Posted on 01/01/2024 5:05:22 AM PST by Godzilla
Welcome to Threat Matrix 2024
For historical reference TM2023 link is
https://freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/4120141/posts?page=1#1
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
I expect 2024 to be even worse as we are facing, among many things -
- 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.
Rolling into the weekend with global turbulence decreasing for the moment.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Nov 12, 2024
If reports are true, it looks like the targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York last week was politically motivated. The alleged shooter, Luigi Mangione, a former Ivy Leaguer from an affluent family, was reportedly caught with some kind of manifesto.
Even before we knew who the shooter was, however, the reaction from far too many leftists was to either justify, celebrate, or rationalize the shooting. There’s a real debate going on in some quarters of the progressive Left over whether slaying CEOs is a bad thing. And it’s unsurprising.
It should not be lost on us that there is a clear ideological continuum between people who rationalize the shooting of a CEO and those who rationalize the murder and rape of Jews by Palestinian terrorists and those who rationalize the burning down of cities for social justice.
If you’re convinced your opponents are abetting some (imaginary) “genocide,” you have a moral duty to stop them. And much of the left-wing violence we’ve seen is predicated on the idea that the enemy is irredeemably nefarious.
OBSERVATION - The near hero worship of this shooter by the left is dangerously crazy. As the article notes, it has been leftists who’ve displayed acts of violence over the past 4 plus years. Not the “white supremacists” boogyman the left has been portraying as the ‘threat’. This assassination may be the first in a potential series of lone wolf style attacks by those leftists who see the only solution to their losing fight against capitalism is to murder the opposition. Marxists/socialists have used this tactic abundantly in the past all around the world.
With leftist leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson a “warning,” suggesting that such action would not be isolated if things did not change, nut jobs will continue to come out of the woodworks feeling ‘justified’ at the kill.
RELATED - Leftist “wanted”-style posters of health insurance leaders have been posted around New York City after the assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO and the arrest of suspect Luigi Magione.
https://x.com/mrandyngo/status/1866903154635284793?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
***
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors just voted 3-1 to turn the county into a “super” sanctuary county by shielding illegals from deportation and preventing police from notifying ICE about dangerous illegals in custody.
San Diego County Sheriff says they will not follow the Board’s resolution to turn San Diego into a super sanctuary city to protect illegals. Under California law, Sheriffs being independently elected authorities are not subjected to county boards.
OBSERVATION - Can easily fit this in with Illegal Immigration. The split decision here will likely be reflected in other counties as well. In the event of a CW2 type scenario - who your sheriff is will be critical.
Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Dec 5, 2024
A Labor Department report showed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% on a monthly basis in November, compared with the 0.3% increase forecast by economists polled by Reuters. Annually, it stood at 2.7%, in line with estimates.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile components such as food and energy, came in at 3.3% as expected.
OBSERVATION - Report has triggered renewed hope for another Fed rate decrease at their next meeting.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
Pentagon maintaining its current force posture with about 900 troops dedicated to the defeat ISIS mission. “In our national security interest that ISIS can’t exploit the ongoing situation on the ground” per DepPentPressSec Sabrina Singh
***
The U.S. military on Tuesday successfully intercepted an air-launched midrange ballistic missile off the coast of Guam in a test flight that officials called a critical step in the defense of the U.S. Pacific territory against potential adversaries like China.
The Aegis air defense system on Guam used a new AN/TPY-6 radar to track the ballistic missile near Andersen Air Force Base. The Vertical Launching System fired a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA at the incoming target, which had been tracked since shortly after launch.
Tuesday’s mission was the first end-to-end tracking by the AN/TPY-6 radar during a live ballistic missile flight test, officials said
https://x.com/indopac_info/status/1866635883337879851?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended liability protections for producers of COVID-19 vaccines through 2029. HHS said the liability shield extension is necessary because of the “credible risk” that COVID-19 will remain a public health risk in the future. The liability shield also protects healthcare professionals who prescribed or administered COVID-19 vaccines. (FO)
OBSERVATION - This liability protection is what is slowing the legal blowback on the now demonstrated lethalities of the wuhan jab. This liability is voided if demonstrated the company knew of hazards of their drug and covered them up. Lawsuits are moving forward with that evidence. Unknown if Trump will be able to reverse this extension.
RELATED - Example of the drug company’s efforts to deceive and misrepresent the ‘safety’ of the mRNA jab. -
“Among all published autopsy reports relating to COVID-19 vaccination, we found that 73.9% of deaths were attributable to fatal COVID-19 vaccine injury syndromes. Our data suggest a high likelihood of a causal link between COVID-19 vaccination and death.”
POLITICAL FRONT –
FBI Director Christopher Wray accepts the inevitable and does not even put up a fight. He can’t. He announced today that he will be stepping down as the Federal Bureau of Investigation director following President-elect Donald J. Trump’s immense displeasure with how the agency has been run under his tenure. Wray said he’d be officially out the door in January (via NYT):
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2024/12/11/chris-wray-resigns-n2648912#google_vignette
OBSERVATION - This will not end Wray’s woes, as he will face intense scrutiny for his and the FBI’s actions over the past 4 years.
***
West Point has admitted to sharing blatantly false information about Pete Hegseth’s acceptance to the prestigious U.S. military academy. Hegseth himself provided evidence to undercut West Point’s claim, which the academy now asserts was made in “error.” This is another illustration of why we need a Defense Secretary who will clean house and enact reforms at the military academies and in the active duty forces.
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2024/12/11/west-point-lied-about-hegseths-acceptance-n4935033
OBSERVATION - Folks, the military leadership at West Point is deeply corrupted. Going back to the 0bama era where leftists military instructors took the lead and we saw the beginnings of ‘woke’ in overweight and racists students, one graduate openly displaying his support for communism, etc passing thru its door and into the service. In my tenure on active duty, most younger ring knockers were almost unbearable, while field grade were generally very competent and service focused.
