit Palmyra, Syria yesterday. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, reported Thursday that at least 68 people were killed and 50 injured. Among the dead were 42 Syrians linked to pro-Iranian militias, 22 foreign nationals—primarily members of the Iraqi pro-Iranian Nujaba militia—and four Hezbollah operatives.

According to the watchdog, the strikes hit three separate locations in Palmyra, including two in the Al-Jam’iya neighborhood, one of which was a weapons depot near an industrial zone. The third site allegedly hosted a meeting of pro-Iranian militia leaders, including senior figures from the Iraqi Nujaba militia and Hezbollah. Families of pro-Iranian operatives, many with Iraqi or foreign citizenship, reportedly reside in the affected area.

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkirluhzyl

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Israeli airstrikes on Palmyra, reporting civilian casualties and material damage in central Syria

***
Rumint. Report from Iraq: Dozens of Iranian trucks entered Iraq loaded with long- and medium-range ballistic missiles, under the auspices of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and with the flag of Sudan

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

Houthi fighters fired ballistic and cruise missiles targeting a cargo ship in the Red Sea on November 19.

RUMINT - Putin might supply the Houthis with “Bastion” anti-ship missiles.

——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-

A lot of effort to try to get a ceasefire in Lebanon before biden leaves office. Though both sides are talking, it is doubtful that Israel will accept anything less than the total removal of Hezbollah from S Lebanon and a complete blockade of any effort to resupply them. Hezbollah will not accept any Israeli option to continue to interdict Iranian/Hezbollah resupply efforts as well as respond to any attacks, with freedom to operation in the north.

The biden bomb slowdown will bite Israel in a longer term, however, with Hamas nearly out for the count and tactical / stratigic operations in Lebanon at a stead pace not needing any surge, Israel probably has the stock to hold out until Trump takes over.

Iran / Israel appears calm for now.

A serious destabilizing move being contemplated by putin to supply the houthi with advanced anti ship weaponry could cause an expansion of the war in that sector and open up Russian forces/elements to Israeli attack.

Iraq -

The Iraqi federal government is trying to prevent Iranian-backed Iraqi militia attacks on Israel in order to prevent Israeli strikes on Iraq. Iranian-backed Iraqi attacks on Israel increased by almost 150 percent between September and October 2024.

Globalism / Great Reset –

Though on the surface appearing to target only Israel, the recent decision to send warrants out for the arrest of Netanyahu and Gantz by the ICC is evidence of this legal arm of the globalists trying to push their way out of their box. In doing so, many nations are now clearly picking sides - pro and anti israel. The prosecutor is a radical moslem under sexual assault/rape charges, to deflecting to Israel is a natural.

The bottom line is this is the kind of kangaroo courts we can expect from a world ruled by the globalists.

CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Nov 12, 2024

The Democrat Mayor of Denver, Colorado Mike Johnston has challenged Trump to try to deport any illegal migrants from his city, saying he would deploy the Denver City Police and volunteers from the local community to use force against federal forces trying to deport illegals.

“More than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there. It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun... You’d have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. You don’t want to mess with them.”

https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1859445390342246474

OBSERVATION - This is the most radical announcement of the effort to prevent deportations of illegals. This is the first to openly say they will deploy local police to oppose federal agents - an act that implies the application of lethal force. Pause and think of that - using force against federal officials. We will see what happens when the time comes, but this is the cutting edge of a nasty new trend coming out the sanctuary movement.

Additionally, Antifa has a growing presence in Denver as well. You can bet that given the chance to ‘smash the facists’ violence would grow very quickly. 2025 is building out to be a very dangerous year.

***
This weekend brings a mix of pro-palestinian and pro-trans protests. Probably of significant violence is low, though there may be some local vandalism and other crime that spins off. Violence may be directed at any passers by they consider to be opposing their views. Best to avoid these areas - be situationally alert in metro areas where these protests commonly occur.

Economy- HIGH Threat - as of AUG 5, 2024

U.S. mortgage rates increased to a four-month high this week, which together with higher home prices could sideline potential buyers from the housing market in the near term.

The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 6.84%, the highest level since July, from 6.785% last week, mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac said on Thursday. It averaged 7.29% during the same period a year ago.

https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/30-year-mortgage-7/2024/11/22/id/1189057/

OBSERVATION - Fed rate drops have done very little for homebuyers. Even at a 6.84% (which only those with good credit ratings can get) most homes remain out of reach to those looking to buy.

POLITICAL FRONT –
Merchan sentencing of trump - Nov 26th ?????

FBI Director & DHS Secretary refused to testify at annual hearing on threats to the nation.
RELATED - RUMINT. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is reportedly negotiating his exit and wants to leave immune from any potential investigations from the Trump Administration.

