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Threat Matrix 2024
Jan 1, 2024 | Self

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For historical reference TM2023 link is 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.


TOPICS: Conspiracy; Military/Veterans; Miscellaneous; Society
KEYWORDS: globalism; news; threatmatrix; threats; tm
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
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To: Godzilla
The reported goal of this stage of protests is to cut the city off from supplies for at least 3 days.

Only a foretaste of what they'll experience if the government shuts down farming.

141 posted on 01/30/2024 8:21:03 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Godzilla
Mexico wants an urgent investigation into how U.S. military-grade weapons are increasingly being found in the hands of Mexican drug cartels, Mexico’s top diplomat said Monday.

Nothing is stopping them. What are they waiting for?

Just go ahead and do it.

142 posted on 01/30/2024 8:22:14 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Godzilla
IDF special forces overnight reportedly secretly entered the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin with silenced weapons & assassinated three militants, including two high-ranking commanders, one of which is a founder of the Jenin Brigades & the other a leader of Hamas in Jenin. The terrorists were reportedly planning an October 7-inspired terror attack.

Israeli security forces stated that for a long time, a large number of wanted persons had been hiding in hospitals and were using them as a base for planning terror attacks and carrying them out, and that they believed that the hospitals would serve as protection against Israeli security forces.

Hamas believes the IDF would attempt to protect the innocent, ill, and vulnerable? Hamas is right. The IDF is morally and ethically superior. That said, Israel's also smart enough to figure out ways to protect the innocent while finding ways to kill the scum of the earth - even in hospital settings.

143 posted on 01/30/2024 12:28:07 PM PST by GOPJ (“POSIWID” systems engineer's acronym that stands for “the Purpose Of a System Is What It Does.”)
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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; bgill; bitt; Black Agnes; ..

Abbreviated issue today, my day being OCBE - catch up more throughly tomorrow. Focusing on the current Iranian crisis.


Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to impending conflict with Iran.

CONTINUED WARNING - impending military action against Iranian assets for the attack that killed US forces in Jordan could result in Iranian terror groups here in the US to activate and conduct terror ops here. These attacks can range from infrastructure destruction (water, power, communications, etc) to mass casualty events (superbowl related attacks) or attacks on political candidates - heavily leaning against current administration but also Trump as well. So far the govt hasn’t come out with any warnings but the risk has increased significantly the last 24 hours, based on common sense and stated goals of the Islamist movement/Iran.


Iran – Potential war with US developing.

Yesterday’s news was epic in that it showed the incredible weakness of the US policy towards Iran and the weakness of the country in general. Based upon leaked messages between the US and Iran, basically the US told Iran that we are going to wack their hand and for them to please not hit us back. Iran pointed stated in return that any strike on Iranian territory will ignite war.

To add insult to injury, Kata’ib Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group in Iraq and Syria who claimed responsibility for the drone attack has just announced a suspension in attacks against U.S. and Coalition Forces in the region in order to “avoid the embarrassment of the Iraqi Government.”

Speculation continues as to what the target set will actually turn out to be. It has been observed that additional air tankers have been moved into the region.

“Officials say plans call for the U.S. to launch a real bombing campaign, not just another round of one and done retaliatory strikes of the kind it has conducted so far,” CBS News reported. “Once it begins, the bombing is likely to continue for a number of days.”

The U.S. response may likely coincide with Dahe-ye Fajr (starting Feb. 1) as the Islamic Republic begins to mark the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

OBSERVATION - The biden regime is so paranoid about upsetting Iran that it seems that it has gone as far as seemingly asking PERMISSION to attack them for the deaths and injuries to US servicemen/women in the Jordan attack. Iran’s response shows to the arab world who is the boss in the current situation. Under previous presidents, the US maintained OPSEC on its planned attacks. Under biden it seems to be warn them so all we hit is sand dunes and empty buildings.