Fact that they tried to screw Hegseth shows the arrogance they have that they are untouchable. In the words of Mr. T - “I pity the fool” when they get their heels locked by the new boss.
Biden / Harris Watch –
US President Joe Biden has issued presidential pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes, and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 other people.
The White House described it as the most acts of presidential clemency issued in a single day. It has not given the names of the people involved.
OBSERVATION - This is something like 5X the previous record set by 0bama. I haven’t seen specifics yet on who the recipients are.
Russia -
*****
Russia may launch another medium-range ballistic missile, “Oreshnik,” at Ukraine in the coming days, according to Bloomberg, citing a U.S. official.
Russian Ministry of Defense says missile strike with 6 ATACMS missile targeted military airfield in Taganrog of Rostov region, there are casualties among military personnel. Promises response
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukraine drones attacked a base of special operations forces in Grozny, Chechnya
Russian ammunition depot was blown up in Markyne of Donetsk region
Other Ukraine attacks being reported by Russian sources - Russian channels report a massive UAV attack in several regions of Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories such as Crimea.
One of the largest attacks on Crimea is taking place today!
Neptune missiles, Peklo and Palyanytsia drone missiles are being used.
These reports have not been verified.
Russian losses per 12/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.
+1390 men
+6 tanks
+28 APVs
+5 artillery systems
Ukraine Kursk Offensive-
Russian Ministry of Defense claims full control over Novoivanivka village in Kursk region of Russia
Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -
Russian forces having penetrated south of Pokrovsk are attempting to swing to the north and appear to be close to the city’s southern outskirts.
Zaporizhzhia Axis -
Russia moving more military equipment from occupied Crimea towards Zaporizhzhia region posted on social media.
NOTE - There have been rumors for several months now of an offensive in this region.
Summary —
Ukraine pushing a new round of deep strikes using a mixture of home made and western supplied missiles and drones. Russia drags out its threat to use another “Oreshnik” IRBM. The only thing different in this system is that the MIRVs contain six submunitions that last time had no explosives. It was not a “rod of the gods” attack as some have speculated.
The fight for Pokrovsk seems to be coming to a head over the next week or so. Russian forces appear to be on the outskirts of the town and Russia continues to throw massive amounts of men and material into the meat grinder. Should Russia manage to seize the town, Ukraine supply lines will be impacted. However, any Russian exploitation of the capture is unlikely because the forces have been depleted and Ukraine has had the time to establish deeper defensive lines and Russia will be forced to transit more open terrain which in the mud season is not a good situation to be in.
The much rumored Russian offensive towards Zaporizhzhia seems to be gaining some credibility with the documented movement of men and equipment out of Crimea towards the front. The region is one where Ukraine’s poorly executed offensive gained the most terrain. Again, the big question is where is Russian gathering the men and equipment for this action? Are they counting on Ukraine having drawn down it forces there to support defenses elsewhere — and being able to gain the necessary force superiority needed to plough thru the defenses?
The Russia attack may server one purpose - secure more Ukraine terrain before any ceasefire.
I suspect that should Russia attempt a major offensive, the life expectancy of the Kerch Bridge will be measured in minutes. The bridge is the primary supply route to Russian forces in Crimea and southern Ukraine. Ukraine has effectively destroyed most of the military ferry capability that Russia would rely upon if the bridge is lost. So Russia would have few options to support a large offensive.
Ukraine also has the missile capability to strike the bridge in spite of Russian ADA reinforcements around it. Russian response to that strategic strike would be intense.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Hamas shows signs of capitulating to Israeli demands in Gaza and the hostages.
- More, limited IAF airstrikes in Syria.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Netanyahu’s office: The Israeli army will maintain control over the buffer zone in the Golan until a “force” emerges in Syria capable of ensuring adherence to the disengagement agreement and ensuring our security on the border
***
The World Central Kitchen (WCK) has fired 62 of its roughly 500 employees working in the Gaza Strip, after background checks done by the Israeli security service determined them to have links to Hamas and other terror groups.
NOTE - WCK and the UN raised a big stink about a year ago when a WCK truck was taken out by Israel because it was transporting Hamas fighters and equipment. Like the UNRWA, it has been deeply infiltrated by Hamas and associated other terrorists.
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-
According to the Wall Street Journal, Hamas has reportedly softened its stance on allowing Israeli military presence in Gaza post-conflict, presenting a list of hostages they are willing to release as part of a prospective deal. This shift in position has sparked optimism for a significant advancement in the ongoing hostage release talks.
IDF destroyed a large Hamas underground complex in the Rafah area which also took down a large area of overlying buildings.
——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-
Underreported evidence of different factions fighting in Judea and Samaria in opposition to the PA. These rival sects are vying for leadership as the vacuum of the loss of Hamas and Hezbollah spreads.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
With things starting to stabilize in Syria, Hezbollah maintaining a low profile in Lebanon, Hamas capitulating on hostages, Israel is having to shift its priorities and efforts. High on some speculation by observers and analysts is the potential for a soon strike on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has gone to ground its nuclear efforts and does not want to give Israel a clear reason to attack. Iran has few options left to strike Israel. Its decades of efforts to prepare Hamas and Hezbollah to push it into the sea have failed epically with the resounding defeat of its proxy elements and any attempts at reconstituting now hindered by an Iranian / Hezbollah hostile new regime developing in Syria.
For the moment, things have calmed down in this region.