OBSERVATION - Wray and Mayorkas both know there will be no blowback other than verbal rantings by congress over their refusal to openly testify as they have done every other year.
Mayorkas knows is rear end is flapping in the breeze and I don’t think any deal will be done as Trump will overrule any DoJ plea bargain/arrangement.

Biden / Harris Watch –

Both harris and biden have effectively dropped off the radar.

Illegal Immigration –

See CW2 over potential sanctuary movement violence against mass deportations.

Continued rumors of illegals massing to get across the border before Trump comes in.

TDA threats continue to develop in 16 states as earlier noted this week.

North/South Korea –

During a Defense Expo yesterday in Pyongyang, North Korean Supreme-Leader Kim Jong Un accused the United States of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, claiming that the world is at its highest risk ever of thermonuclear war.

OBSERVATION - Kim may well be prompted in part with his rhetoric by Russia as part of the growing agreements and relationship. Stir up trouble in a whole other sector to divert US from its support of Ukraine.

***
Rumors that Russia has supplied NK with some advanced ADA systems in exchange for sending troops to fight against Ukraine.

Russia -

*****
Russia struck Yuzhmash plant in Dnipro city with a non-nuclear hypersonic ballistic missile Oreshnik, - Putin said.

According to a U.S. Official who spoke to ABC News; the Russian ballistic missile attack against Dnipro in Central Ukraine, did not involve an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) as being claimed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but instead an “Experimental”Medium-Range Ballistic Missile equipped with a Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV).

The Pentagon has identified the Russian Medium-Range Ballistic Missile that was fired last night against the City of Dnipro in Central Ukraine, as an RS-26 “Rubezh” Road-Mobile Ballistic Missile which was equipped with a Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry-Vehicle (MIRV) Payload containing 6 warheads (believed to be either conventional or nuclear).

The United States was pre-notified by Russia shortly before its strike with an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile on Ukraine’s city of Dnipro through nuclear risk reduction channels, a U.S. official said on Thursday. Now Kremlin spokesperson says Russia had notified U.S. 30 minutes before launch

OBSERVATION - Observers and OSINT review indicate that these warheads were either inert (dummy) or had minimal explosives. Most of the damage appears to be due to impact, not explosions.
Additionally, the hyperbolic claims of hypersonic warheads is a propaganda fear term. Technically, all ballistic missile warheads are hypersonic. What modern military hypersonic’s address are warheads that are capable of maneuvering at those speeds to defeat ADA systems.

NUCLEAR THREATS –

Russia considers itself entitled to use weapons against facilities of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russian facilities – Putin

OBSERVATION - Some additional inference to Poland and the Baltic States as potential first round targets, beside US, Britain and France.

Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 30-40s with periods of rain and snow.

24 HOUR ROUND UP –

Overnight, air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 23 UAVs over the Bryansk, Kaluga and Kursk regions — Russian Defense Ministry.

***
Explosion was reported in Dnipro city. Ballistic missile strike.

***
Dep Pentagon PressSec: Russia’s intermediate-range ballistic missile was based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile model. The United States was pre-notified briefly before the launch through Nuclear Risk Reduction channels

***
Yesterday, Russian Channels reported that the strike by the Ukrainian Air Force, using at least 10 “Storm Shadow” Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, against an underground, fortified-command center in the Kursk Region; resulted in the death of 18 Russian officers, including a senior sommander, as well as 3 North Korean officers. In addition, a dozen other soldiers and officers were wounded in the attack, including one of North Korea’s most senior generals.

***
(ISW). Ukrainian forces recently advanced north of Vuhledar. Russian forces recently advanced northwest of Kreminna, southeast of Chasiv Yar, in Toretsk, southeast of Kurakhove, northeast of Vuhledar, and likely advanced northeast of Velyka Novosilka.

Ukraine Kursk Offensive-

(ISW). Russian forces recently marginally advanced in the main Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast southeast of Sudzha.

Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -

Russian Ministry of Defense claims full occupation of Novodmytrivka village of Donetsk region of Ukraine

Russian Territory –

Krasnodar, Russia— Ukraine reportedly attacked Russia using NATO-supplied long range missiles. An airfield and associated elements were reportedly hit with parts of the city have been burning for hours

Summary —

Tensions continue to ratchet up as Ukraine launches another deep strike into Russia and Russia openly threatens western nations with punitive strikes. Even a conventional strike on a NATO country would trigger Art 5 responses, no need for a nuke. putin must be banking that his threats will lessen western support for Ukraine’s new deep strike authorization. He may also be thinking that even if he escalates by actually attacking NATO, they would be more afraid to commit to a war. OTOH, putin can hardly sustain the influx of new military forces into eastern Ukraine where his units are already strained with the push to capture the Donbas region and retake Kursk. With the influx of NATO would bring air power with capabilities to offset Russian ADA and provide air domination.