That said, the target set is still robust and perhaps biden is done being Mr nice guy - ok rather biden’s handlers are done. Choice and juicy target continues to be the Iranian naval assets in the Red Sea region believed to be passing targeting information to the Houthi’s. They are not on Iranian territory are they. Probably wishful thinking.

With all the eyes of the world watching to see what the US response will finally be, biden may go for being the ‘strong’ president theme to bolster his polling stats. A scary proposition as well. Until the bombs actually start to drop, we won’t really know what is operational concept for this action is going to be.

In their effort to avoid ‘war’ with Iran, they may very well step in it.


144 posted on 01/31/2024 8:20:12 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; bgill; bitt; Black Agnes; ..

Back up and running - and the global situation continues to go south.


Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO February 19 to 21, Trans guideline committee.
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024

*****

Dutch political commentator, Eva Vlaardingerbroek - “Unelected globalists are using the Climate Scam as a pretext to shut down the global farming industry, leaving people no option but to eat insects and lab-grown meat, under the banner of UN Agenda 2030.”

“The people behind this want to establish a one world government, a ‘New World Order’, in which they decide what we eat, when we eat, where we travel, when we travel, who we meet, and what we are allowed to spend our money on. Basically, control over every single aspect of our lives.”

“They don’t want us to eat foods that make us strong. They want us to eat synthetic meat created by Bill Gates. They want us to eat bugs, they want us to drink soy milk, so that we become weak and obedient, and we do as they say.”

OBSERVATION - She gets it. The meme that is increasingly valid - We are the carbon they want to reduce. Control the food, control the masses.

***
Farmer revolt continues to press on.

Hundreds of Belgian farmers have arrived outside the EU in Brussels to protest against climate policies. Belgian authorities surrounded the headquarters with barbwire in advance.

Greek farmers escalated protests against net zero taxes and globalist policies.

It appears the Irish farmers are mobilizing with many convoys forming up.

In France, farmers have essentially cut off Paris from the ground. Police forces mobilized to try to prevent some Farmer elements from continuing into Paris. Recent reports that nearly a couple dozen farmers have been arrested and their tractors confiscated.

German protests continue across the country as well.

OBSERVATION - Even the local news agencies indicate that the public opinions are still favorable towards the farmers, even those inconvenienced by the road blockages. Over a dozen EU dominated countries have farmer revolts ongoing in some degree.


CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT

Showdown in TX continues. The beacons of Gondor are lit ! !

Situation remains status quo on the TX border. TX law enforcement continue to arrest stray illegals that they come upon. Much of the influx via TX now shifting west towards NM, AZ and CA.

***
Six pro-life activists were just found guilty in federal court after being prosecuted by Biden’s DOJ under the FACE Act for protesting outside a Nashville abortion clinic.
For the crime of praying and singing hymns, these six activists now face a maximum of 11 years.

OBSERVATION - This is important to show that the regime is continuing its two-tiered justice system. It sees pro-life as a domestic terror offshoot, thus goes after a peaceful protest with the full power of the govt to dissuade other protests, while ignoring violent actions by the left.

***
Biden’s Department of Alcohol, Tabacco, and Firearms is working with the Department of Justice to regulate private gun sales into oblivion by mandating background checks for personal firearm exchanges, according to whistleblower group Empower Oversight.

Federal law currently requires background checks for any gun buyers who purchase their new weapons through a licensed federal firearms dealer (FFL). Two sources in communication with Empower Oversight confirmed the ATF is prepared to move forward with a rule that would classify a closed-door gun sale between friends or family members the same as firearm purchases made from FFLs.

The rule, proposed by the DOJ and ATF at the behest of Biden’s gun control wish list issued in March 2023, seeks to change the definition of “who is engaged in the business of dealing in firearms” to increase the number of Americans required to become FFLs, a lengthy and far from “easy” process, that must conduct background checks to sell their guns. The ATF and DOJ credits Democrats’ 2022 gun control bill, which passed because more than a dozen Republican senators agreed to betray their base.