Iran –
Iranian Parliament Speaker: Assad’s fall causes disruption to the resistance, but it will adapt to new circumstances and become stronger Iranian Parliament Speaker: Killing Hezbollah leaders was harder on us than Assad’s fall, but the party became stronger
OBSERVATION - The cognitive dissonance is strong in Iran. Massive spin effort.
***
Britain, France and Germany have told the United Nations Security Council that they are ready - if necessary - to trigger a so-called “snap back” of all international sanctions on Iran to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
They will lose the ability to take such action on Oct. 18 next year when a 2015 UN resolution expires. The resolution enshrines Iran’s deal with Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia and China that lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.
OBSERVATION - Iran has threatened all kinds of retaliation for any “snap back”. Key here is that they want to avoid this at all costs for now as they have already been hurt and may well be trying to accelerate their nuke development clandestinely.
Syria -
Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani is attempting to consolidate HTS’s political and military control in a post-Assad Syrian interim government. Jolani and HTS may find it difficult to subordinate other Syrian groups to the control of the HTS-controlled interim government. Some of these groups have previously fought against Jolani’s organization and may be reticent to see Jolani expand his influence.
The biggest challenger to Joleni is the Syrian National Army (SNA). Neither one can really be considered ‘good guys’
HTS, an ex-al-Qaeda faction, enforces brutal Islamic law, contrary to Joleni’s “moderate” sounding rhetoric so far.
The SNA? Known for targeting Christians with violence and torture.
Right now Joleni has the lead, but intersect conflict can breakout soon.
***
Israel has continued to hit residual military targets in Syria, though not a the pace of a few days ago. Overnight, Israeli targeted helicopter airport in Aqraba, southwest of Damascus. Also hit military sites belonging to the former Assad regime in Latakia and Tartous on the Syrian coast
***
Syria’s new govt says to suspend constitution, parliament for duration of three-month transition period — AFP
***
Syrian Ministry of Transport: We are coordinating with Lebanon and Jordan regarding the return of Syrians through border crossings
***
Russian Army evacuates Ayn Issa base north of Raqqa
JORDAN -
Jordanian King Abdullah II said in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Syrians must put their country’s interests at the forefront of their priorities during the coming period. The Jordanian Royal Court stated that King Abdullah stressed during the call the importance of preserving Syria’s security, stability and institutions.
Misc of Note –
Drones continue to raise concerns over national security. The ‘inability’ or covert reluctance to down these objects harkens back to the Chinese balloon incident where the regime permitted the balloon to pass over critical strategic defense bases unopposed and didn’t shoot down until it was over the ocean and the furor of the citizenry and congress reached a crescendo.
This one fact is known - there are a lot of them - some 50 or more seen in some instances. Again, could be a ‘game’ by tech savvy individuals looking for a thrill or more dangerously, actions by hostile agents.
The probability of hostile agent grows -
California man arrested for spying with a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base
Yinpiao Zhou, 39, of Brentwood, CA, was arrested for flying a drone and taking photos over Vandenberg Space Force Base. - FBI
Any chance Hamas sees Trump taking back the reigns of power could be influencing this change in outlook?
I think that plays a part. They know he’ll let Israel do what needs to be done in Gaza and not tie their hands like Biden.
New threats brewing on the horizon as Trump closes in on Jan 20. The seemingly quiet is not what it seems.
Talking with my wife yesterday - this is not the same country we grew up in.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Nov 12, 2024
So far, BLM has not gotten any traction with its call for protests/riot as a result of the Penny verdict. IMHO, in part because the individual threatened blacks and Penny was assisted by blacks. And they are sick and tired of all the crime and violence in the subway on a daily basis.
POLITICAL FRONT –
The IG report was released yesterday and found that the FBI had 26 confidential human sources at the Capitol on January 6, including four who entered the Capitol building and 13 who entered the “restricted area” around the Capitol, according to the DOJ Inspector General.
At least 17 committed offenses for which other J6er have been federally charges. No CHS was charged.
OBSERVATION - This places Wray and Garland having perjured themselves before congress in sworn testimony. This also corresponds to video evidence of these same govt agents encouraging violence and criminal actions. That they committed criminal acts as well has been suppressed. Many J6rs in prison and jails now have a valid defense of entrapment - especially the ones who just walked in and touched nothing.
This further validates the claims that the J6 was instigated by the deep state agents in the alphabet agencies in a effort to crush any resurgence of the Trump agenda or republican opposition.
It’s no coincidence that FBI Director Wray announced his resignation just prior to the release of the IG report exposing activities of FBI confidential human sources at the Capitol on Jan 6.
RELATED - A new Inspector General report shows that the U.S. Department of Justice reportedly spied on Kash Patel, who was recently selected as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other federal employees without notifying the courts.
According to Just the News, the Inspector General’s report, which was released on Tuesday, shows that the Department of Justice spied on two House members and 43 staff members and asked the courts to help hide the investigation. Tuesday’s report showed that the Department of Justice obtained the phone records of Patel, who worked as a staff member for the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee at the time of the investigation.
RELATED - There were scores of federal and local assets from not only the FBI at the protest and riot that day but plenty of other three-letter federal and local agencies. Metropolitan Police had active agents provocateur on the ground. DHS, ATF, and other Beltway three letter agencies were on site that day.
Further, the govt paid for known members of the “Proud Boys” to come and be part of the effort at the capitol, participating in efforts to rile the crowd into the actions that have resulted in so many being charged. Yet they were not charged for their criminal acts.
Before he died, the former U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms called for an investigation of the “professional agitators” who started the “violent, coordinated” attack.
OBSERVATION - More documentation showing just how out of control the DoJ was under Garland. Clearly it has been weaponized and the fact that they tried to hide their efforts only points to the inherent criminality of their efforts.