This is a dangerous game of chicken being played out with peak intensity prior to Trump’s return to the WH. He may inherit a full out regional war.

As noted above, Russia continued to claw terrain away from Ukraine. Monthly losses continue to range more than 30% higher (40K - 50K vs 30K) than earlier this summer and is putting a strain on Russia’s ability to supply replacements. The influx of NK forces could help but they are behind the power curve getting up to speed for this kind of war.

Ukraine is facing its own manpower shortages, suffering losses, though substantially lower than Russia but with a much smaller pool to recruit from.

Use of this “new” missile system for tactical / intermediate strategic strikes against Ukraine will likely be limited. Construction of modification of existing intermediate ICBMs for conventional attacks will be very costly. Their use, should putin continue, will be more of a terror weapon against Ukraine. They will also serve as a threat to all of Europe, given the 5000 Km range.

Europe / NATO General –

In response to an intercontinental ballistic missile strike on Ukraine, Hungary will deploy air defense systems on the border with Ukraine, according to Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
“The risk of the Russian-Ukrainian war escalating is greater than ever before,” said Szalay-Bobrovniczky. “However, the government is preparing for all eventualities, which is why it is installing an air defense system in the northeastern part of the country.”

ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- ICC creates a global firestorm of sorts with its arrest warrants for Netanyahu

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Netanyahu: Israel will not recognize ICC decision

Global response to the arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and Gallant is mixed but very sharp. Many nations announcing that they will arrest Netanyahu if he enters their country. Some other nations, US included, have rebuked the ICC for the warrants and have openly stated the arrests will not happen. Some countries signatories to the ICC have also announced they will refuse the warrants as well.

——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-

The IDF announced that five senior Hamxs operatives, including key leaders of the October 7 massacre, were eliminated in an airstrike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza. Among the dead are Jihad Kahlout and Muhammad Oukal, who led the brutal attacks on the Mefalsim area. Additional operatives killed include Anas Abu Shakian, Nur al-Din Abu Jadian, and Sihab Adaim.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Israel appears to have driven a second penetration to the Med Sea in SW Lebanon. The original encirclement prong is on the outskirts of Mazraat Bayout Al-Siyad, This new one follows a road about half way between the northern one and the border. Link below depicts the current situation as understood from OSINT

https://x.com/Osint613/status/1859948272326263204

IAF continues to turn S Beirut sections under Hezbollah control into rubble as airstrikes are almost continuous. Hezbollah strongholds around Tyre are suffering the same fate. Much if the rest of the air activity are in a CAS role in the south.

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

The Israeli army says a ballistic missile launched from Yemen at Israel was successfully intercepted by air defenses. According to the military, the missile was shot down outside of Israel’s borders.

——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-

Israel’s offensive in SW Lebanon has gained steam and could trap a considerable number of Hezbollah forces. See link above.

Israel’s relentless assault on Hezbollah’s higher command and supply has largely prevented it from generating a more organized defense in the south. “Barrages” of rockets are growing fewer in number. Tactical Hezbollah units are appealing to be losing ground quicker in the south as Israel penetrated into and through the second line of defense. Lack of command and control is progressively reducing Hezbollah defensive operations to small elements unable to provide support to lateral elements - setting up conditions for destruction in detail as Israel pivots behind those defensive lines and starts rolling them up.

Gaza continues to transition from a medium intensity fight to a low intensity level. Search and destroy Hamas cells particularly in N Gaza. Goal is to clear it out to put central and parts of S Israel out of range of Hamas rockets.
Smaller level search and destroy operations are ongoing throughout the rest of Gaza.

Tension from a potential new round of attacks between Iran and Israel continue to decline. Iran has not given up trying to hurt Jews as evidenced by the funding of moslem Pogrom attacks in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe as well as slipping money to the ICC in support of its prosecution (persecution ) of Israel.

Iran –

Users across Iran have reported significant internet slowdowns and disruptions on Thursday night. Internet researcher Nariman Gharib had earlier reported that major internet service providers (ISPs) would begin reducing bandwidth at 8 pm Tehran time Thursday, though the reasons for the move remain unclear.

***
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran described the approval of the resolution of the Council of Governors as a political, unrealistic and destructive action.

Earlier U.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board passed a resolution against Iran demanding greater compliance and documentation of the Iranian program and failure to do so would trigger “snap backs” - Reuters News

RELATED - Iran claims to be using new centrifuges to push the purity of uranium even higher, faster.

***
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to Israel against targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it “a grave mistake.” Speaking to Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen, Araghchi stated, “If Israel attacks our nuclear facilities, we will respond decisively. I doubt they would take such a reckless step.”
He also said: The Qatari Foreign Minister assured us that there are no plans to shut down Hamxs offices in Doha, dismissing the circulating claims as mere rumors.