The 1986 Firearms Owners’ Protection Act determined that regulation of those “engaged in the business” of selling guns commercially “shall not include a person who makes occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms for the enhancement of a personal collection or for a hobby, or who sells all or part of his personal collection of firearms.”

The ATF and DOJ have made several unconstitutional moves against law-abiding gun owners in the last three years. At Biden’s direction, the ATF attempted to turn pistol brace owners into felons, shutter gun stores over paperwork flukes, “ban” ghost guns, shut down ammunition sales, and alter the legal definition of a firearm to instate background checks for gun parts.

https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/31/doj-atf-pressed-over-secret-plans-for-unconstitutional-regulation-of-private-gun-sales/

OBSERVATION - The regime is bound and determined to deny citizens their constitutional rights. When the govt works to disarm the country, bad things historically occur.

***
RUMINT - Word is spreading through out the truckers convoy in support of TX of agent provocateurs infiltrating into the mass to ID participants, and potentially create an incident (s) that the govt can use to crackdown on participants a la Canada and J6.

RUMINT - only to the extent of the goals of these infiltrators. It is very well established that the feds will plant agents or paid informers into groups like this for “intelligence” purposes. How and where any provocative actions will take place is uncertain. Convoy promoters reportedly are becoming more aware of this potential problem and are screening suspect individuals in a counter - HUMINT manner.


Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to impending conflict with Iran.

CONTINUED WARNING - impending military action against Iranian assets for the attack that killed US forces in Jordan could result in Iranian terror groups here in the US to activate and conduct terror ops here. These attacks can range from infrastructure destruction (water, power, communications, etc) to mass casualty events (superbowl related attacks) or attacks on political candidates - heavily leaning against current administration but also Trump as well. So far the govt hasn’t come out with any warnings but the risk has increased significantly the last 24 hours, based on common sense and stated goals of the Islamist movement/Iran.


Economy-

Markets weren’t too happy with the Fed’s announcement yesterday. Fed Chair Jerome Powell made his remarks following the conclusion of the central bank’s policy meeting on Wednesday.

March is probably not the “base case” for when the Fed might start lowering its benchmark rate, Powell said during the press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

“Based on the meeting today, I would tell you that I don’t think it’s likely that the committee will reach a level of confidence by the time of the March meeting to identify March as the time” for its first rate cut, he said. “But that’s to be seen.”

OBSERVATIONS - Markets were hoping rates would decrease in March, but now it is uncertain and may get pushed later into the year. Standard practice of economists note that changes to the prime rate often take as much as 6 months to effect the economy, so that a March rate decrease will likely have very little bearing on the economy at election time.

***
United Parcel Service said Tuesday that it plans to cut about 12,000 jobs this year, a move that the package-delivery giant said would result in $1 billion in savings.

Most of the cuts will be to full-time and part-time management positions and contract workers, and executives said they don’t expect these jobs to return when parcel volumes return.

UPS has around 85,000 workers in management. The job cuts were unveiled after the company said its revenue declined in the last quarter of 2023 as volumes in both its domestic and international businesses dropped.
UPS drivers to make $170,000 in pay and benefits following Union deal

OBSERVATION - These layoffs are part of layoffs all across the economy that appear to be growing in number and economic sector. During the wuhan plandemic, shipping suffered under a severe lack of delivery. Since wuhan, trucking companies and companies like USP have been suffering from a large slowdown in shipments. Such a slow down are often considered harbingers of a recession.

In related jobs data, companies added 107,000 workers in the first month of 2024, off from the downwardly revised 158,000 in December, ADP reported Wednesday. Leisure and hospitality reported the biggest increase, with an addition of 28,000 workers, while trade, transportation and utilities added 23,000, and construction rose by 22,000. The release comes two days ahead of the Labor Department’s nonfarm payrolls report, which is expected to show growth of 185,000.

These numbers are below expected levels, indicating weaknesses in the jobs sector.

***
Observers are concerned that a new round of bank failures may be upon us. ‘New York Community Bancorp,’ the bank that acquired troubled Signature Bank last year announced a $264 million loss in Q4 yesterday, and as a result, the stock opened down over -40%. This could trigger some affiliated bank problems.