FBI deep staters who participated in this are probably wetting their pants. Same for the DoJ when Bondi takes the helm. We cannot have crap like this and call ourselves a ‘free’ society - these are tactics of the communists and other tyrants.
***
NYC Mayor Eric Adams seems to have taken the red pill. Whipsnapping from being a typical liberal in the metro area, he has suddenly embraced the efforts to deport illegals, get tougher on crime (supported the not guilty verdict in the Penney trial) and now endorsing involuntary commitment of the mentally ill who are terrorizing NY commuters on a daily basis.
He also went on a rant over 500,000 children that cannot be accounted for in the illegal and CPS hands.
Biden / Harris Watch –
Buried in the thousands of commutes and pardons were Chinese spies and pedophiles who should have never seen the light to day. Only time when the money trail will start to appear.
Illegal Immigration –
The biden regime has been caught trying to sabotage Trump efforts to finish the border wall.
Videos obtained exclusively by The Daily Wire from a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent show unused sections of the wall being hauled away on the back of flatbed trucks from a section of the border just south of Tucson, a hotspot for illegal crossings during the Biden administration. The agent estimates that up to half a mile per day of unused border wall is being moved.
‘They are taking it from three stations: Nogales, Tucson, and Three Points,’ the border patrol agent, who was granted anonymity to speak freely, told The Daily Wire. ‘The goal is to move all of it off the border before Christmas.’
OBSERVATION - Color me not surprised that they would attempt this.
China –
Chinese naval exercises continue south of Taiwan.
Russia -
*****
Russia trying to recoup / stabilize some of their losses in Syria - see Syria.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
After 3 nights of quiet, overnight, Russia launched a very large missile and drone attack against Ukraine, targeting primarily its energy infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports
Shot down:
0/4 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ballistic missiles
1/2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles
0/1 KN-23 ballistic missile
80/86 Kalibr/Iskander-K/Kh-101/Kh-55 cruise missiles
0/1 Kh-59/69 cruise missile
80/193 Shahed drones
Another 105 (!) Shahed drones were supressed by electronic warfare. Five returned to Russia, one to Belarus.
5 of Ukraine’s 9 operating nuclear reactor units have reduced power output due to renewed attacks on energy infrastructure
Russian Ministry of Defense: “On December 11, 2024, Ukraine launched a missile strike with six ATACMS missiles at a military airfield near Taganrog. In response, Russia carried out a massive precision strike on critical fuel and energy infrastructure in Ukraine, targeting facilities vital to the military-industrial complex. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the targets were hit successfully.”
Russian losses per 13/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff
+1390 men
+5 tanks
+31 AFVs
+6 artillery systems
Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -
Russia continues to press the fight in this area, even though reported personnel losses suggest a slowing of the effort.
Summary —
Massive missile / drone attack overnight. Though Ukraine ADA took out many, enough got through to damage the power grid across the country. Some other observations suggest that Russia stockpiles of Shahed drones may be getting smaller. The fact that Russia stopped their daily attacks (ranging in the 60+ drones) for three days indicate that they had to stock up on drones for this attack (around 300). The claim this attack was in response to Ukraine using ATACMS in a recent strike, but evidence shows the planning was already in progress.
Ukraine’s power grid is already in tatters and will take multiple years (decades) to restore. It is uncertain if this will deter further Ukraine drone/missile strikes into Russia.
Reported Russian losses continue to be down, though still much higher than this past summer. Again, most likely due to poor field conditions, and depleted forces.
Some “discussion” on Ukraine losses. Some have claimed as many as 1 million dead, extrapolating from that another 2 million seriously wounded and out of action. With those losses, Ukraine should have collapsed. More conservative estimates are one fourth to one third that figure, which would be consistent to the tactical situation.
Belarus -
Belarus and Russia signed the Treaty on Security Guarantees within the framework of the Union State. The document defines mutual allied obligations to ensure the defense of the countries.
During the past week, ≈88 Russian drones of the Shahed type flew into Belarus. Most of them subsequently flew to Ukraine. The destruction of the drones by units of the Belarusian Armed Forces was not reported.
On December 6, Lukashenka asked Putin to deploy the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus. According to Putin, the deployment of Oreshnik on the territory of Belarus is possible in the second half of 2025.
https://x.com/hajun_by/status/1867358804574191753?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Progress reported on hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza.
- IAF hit more targets in Syria
- IDF seized the Hermon range between Lebanon and Syria.
- Rumors of a soon Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz: The peaks of Mount Hermon in Syria returned to Israeli control in a moving historical moment Netanyahu and I visited the Golan Heights and saw the peaks of Mount Hermon in Syria, which returned to our control after 51 years.
NOTE - Israel now physically controls the Hermon Range that forms the border between Syria and Lebanon.
***
Rumint. Israel is preparing for potential strikes against Iran nuclear facilities in the very near future -
The Israeli Air Force is intensifying preparations for potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing the weakening of Tehran’s proxies and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria as strategic opportunities, Times of Israel reported citing Israeli military officials.
Netanyahu spoke to the people of Iran, encouraging them and reiterating that Israel is not their enemy, but the enemy of the corrupt mullahs.
***
Some of the framework for a cease fire with Hama is coming out.
Reports indicated the deal is likely to proceed in stages, beginning under the Biden administration and continuing under Trump’s. The first phase is a humanitarian one and will involve the release of hostages in exchange for a seven-week cease-fire.