Iraq -

Iraq is reportedly bracing for Israeli airstrikes against Iranian operatives and supported militias that have been identified as receiving missiles and drones from Iran. The Iranian dominated Iraqi govt is mostly powerless to prevent Iran’s actions in country.

Syria -

A missile attack targets the American base in the Conoco gas field in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor.

***
Turkey’s attacks against the Kurds have resulted in over a million Syrians losing drinking water supplies.

Turkey –

A Turkish anti-submarine warship has been patrolling off the coast of Lebanon for at least a week now. Turkey has not declared a purpose for the patrols.

CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Nov 12, 2024

New Mexico’s governor states ‘We are not going to cooperate’ with mass deportations.

OBSERVATION - Potential real battle lines being drawn. In this case it appears non-participation versus active prevention. What will she do if the illegals she is harboring go on a rampage?

***
Again, numerous protests by pro-trans and pro-hamas groups in major cities in the US. Increase awareness for those pro-hamas events in that they may see the rioting / violence in Canada yesterday as a stimulant for turnout and violence.

Terrorism - HIGH THREAT as of Oct 20, 2024

Authorities are exercising extreme caution in relation to the upcoming 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, assessing both foreign and domestic threats, according to a joint threat assessment obtained by ABC News.

The assessment, which was investigated by the FBI and the New York Police Department, revealed that the threats “stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence.”

“Though the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade event will provide a broad set of potential soft targets for an attack, congested areas where the largest amount of people gather – particularly designated viewing areas – are likely the most vulnerable spots for a mass casualty attack,” the assessment read.

The assessment continues, adding that there currently is not a “specific actionable threat.” However, it also reveals that authorities are concerned with “vehicle ramming” around the crowded parade, which “has become a recurring tactic employed by threat actors.”

https://www.oann.com/newsroom/terrorist-threats-surrounding-macys-thanksgiving-parade-prompt-heightened-security-measures/

OBSERVATION - This is almost an annual warning for this parade. This year with global chaos at a high with Iran and its proxies getting hammered, massive illegal problems and more, the warning has greater credibility than in past years.

One source is increasingly Iranian and pro-hamas elements - so far having attempted ‘lone wolf’ style attacks. However, larger more organized groups of pro hamas could form and penetrate into the parade route on foot to cause disruptions.

***
Federal and local authorities are investigating multiple drones seen flying over Morris County on Monday night.
“There is no known threat to public safety,” according to a joint statement released by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities didn’t say if they know who was operating the drones or why they were overhead.

https://www.americanpartisan.org/2024/11/police-investigating-multiple-drones-flying-over-n-j-towns-at-night/

OBSERVATION - Potential terror attack precursor, that’s why its here. Unknown drone flights are increasing in occurrence across the country. Many instances are over military facilities, in this one Picatinny Arsenal, was overflown. These could be pranks, but more likely covert intelligence collection with potential hostile intent. Drone equipment and technology is abundant out there and there are millions here illegally that could have been placed here for direct intel collection.

***
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order this week for the Department of Public Safety to “target and arrest any criminals executing” Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence operations. The governor cited a CCP “Operation Fox Hunt” aimed at the forcible return of dissidents to China. The governor also issued orders to divest the state from Chinese assets and protect infrastructure.

“The Chinese Communist Party has engaged in a worldwide harassment campaign against Chinese dissidents in attempts to forcibly return them to China,” Governor Abbott said in a written statement this week. “Texas will not tolerate the harassment or coercion of the more than 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent who legally call Texas home by the Chinese Communist Party or its heinous proxies.”

The FBI revealed it shut down a PRC “police service station” in New York City. These “stations” operate worldwide to carry out this “unlawful campaign of threats, harassment, and harm” against U.S. citizens of Chinese origin,” the governor added, citing the human rights group Safeguard Defenders.

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2024/11/22/governor-orders-arrest-of-chinese-operatives-hunting-down-dissidents-in-texas/

OBSERVATION - A terror campaign by China here in the US. It has been identified for a number years now - noting NYC and on the west coast. Chinese have been busy globally with the same MO.

Economy- HIGH Threat - as of AUG 5, 2024

The U.S. gross national debt surpassed $36 trillion on Thursday, according to Treasury data, while a Federal Reserve report showed intensifying concern about America’s fiscal health and its broader implications for financial stability.

The massive debt milestone was reached just over three months after the previous $35 trillion benchmark, highlighting the rapid accumulation of federal borrowing in recent years.

Meanwhile, respondents to a New York Federal Reserve survey that was cited in the Fed’s newly released semi-annual Financial Stability Report identified U.S. fiscal debt sustainability as the most frequently cited near-term risk to financial stability, overtaking concerns about persistent inflation and monetary tightening.

https://economiccollapse.report/us-national-debt-exceeds-36-trillion-as-fed-survey-warns-of-risk-to-financial-stability/

OBSERVATION - Ever wonder just HOW the WEF will achieve it’s financial ‘global reset’? Watch the countries implode under unsustainable or repayable debt.

POLITICAL FRONT –
Judge Merchan Postpones Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing Indefinitely

Some political analysts have referred to Gaetz’s short run as the AG nominee as a “Reconnaissance by Fire” to flush out those in congress who will oppose the Trump agenda and nominees. If true, it did expose a number of RINOS, especially key ones in the senate and adversaries more aligned with democrats than the American people.

Illegal Immigration –

Note - There is beginning to be a lot of cross-over here with CW2 related issues.

Russia -

NUCLEAR THREATS –

Additional threats against the west, in particular Britain, France and Poland, for their support of Ukraine. These threats include both conventional and nuclear strikes on key locations.

Economic Impact –

The Russian ruble continues to plummet on the global marked, now worth less than a US penny.

Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 30-40s with periods of rain and snow.

RUMINT –
Sources within the Ukrainian General Staff, that Russia has accumulated almost 60,000 troops in Kursk Oblast. This would be an increase over the initial 40K reported a little over a month ago.

MORE - Unconfirmed reports of NK forces in the Kharkiv region.

24 HOUR ROUND UP –

North Korean troops massed in Russia to enter war in Ukraine ‘soon’: Pentagon chief

***
Ukrainian Air Defense shot down 64 strike drones starting 01:30 early morning up to now, and 4 more drones are still flying

Russian losses per 23/11/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff.
+1420 men
+20 tanks
+36 AFVs
+24 artillery pieces

Summary —

Two key items to summarize this morning.

Number one - Russian gains along the front south of Pokrovsk is really going to suck for Russians this winter. Some OSINT analysts are beginning to note that Russian frontlines in this region are now entering into a lowland region that in the winter-spring becomes a dismal swamp land with few to no small villages to shelter in. Thus Russian front line forces will be really bogged down in a swamp and with their lousy logistical support could face considerable casualties from cold weather and cold water injuries.

The second area is the big discussion surrounding the Russian ballistic missile attack on Dniper this week. A lot of hyperbole and some interesting developments.

For starters, this ‘new’ missile seems to have appeared out of nowhere, not really on anyone’s radar. The BBC reports -

“Russian military expert Ilya Kramnik told the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestiya it is likely that the new missile, whose development has been classified until now, is at the upper end of medium-range missiles.

‘It is likely that we are dealing with a new generation of Russian intermediate-range missiles [with a range of] 2,500-3,000km (1,550-1,860 miles) and potentially extending to 5,000km (3,100 miles), but not intercontinental,” he says.

He suggested that it could be a reduced version of the Yars-M missile complex, which is an ICBM.

Another expert, Dmitry Kornev, told the paper the Oreshnik could have been created on the basis of the shorter-range Iskander missiles - already commonly used on Ukraine - but with a new-generation engine.
An Iskander with an enlarged engine was used at the Kapustin Yar test site in southern Russia last spring, he said, adding that this may well have been the Oreshnik. Thursday’s missile was fired into Ukraine from the same site.””

Russia has claimed the missile was still in a testing phase and the launch against Ukraine was its first major test. What makes this missile interesting is the more conventional warhead bent of the system.
OSINT analysts for the BBC said the missile was equipped with six warheads, each with six sub-munitions.
This assumption is backed up by BBC Verify’s examination of video footage of the strike. Most of it is blurry or of poor quality, but it clearly shows six flashes against the night sky, each comprised of a cluster of six individual projectiles.

The BBC assessment seems reasonable as the numerous videos of the strike bear out similar - six main streaks with six associated impacts.
NOTE - I observed the same and wondered about the seemingly multiple hits, which I though could be debris from the MIRV body.

Among the propaganda hype is the hypersonic claims. Folks, hypersonic warheads have been around since the 1950, modern warhead travel at those speeds 10X the speed of sound. That alone makes them difficult to target. What Russia seems to be inferring is that each ‘warhead’ has some degree of extra maneuverability at those speeds prior to release of its submunitions, enabling it to more easily defy any air defense systems.

Extracts from -
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg07zw9vj1o

Video evidence strongly suggests that these submunitions were inert and that the damage caused this time was from the high speed impacts.

Another big question is just how accurate is the targeting. Conventional ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads have an accuracy of 90m-250m CEP, close enough for nukes but for conventional strikes absolutely inaccurate. The use of submunitions may be an attempt to make up for this - thus this new missile becomes the IBM equivalent to Russian BM-21 multiple rocket launchers.