However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will agree to a smaller deal without ending the war. Contradictory reports have emerged, with some suggesting Hamas is willing to allow a limited Israeli presence in Gaza while others claim Israel has agreed to a temporary withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, though this remains unverified. Israeli assessments suggest a deal could be reached within two weeks.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk2tti00njl
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-
Fighting between Hamas and IDF broke out overnight in the Gaza City area. IAF supported ground units with a number of air strikes.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Israel hit a few Hezbollah targets in S Lebanon for ceasefire violations.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Now mostly covered under Syria, except where Hezbollah and Iran are involved.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The IAF remains uncertain whether three or four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were launched by the Houthis toward Israel on Thursday morning. What is clear, however, is that the Houthis have increased their attempts to challenge Israel in recent days. One UAV was intercepted near Eilat, another was downed using soft defenses, and a third disappeared from radar and has yet to be located.
According to IDF assessments, the escalation of Houthi attacks is partly due to significant blows sustained by the “Axis of Evil.” The Houthis are attempting to exploit this weakness to assume a leading role in attacks against Israel. Israeli officials acknowledge that the situation cannot continue and are preparing for the possibility of a third significant strike against Houthi targets in Yemen.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
More mop up by the IAF in Syria. However, on top of the charts are unconfirmed reports that Israel is preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear weapons program associated facilities. According to these reports, Israel’s destruction of Syria’s air defense capabilities has opened the door wide to a massive air attack. Seen with this were Netanyahu’s message to Iranians yesterday. It is generally known that president-elect Trump has given Israel the OK to hit Iran’s nuclear program if necessary. Fact is Trump is considering the same (see Iran below). Israel has a window of opportunity to strike given the events in Syria and the resulting chaos in the Iranian military losing both Hezbollah and their operations in Syria. Should Israel strike, Hezbollah no longer has the capability to mount any large supporting attack - leaving Iran to stand on its own.
As soon Israeli strike will also acknowledge the general opinion that Iran has made a decision to advance its uranium enrichment program in step with the bomb development. A nuke would be Iran’s only real deterrent as its ballistic missile threat has been minimized in addition to the loss of Hezbollah.
Houthi’s are also facing another round of Israeli wrath. They have stepped up their attacks, being the only element of the “Islamic Resistance “ that poses any real threat to Israel. Any attack by Israel could be used as a training exercise for an attack on Iran, testing many components Israel will need to use.
Brings me back to the potential Israeli attack on Iran. The last attack, Israel primarily used standoff weapons with only a few aircraft penetrating into Iranian air space. With Syrian and Iranian ADA down, Israel can have its air refueling tankers much closer to Iran, permitting deeper penetration by IAF jets carrying larger, bunker buster bombs to hit hardened targets that standoff weapons don’t have the punch to hit hard enough. A much more complex operation than last time, thus using a Houthi hit for training and preparation.
A wild card is the Iranian response. With a month before Trump retakes the helm, direct response by the US will be delayed and Trump cannot order the military to make preparations now. So if Israel hits, it will be because it sees the Iranian efforts to develop a bomb as being imminent and cannot wait until after Jan 20.
In Gaza, progress towards some sort of ceasefire and hostage release. Still likely that it will take some more weeks to iron out the details.
In Lebanon, some Israeli units are preparing to pull out under Lebanese and US military eyes.
Iran –
Ahead of his January 20 inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump is evaluating the possibility of preemptive strikes on Iran to stop its growing nuclear program, according to a Friday morning Wall Street Journal report.
According to the WSJ, this move would mark a significant change from previously established US policy on diplomacy and sanctions when dealing with Tehran.
The report outlines the Trump team’s evaluation of potential attacks on nuclear sites, indicating that members of the president-elect’s transition team are exploring this option.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-833297
Syria -
SDF commander-in-chief: We are ready for dialogue with Turkey. We hope Manbij ceasefire agreement will turn into a comprehensive one. We hope Manbij agreement will come into force by tomorrow. There should be no military forces in Manbij according to the ceasefire agreement
***
Russia is close to reaching an agreement with the new Syrian leadership to keep two bases in the country, two sources tell Bloomberg
NOTE - speculation that this agreement is only short term, not an agreement to maintain Russian presence on a long term basis.
***
Israeli air strikes target military sites at Mezzeh Military Airport and Mount Qasioun in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Israel also targeted air defenses in Wadi Hanna on the Syrian-Lebanese border and further north, former government military sites in Masyaf and Homs countryside
***
Representatives from six Druze communities in southern Syria have formally expressed their desire to be integrated into Israel, seeking a future under Israeli governance.
Turkey –
President Erdoğan, in his meeting with Anthony Blinken, noted that Turkey will take measures for its own national security against terrorist organizations such as PKK/PYD/YPG and ISIS operating in Syria.
You are right about that. People’s thing patterns have changed. In other words, people don’t think the ways they used to.
Thanks, Godzilla.
I'm so glad he's gone... don't even care 'why'...
Thank You for your report.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Nov 12, 2024
(FO) Far Left reaction to Luigi Mangione’s assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been mostly positive.
Some members of the Far Left expressed their hope that Magione’s actions will spark a class war that leads to routine violent direct action against the for-profit healthcare system and other targets of the capitalist class.
Others described the event as “cathartic,” and tied Mangione’s actions to those of other revolutionary anarchists, such as the one involved in the assassination of U.S. President William McKinley in 1901.
One anarchist criticized the action because Mangione wasn’t part of any liberation movement or mutual support group, he was arrested without sharing his family’s wealth with “the oppressed,” and because his actions didn’t change “the system.”
OBSERVATION - (cross reference to Terrorism) The folks at Forward Observer note that as of yet, no clear linkage have been made from Manigone to the anarchist left. This hasn’t stopped the left from trying to use his murder of the CEO to drum up more radical support
“Deny, Defend, Depose” is fast becoming a rallying call by these leftists.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
The U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs, recently completed a successful end-to-end flight test of a conventional hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Health issues may force Sen McConnell to resign before his term is up.