Other tactical capabilities of these warheads remains speculative. Some Russian authors suggest these sub munitions have bunker busting capabilities, able to penetrate deeply because of the kinetic power of the high speed impact alone. But that would require the explosive mechanism to remain intact and not vaporize on impact. Also, the precision targeting of these submunitions will need to be substantially better.

Finally, does Russia have the capabilities to produce enough of these new missiles to make a difference? Economic sanctions have severely limited Russia’s ability to procure the high tech materials necessary to construct tanks, artillery, air defense equipment, munitions etc. Russia may have to resort to striping parts from existing systems or repurposing Yars-M or RS-26 Rubezh from a nuclear to this new conventional system. A MIRV with submunitions is a new concept. Russia has the technology to place conventional devices in the submunitions packages, but as the Nov 21 attack shows, the submunition packages were test devices.

As a tactical weapon, it would be a very expensive system. As a strategic system it could seriously damage targets like airfields, factories etc with the submunitions spread out over the area. Currently, it is a weapon of fear and terror, who’s unveiling is an attempt by Russia to push back US/Britain/France allowance of weapons that strike deeper into Russia.

ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Probable targeting of Senior Hezbollah leadership in Beirut overnight

- IDF making gains in S Lebanon and are seizing key terrain in the move northward.

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon tells Fox News Digital that his country is keeping its “eyes open” for any potential aggression from Iran during the Trump transition period, adding it would be a “mistake” for the Islamic Republic to carry out an attack.

The comments come after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vowed earlier this week that Iran would retaliate against Israel for the strategic airstrikes it carried out against Tehran on Oct. 26. Araghchi was quoted in Iranian media saying “we have not given up our right to react, and we will react in our time and in the way we see fit.”

***
Talks of a ceasefire in Lebanon have suddenly quieted down overnight.

——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-

Relatively quiet throughout most of Gaza with the greatest concentration of action being in N Gaza.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Israeli army has reportedly taken control of the entire town of Khiyam and the village of Kafr Shuba. The road from the western Bekaa towards the south and Nabatieh was cut off. This is in the eastern border region.

The Israeli army advanced deep into Lebanon and besieged Hezbollah terrorists inside the Naqoura area after cutting off all land routes and all supply lines of troops and fire by air, land and sea. This is in the Tyre district.

***
UNIFIL: 4 of our soldiers injured in two Hezbollah rockets fired at our headquarters in the town of Shamaa, southern Lebanon

***
Israeli airstrikes are beginning to target central Beirut, hitting areas beyond Hezbollah strongholds to further pressure the terrorist organization.

***
A significant Israeli airstrike on a reported multi-story part residential building in Beirut tonight looks to be another High Value Target, likely a senior Hezbollah commander. Israel media reporting the target of the elimination was Talal Hamieh, head of Hezbollah’s External Security Organization known as Unit 910 in charge of overseeing operations abroad; among group’s first generation; joined in mid-80s.
Saudi report: In the area of the attack tonight in Beirut, a meeting of a number of senior Hezbollah officials was held. Those “seniors” are defined as out of touch.

***
At Tyre, Hezbollah controlled suburbs continue to be hammered by the IAF

——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-

Airstrikes target the IRGC militia headquarters in the village of Al-Salhiyah, near Al-Bukamal in eastern Syria

——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-

Hezbollah leadership likely took another big hit overnight judging from the no-warning strike on a building in Beirut in a manner similar to that used when they took out Naseralla . The shift to other neighborhoods indicates Hezbollah forcing their way in seeing civilian protection - but not getting it. In many districts of Beirut, various sects / groups opposed to Hezbollah have actively kept them out of their neighborhoods to avoid this.

Combat on the ground shows Hezbollah being forced back and in some instances being surrounded on the western and eastern ends of the border. IDF advancements in this phase going for the second line of defenses is going much faster than the first phase, indicating deteriorating conditions for Hezbollah fighters. At this pace, we could see mass surrenders and captures in those areas.

On the eastern border press, there appears to be a possibility that IDF is also going to make a run up the coast line towards Tyre. This could trap even more Hezbollah forces.

Activity in Gaza has slowed down, perhaps to facilitate an effort to locate hostages as well as encourage civilians to report where they are being held. I’m not optimistic that any more will be found alive given the tendency for these terrorists to kill any hostages as their final middle finger to Israel.

Conditions with Iran remain elevated for the possibility of a missile attack. As noted above the Iranian FM reinterated “we have not given up our right to react, and we will react in our time and in the way we see fit.”

Meanwhile, I’m sure Israel is continually updating its targeting list and priorities against Iran.

Iran –

Lead Iranian nuclear negotiator Kazem Gharib Abadi threatened on November 22 that Iran would withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if the E3 triggers the “snapback” mechanism in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Moving into Thanksgiving week, we at least can be thankful for a pause in the chaos. But I almost hate to say it - we can’t let our guard down. The left and all their minions are talking nicey - nice but behind the curtain they are talking another tune. Please, take the time to be thankful with family - that is the most important thing we can do, especially if / when the wheels come off next year.

Globalism / Great Reset –

For years successive COPs have papered over the cracks, but the cracks have now become unbridgeable chasms.

The West wants the world to give up fossil fuels. The developing countries want money, lots of it that the West can’t afford.

So far at Baku, the West has promised to pony up $250bn a year by 2035 in climate aid. But when inflation is taken into account, this is barely more than the $100bn agreed at Copenhagen in 2008. The third world wanted $1.3 trillion.

China still refuses to pay a cent, and Azerbaijan has made it clear that it will not abandon its God-given gift of oil and gas.

As for cutting emissions, the whole idea has had to take a back seat to this unseemly scrabble for money.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2024/11/23/cop29-on-verge-of-collapse/

OBSERVATION - It has never been about global warming, it has alway been about redistribution of wealth and the harming of first world countries.

CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Nov 12, 2024

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston walked back comments he made earlier in the week about using authorities to stop mass deportations that have been promised under President-elect Donald Trump. He also said he was willing to be jailed if necessary.

OBSERVATION - They say what they have planned, and this ‘walk back’ is nothing more than a whoops in exposing that plan prematurely .

Terrorism - HIGH THREAT as of Oct 20, 2024
Hanukkah: Dec 26 - Jan 1

General warning to be alert this Thanksgiving - Christmas season. Besides the Macy’s threat, all other holiday events are susceptible to protests and even violence.

I’m putting this out there now - Hanukkah - will attract the pro-hamas crowd like moths to a light and with less than seasonal charity on their black hearts. Violent protests very likely at celebrations in major cities across the country.

POLITICAL FRONT –
Judge Merchan Postpones Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing Indefinitely

We are seeing the RINOs entrenching themselves in the Senate with 4 of them going as far as openly siding with the democrats on most issues.

Illegal Immigration –

The NFL has issued a security alert to players, warning of a transnational crime ring targeting the homes of professional athletes, including NFL and NBA players, according to a report by NFL Network.

The alert follows recent burglaries at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, which occurred just hours apart on the same evening.

https://www.rvmnews.com/2024/11/nfl-nba-and-nhl-issue-security-alert-warn-of-alleged-illegal-alien-gang-targeting-players-watch/

OBSERVATION - Similar crime syndicates have developed targeting other rich individuals. In some ways referred to as a ‘tourist’ crime spree. Groups fly in from central and south america, conduct numerous home robberies of the rich and then flee back their home countries with the wealth obtained from those robberies.

Russia -

Russian Personnel Issues –-

Rumint. The Financial Times:
Hundreds of Yemeni fighters were sent by the Houthis to Russia and are participating in the war in Ukraine, apparently in exchange for Russia’s security assistance to the Houthis. Yemenis recruited by the Russian army said that in return they were promised high salaries and even Russian citizenship

Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures cooling to the 20-30s and scattered snow

24 HOUR ROUND UP –
The Ukrainian Air Force reported a drone attack overnight.
Out of 73 drones launched, 69 were taken down (50 by air defense and 19 by electronic warfare). Four UAVs are still active on Ukrainian territory.

Russian losses per 24/11/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff
+1020 men
+4 tanks
+17 AFVs
+5 artillery pieces
NOTE - These numbers are the lowest in months!

Russian Territory –
Explosions were reported in Kursk.

Summary —

The world is still reacting (I’d say overreacting) to the Russia IBM shot into Ukraine. Russia has been successful in overstating this missile. This is almost to the extent of eclipsing the notorious “SATAN” ICBM. It seems to have put a degree of deterrence in Ukraine’s uses of western systems for deep strikes into Russia.

Not totally, France yesterday gave a very open declaration granting Ukraine permission to use its cruise missiles for deep, russian strikes.

May be seeing impacts of the worsening weather conditions in Ukraine. Reported Russian losses are at their lowest in several month - during a time when that was the average loss. This probably reflects fewer and smaller size attacks.

ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Unconfirmed reports that Hamas has killed another hostage

- IDF makes significant gains in SW and eastern Lebanon border regions.

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Hamas says a female hostage has been killed during Israeli operations in northern Gaza. The woman’s identity was not revealed, and it was unclear how or when she is said to have died. “This evening the terrorist organization Hamas released a document in which a kidnapped woman is allegedly seen killed,” the IDF said in a statement. “We are checking the information, and at this stage, we are unable to verify or refute it.”

——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-

Continued low activity

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Israeli artillery shelling on the outskirts of the town of Naqoura in the Tyre district in southwestern Lebanon.