Similar for Rep Pelosi, who fell down a flight of stairs in Europe yesterday, reportedly fracturing her hip.
***
Individuals in the DoJ, FBI and other alphabet agencies with ties to the weaponized actions against Trump have repeatedly started to lawyer up in anticipation of arrests and charges related to the massive amount of questionable, if not outright illegal actions against US citizens, especially Trump.
China –
Chinese naval exercises ended yesterday south of Taiwan.
North/South Korea –
In a second attempt, President Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached by South Korea’s parliament.
Russia -
*****
Russia is evacuating elements of its force grouping in Syria while continuing negotiations with select Syrian groups about Russia’s longer-term military presence in the country.
These talks appear to have achieved limited success as Rebel forces are permitting Russian units to pull out of bases in the Syrian countryside and move to the main bases in the west by the Med.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
The Ukrainian Air Force reports on a drone attack overnight. Out of 132 launched in total, 58 were shot down by regular air defense and another 72 were suppressed by electronic warfare. Two drones returned to Russia.
Russian losses per 14/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff
+1040 men
+2 tanks
+24 artillery systems
Ukrainian attack drones successfully struck a large Russian oil depot this evening in the city of Oryol. Local sources report that the post-strike fire is currently burning out of control.
Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Vuhledar.
Overnight, Ukrainian saboteurs were able to sneak onto Russia’s Krymsk Airbase and torch a modern Russian Air Force Su-30 Flanker.
Summary —
Reported Russian losses suggest that the tempo of Russian attacks has dropped by 1/4 to 1/3. Russia still presses on the southern side of Pokrovsk, making small gains.
Strong, but mostly ineffective drone attack overnight. Ukraine has over the past year since the Shaheds were introduced by Russia fashioned a relatively effective defense. IMHO due in large part to the much smaller area needed to be defended than Russia. Ukraine still manages successful drone attacks because targets in Russia are spread out and harder to provide enough defenses for.
ISRAEL –
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-
Two rockets launched from the central Gaza Strip at southern Israel were intercepted by air defenses a short while ago, the military says. There are no reports of injuries or damage
——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-
The commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Jenin Brigade was reportedly killed after Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and terrorists exchanged fire on Saturday as the security forces attempted to clear the fighters from the West Bank city of Jenin, according to Israeli and Arab reports.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-833385
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Egyptian President discusses with US delegation headed by National Security Advisor efforts to reach ceasefire agreement in Gaza
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Very quiet period for Israel. Intensity of combat in Gaza and Lebanon has gone way down as both areas shifting more to an end game scenario.
Most significant actions have been some additional IAF airstrikes on military related targets in Syria. Many assessments indicate that Israel has destroyed over 80% of Assad’s residual war fighting capabilities, drastically reducing and eliminating them from immediate use by the Rebel forces should they foolishly try and attack Israel in the near future.
Currently, all eyes are looking to see what Israel is reportedly planning to do to Iran. I mentioned previously that I think a strike on the Houthi’s will be first, as a dress rehearsal for an Iranian strike. Distances between Israel and Yemen are comparable to those to Iran and will require the similar need for refueling in an efficient and stealthy manner.
Once again, Syria’s ADA is out of the game - especially the radars that could have tipped off Iran of an incoming attack. Iran is blind and very vulnerable.
Iran –
Iran has issued a threat to Qatar that if their nuclear program facilities are hit, Iran would destroy Qatar’s oil industry.
Syria -
IAF hit several military related targets overnight.
***
The Russian news agency Tass reports: Russia has secured temporary guarantees to maintain its bases in Hmeimim (airbase) and Tartus (naval base).
It appears that Russia is evacuating its bases in other parts of Syria (yesterday, military convoys of Russian equipment were seen heading toward western Syria, to the bases in Tartus and Hmeimim).
So far the rebels are allowing the Russians to carry out the evacuation smoothly.
***
Turkish supported factions continue to attack US backed Kurdish forces in N Syria on key crossings of the Euphrates River. Kurds have been forced back to the east over the past week.
***
Proto-Syrian govt has filed a complaint with the UN over ‘violations’ of the 1974 peace agreement between Israel and Syria. Dispute focuses on Israel occupying the buffer zone with combat units.
OBSERVATIONS - The what I call the proto-Syrian govt is still trying to pull all the pieces together. There appears to be some reliance on the old structure for continuity until it can be modified or replaced.
This interruption in the govt has permitted not only Israel but Turkey as well to operate against targets in Syria to their advantage.
Russian columns retreating to the west have been verbally harassed by Syrians but not attacked. This permission to redeploy is probably the negotiations Russian has been engaging in over the past week. OSINT indicates that at the Russia naval base in Tartus and the air force base near by, equipment continues to be loaded up on cargo aircraft and ships for removal.
My gut feeling is that if the rebels permit Russian to regain full control of those bases, they will be charging a huge amount for the use to include reparations and damage costs. With Russia’s struggling economy, Russia may not be able to pay the premium plus costs.
Misc of Note –
More drones!
U.S. military confirmed drone sightings at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
There were “no impacts to base residents, facilities, or assets,” the spokesperson said.
Der Spiegel said drones were also sighted over locations belonging to German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and chemicals group BASF.
(Reuters)
OBSERVATION - Some of these reports now around the world may be part of a hysteria and misidentification of these aircraft.
OTOH, Reports of sightings from credible sources continue to grow as well.
There are two practical causes still in my view. One being pranks by individuals and Two, more dangerous asymmetric battlefield preparations by hostile agents, most likely at this stage being China followed by Russia. Until someone gets guts and brings one of these aircraft down, these questions will remain.
We can only pray for a real positive change in the leadership, that someone with integrity fill their shoes.
Thanks, Godzilla.
Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Dec 5, 2024
US wholesale inflation shot higher last month, an unwelcome sign that some prices could be heating up before they come down the pike to consumers.
The Producer Price Index, a measurement of average price changes seen by producers and manufacturers, rose 0.4% on a monthly basis and 3% for the 12 months ended in November, marking an acceleration from October, when prices increased 0.3% and 2.6%, respectively, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Thursday.
October’s monthly and annual rates were both revised higher from their initial estimates.
You hear that? Inflation is so high that they’re revising it upward from two months ago
[F]ood prices also surged last month by 3.1% — the category’s largest monthly spike since November 2022. The index for chicken eggs, which soared 54.6% from October was the biggest culprit and accounted for a quarter of the overall monthly jump in the PPI.
Eggs, of course, are in countless other products, meaning a spike in egg prices will likely generate a price hike in just about everything on the shelves.
https://notthebee.com/article/dont-forget-this-is-still-very-much-joe-bidens-economy
OBSERVATION - Noted agriculture costs a few days ago. No relief in sight.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics
International health authorities have been dispatched to the Democratic Republic of Congo to address a respiratory illness of unknown origin. Over the weekend, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a team has been sent to the region to discover the cause of the illness and enhance local healthcare efforts. Currently, Congolese health officials have reported 406 cases and 31 fatalities, with a significant impact on young children.
The illness, referred to as “Disease X” by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shares symptoms with the flu. These symptoms include body aches, fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and anemia. Although most cases have emerged in the Kwango Province, Italian news source Il Tempo noted that a traveler from Congo was hospitalized upon developing symptoms abroad.
The underlying explanation might be an outbreak of a known deadly pathogen or multiple diseases, given Congo’s chronic struggle with epidemics due to inadequate healthcare access. The WHO statement indicates that diseases such as acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and malaria are under consideration as potential sources, with malnutrition possibly exacerbating the situation. Malaria, commonly found in the area, could be a contributing factor
https://thenationalpulse.com/2024/12/09/scientists-are-investigating-something-called-disease-x-heres-what-we-know/#:~:text=Scientists are Investigating Something Called ‘Disease X’ – Here’s What We Know
OBSERVATION - Not ready to raise the alert status on this yet but it is a legitimate outbreak but may be limited by environmental factors like many other diseases in Africa.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Confirmed, Pelosi had hip replacement surgery. She is going to be out of the loop for some time.
North/South Korea –
Now impeached, Yoon will still remain in office, his powers will be suspended. His prime minister, Han Duck-soo, will take on the role of acting president and the powers that Yoon lost.
Russia -
Economic Impact –
2 vessels, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, declared emergency and sinking in Kerch strait. 13 crew members on each, rescue operation is ongoing.
NOTE - Both vessels lost to high waves and not Ukrainian attack.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
The Ukrainian Air Force reports on a Shahed drone attack by Russia overnight. Out of 108 Shahed drones launched, 56 were shot down by regular air defense and another 49 were suppressed by electronic warfare. Three more returned to Russia.
Russian losses per 15/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.
+1280 men
+12 tanks
+32 AFVs
+26 artillery systems
+3 MLRS
+2 AD systems
Head of Chechnya Kadyrov confirmed attack at the base of Rosguard special operation forces in Grozny, says 2 of 3 drones were shot down, and no casualties. This is the second attack by Ukraine in as many days.
Ukraine Kursk Offensive-
In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 57 Russian army assaults, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.
Confirmed reports that N Korean troops have been used in these attacks and unconfirmed reports are they engaged in on foot rushes towards Ukraine positions and suffered heavy losses.
Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -
At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Zorya, Kurakhove, Lysivka, Yelyzavetivka, Hannivka and Uspenivka.
These attacks are threatening to isolate a pocket of the Ukraine defense on the southern most line of the Pokrovsk front
Summary —
The tempo of Russian attacks appear to have decreased, but key advances in the Kurakhivka area threaten encirclement of Ukraine forces.
The confirmed used of N Korean troops in Kursk has not gone well for them. Unconfirmed Russian milbloggers report that the forces are even more poorly trained than Russia conscripts and have killed many of their own via friendly fire than Ukraine has (prior to sending into the fight in Kursk). The meat attack, on foot rush of the NK will quickly eliminate their numbers. Running on foot across an open, snow covered field is not conducive to a long life expectancy.
War innovations ebb and flow and Ukraine’s adjustment to Russia shahed drones are a case in point. Very few drones get thru any more.
Ukraine’s attack on Chechnya are interesting and of questionable strategic value.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- More airstrikes in Syria.
- Raid in Gaza takes out terrorist HQ
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-
IDF’s “Givati” infantry Brigade raided last night the Khalil al-Alda terrorist headquarters in Beit Hanoun, which was previously served as a school.
60 terrorists were killed and 30 more arrested.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
No serious action, just a few demolition projects by Israel to eliminate Hezbollah infrastructure in controlled areas of S Lebanon.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
See Syria on airstrikes to prohibit arms/munitions from being used against Israel.
——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-
Ongoing Security force operations.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Still hot rumors of an impending Israeli action against Iran to take advantage of the chaos from the rebel overthrow of Assad and the resulting weak position of Iran. The fall of Hezbollah and Syria has significantly reduced the threat of a regional war against Israel, though the threats to countries hostile toward Iran in the Persian Gulf are high - targeting their oil infrastructure. These Gulf nations do not have the ADA systems Israel does, so even the most inefficient missile attack by Iran could inflict sever damage.
On the other side of the coin, such an attack on global oil will no doubt bring massive strikes by the US once Trump is in office.
Israel continuation of hitting military targets/facilities in Syria should be winding down, except that rebels keep finding arms stashes and underground sites untouched. But for all practical purposes, Israel is close to being done and will focus on consolidating its positions in the buffer zone. To do more will risk turning the rebels directly against them at a time where they are saying we really don’t want a fight with Israel. Remember - these rebels are based in AQ and ISIS doctrine and are likely just speaking such until they can consolidate power and begin shifting to an anti-Israeli mode.
In Gaza, Hamas and affiliated terror groups keep making it easy for Israel to take them out, congregating in former ‘safe’ zones where they can be quickly isolated and annihilated.
Hezbollah in Lebanon has essentially been suppressed with little or no reports of ceasefire violations against Israel nor preemptive action by Israel. Hezbollah leadership has openly confirmed that their lines of supply from Iran have been cut off and are hoping that the rebels will give them a mulligan for all the atrocities they committed against them before the overthrow so that the arms supply line can be reestablished. Don’t see that happening any time soon.
Syria -
Israeli media: The Air Force destroyed warehouses of modern missiles and rocket launchers near the town of Qastal in the Qalamoun region in the Damascus countryside. Over 60 targets in total.
Turkey –
Just hours after meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussing the fight against the Islamic State in Syria, Turkey’s foreign minister sent a shocking message to Washington by saying his country’s goal is to eliminate the main fighting force of the Syrian Kurds, which defeated ISIS in tandem with the U.S.
According to Turkish media, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in a live broadcast on NTV that “the elimination of YPG is [Turkey’s] strategic goal.” He also noted the country’s Kurds must be protected.
The U.S. has a long-standing military alliance with the Syrian Kurdish military organization, The People’s Defense Units (YPG), in Syria. The YPG is part of a broader organization known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and played a key role in dismantling the Islamic State in Syria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has seized on the collapse of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad’s rule to gobble up territory controlled by the pro-American Syrian Kurds, risking hard-won gains against the Islamist State terrorist movement.
Erdoğan’s campaign to purge the SDF in northern Syria has created a dangerous security situation in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), according to Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the SDF’s commander in chief.
OBSERVATION - Erdoğan displays his territory grab and his standard hate the Kurds message. He knows Blinken is a loser. What will happen when Trump is back in charge? Erdogan may change his tune and tactics.
***
Turkey has also offered to begin training the new rebel regime’s army which also implies providing material support given so much has been recently destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
Misc of Note –
Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention.
Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor.
OBSERVATION - Many of the ‘drone’ videos flooding social media are clearly common aircraft. Many carry marker and other strobes that are mandated on civilian aircraft.
That said, there are many reports of more legitimate sightings. In one case, the activity was significant enough to close the NY airport. Also note, “daily voice” is not the only outlet with the story, NBC, NY Post and many others are carrying it.
Question that is concerning me now. This activity has essentially exploded following the election. Are hostile agents trying to take advantage of the lame duck president with an addled mind to initiate such actions in advance of something worse?
The Ukraine war has resulted in an explosion (no pun intended) of combat application of drones. Even relatives small drones have been modified to carry a big enough explosive to take out tanks. These reported drones are much bigger and have traversed sensitive US military and other governmental facilities with ease. Langley AFB is one such area where a drone loaded with bombs could wreak havoc on important Air Force jets in either an asymmetrical or terror attack. And similar attacks could be conducted just about anywhere in there country or world for that matter - see drone outbreaks in Europe.
Lack of govt effort to down these confirmed drones causes me to reflect back to the Chinese balloon that drifted over my home a couple years ago - without interference until it was out over the Atlantic. It is almost as if the govt is allowing these things to do what ever they are up to, just like they let China operate the balloon uninhibited.
Filter out the actual civilian aircraft misidentification, yahoos flying this own drones having fun with the flap and just fake reporting, what we have left is a serious national concern that shouldn’t be laughed or waved off until we get better evidence.
Thanks, Godzilla.
She should take the hint and retire now.
Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Dec 5, 2024...You hear that? Inflation is so high that they’re revising it upward from two months ago
Good thing that Social Security recipients will receive an average inflationary raise of $20 - $30 per month, after their $10 increase in premium, of course. Federal government, always looking out for the average Joe. (Sarcasm off).
Remember...you have no choice to opt out of SS, it's a forced taking. Plan ahead so SS is NOT your only retirement income (it was never intended to be). I've known a few elderly folks that SS was there only income, it was not a good situation.
“OBSERVATION - Noted agriculture costs a few days ago. No relief in sight.”
FWIW, we just ordered new tracks for our Skid Steer. If and when Tariffs are put in place again, anything we need for the farm is going to go through the roof. We also got chickens this spring - egg prices are currently a thing of the past as long as the girls stay happy and healthy and I can refresh the flock every other year or as needed.
I have been shopping around for the best prices on milk and butter too, and stocking up and freezing all that I am allowed to buy.
We are also stocked up on building supplies we need for near-future projects (front porch repair, remodel and painting) as well as a new kitchen sink and tin ceiling panels for the kitchen. Updated Kitchen lighting is next, so I have to make some decisions pretty quickly!
We also pulled together some cash this week to pay off the remaining 112 acres of crop land that we rent out. That rent pays our taxes and more each year on the whole farm. Then, we will be 100% Debt Free! We owe nothing on trucks - they’ve been paid off for ages.
We’re not doing this just because President Trump was elected; we are doing it because President Trump WAS elected and Socialist Democrats will still be trying to sabotage anything he wants to do, resulting in more economic PAIN for ‘We The People’ in the short term.
Agreed. Retired and have SS supplemented by a retirement pension and military disability pay. here in the Redoubt cost of living is low and our home here is completely paid off. Can’t conceive of carrying a large debt like a mortgage into retirement.
Planning a head is excellent. So too is getting debt free and staying that way.
Too addicted to power.
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