***
Hezbollah is launching more rockets than usual today

This morning, six long range missiles were fired from Lebanon toward the Tel Aviv area. The IDF reports that five were intercepted, while one landed in an open area.

Hezbollah has already launched 18 rocket and missile attacks this morning. Rockets are now incoming toward Kiryat Shmona.

——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-

4 missile strikes target the Josieh border crossing near the city of Qusayr, and the Lebanese Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamieh, confirms in a statement that the Israeli targeting of the crossing came within Syrian territory

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

Houthi attacked a Turkish flagged ship twice in 24 hours. Turkey was not pleased about the attack and may send warships to the region to protect its shipping interests.

———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-

The Body of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad Israeli-Moldovan living in Abu Dhabi, has been discovered by Authorities in the United Arab Emirates

***

Jordanian Media is reporting that 3 security officers were Injured and a terrorist was killed, following a firefight that occurred near the Israeli Embassy in Amman. According to Jordanian sources, Jordanian security forces and police are looking for two people who fled after shooting at the Jordanian embassy.

——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-

IAF airstrike tempo has decreased a little bit, but still hammering Hezbollah neighborhoods in S Beirut and Tyre.

In SW Lebanon, IDF is closing the pocket it created trapping Hezbollah forces and flanking the second defensive line. The action noted above at Naqoura, represents a third lateral advance of the IDF in the region.

At the eastern end of the Israeli/Lebanon border, IDF is also pushing deeper and faster. Growing possibility that they will have encircled another region of Hezbollah forces there as well.

In the central front region, IDF continues to pressure Hezbollah, freezing them in place and preventing then from reinforcing their flanks.

It is still amazing to me the effectiveness of Israel’s operational plans to virtually neutralize the massive rocket/missile stockpile and threat that Hezbollah had. Much success based on the months of IAF targeting the forward ammo dumps, supplies and command during the first part of the war. Then upon the start of ground war smashing Hezbollah facilities in Beirut and Tyre. Now Hezbollah can only manage ‘barrages’ of a dozen or fewer rockets several times a day. Israeli planning had anticipated attacks by hundreds of rockets daily.

The fight in Gaza has decreased significantly over the past month as Hamas influence and attempts to regroup have been smashed. At this stage, Hamas poses very little threat to Israel. Their rocket threat is gone, so too the terror attack threat is gone.

Little commented on, but important is that Hamas affiliated groups in the West Bank have lowered their level of activity as well. Israel security forces continue to launch raids to arrest terrorist leaders and cells, but those efforts have gone down.

Iran looks to focus more on smaller scale clandestine attacks on Jews world wide versus the next missile attack. Russia is not much help restoring Iranian missile defenses already facing shortages in its fight in Ukraine. Iran will be virtually defenseless for a considerable time and ill advise to get froggy with an Israel that is anticipating the support by the Trump administration.

Growing concern that Iran may be going forward with the development of a nuke. Russia in its efforts to divert western attention from Ukraine and growing its relationship with Iran may well be giving advice on warhead design and creation. This aid would greatly accelerate the creation of a warhead that could be fitted on one of their ballistic missiles, cutting months/years off development work. It is likely for this reason that Iran is backing away from its missile strike plans, because they know full well that Israel has Trump’s full blessings to take out those nuclear facilities necessary for weapons development.

Iran –

Report in Iran: 5,000 additional new and advanced centrifuges were activated at the nuclear facilities in response to the decision condemning Iran by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency

Misc of Note –

Second only to Columbus Day, Thanksgiving is a hated holiday by the woke leftists because it represents the ‘colonization’ of the US and is thereby evil by definition. Whether what I’ve seen in the local Wallyworld reflects this sentiment or not, it is clear that their sales campaign essentially skipped over stocking for the Thanksgiving season. They went straight from Halloween to Christmas with only minimal Thanksgiving related stockage. Is the message/effort here to minimize Thanksgiving?

On a lighter side, I still encourage as many as possible to get their Ham license - at least up to the General level. The past few days have been fun, thanks to the current solar cycle. Yesterday alone I made a 10m contact with a gentleman near Atlanta GA - my farthest yet. Early evening yesterday I picked up a good signal on the 10m band from a gentleman in S Korea conversing with someone in the Bay area. I was unfortunately unable to contact him.

The reason for my encouragement is the fact that if things go sideways, information outside your local sphere of influence will be critical. Even without getting a license, getting the equipment or even purchasing and learning how to use a short wave radio (with side band capability ) would be invaluable.

Besides the commonly encouraged beans, bullets, bandaids and bug-out many hear on prep sites and sources, your preparations should be broader and include communications aspects. Knowledge is power and knowing what is happening around you may save you and your family/friends lives.

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