***
(FO) The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permitting rule under the Clean Water Act would significantly disrupt meat packers and producers nationwide

The EPA’s proposed rule would more stringently limit nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, and a public hearing is scheduled for today

This new EPA rule is similar to proposals used in the Netherlands to try to run beef producers out of business, ultimately leading to farmer protests against the government. The price increases that move downstream as producers are forced to pay billions of dollars to comply with the new rule will hit Americans’ pocketbooks at a time when food price inflation is already high.

OBSERVATION - Additionally, the use of regulatory warfare to kill off agriculture and in particular the meat industry is insidious. This has been the MO of agencies like the EPA under biden’s regime. The EPA on many other regulations such as the ones to go after global warming gasses have been repudiated by the USSC as exceeding their congressional mandate. However, it takes years for these lawsuits to push through to the SC, and absent restraining orders, generally force the regulations onto industries in the interim, costing billions of dollars. They will try to force us to eat bugs one way or another.


Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –

Carriers USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) drilled with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH-182) in the Philippine Sea in a multi-day event. A JMSDF release stated that the drills began on Monday and will conclude on Thursday.
“The purpose of this training is to improve the tactical skill and interoperability with the U.S. Navy,” Rear Adm. Hitoshi Shimuzu, commander of Escort Flotilla 2, said in a JMSDF release. “Our relationship is committed to regional peace and stability.”
The Navy release said that the last exercise of its kind took place in November in the Philippine Sea with the Carl Vinson and Ronald Reagan strike groups.

OBSERVATION - Eyes on these flattops as it would take about a week or so for them to get to the Persian Gulf region should things go sideways. Even then, likely only one would go as the other would stay in the region to deter China from actions against Taiwan.


Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics –

Australia’s Department of Child Protection (DCP) must pay compensation and medical expenses to a youth worker who developed pericarditis after getting a Covid booster under a workplace vaccination directive, the South Australian Employment Tribunal has ruled.

In a decision handed down on January 15th 2024, the tribunal determined that Daniel Shepherd’s employment was “a significant contributing cause” to his injury, which has since rendered him incapable of performing his role at work.
Shepherd got a Covid booster in February 2022 as a requirement for his ongoing employment with the DCP. The DCP admitted that Shepherd’s pericarditis had been caused by the booster, but denied responsibility for the injury, arguing that it did not arise from Shepherd’s employment, but from a lawful State Government Public Health Order (PHO), issued under the Emergency Management Act 2004 (EMA).

However, the tribunal rejected the DCP’s argument, deciding that because the injury arose as a result of both the state-directed vaccination mandate and his employment, Mr. Shepherd was entitled to workers compensation.

https://dailysceptic.org/2024/01/31/employer-liable-for-vaccine-injury-acquired-due-to-vaccine-mandate-court-rules/

OBSERVATION - Though this is in Australia, I believe we can expect similar lawsuits against companies here in the US for similar. What is important here is that the defense that these mandated jabs were due to a governmental health order was put aside. Australia was more severe in its jab orders than the US, which only mandated jabs for fed employees. No jabs were mandated for private companies. States mandated jabs for its employees and schools. Now this whole defense is questionable here - workmans’ comp lawsuits -as well as wrongful death - are probably inbound.


POLITICAL FRONT –

Dates of importance
Feb 8 - The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the Colorado case.
March - latest CR expires
March 5- Super Tuesday primaries

****

A lot of lawfare news - I defer to other FR threads for details and discussion. Key for me is that court decisions for some of Trump’s trials are due this week. And as they come out - evidence/proof of DA and judge funny business are coming out that on top of the illegitimate way these trials have been conducted, may well blow them out of the water on appeal. Again, two-tiered justice system.

***
Homeland Security Committee passed articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in an 18-15 vote along party lines.


Biden / Harris Watch –

Dates to watch -
March 7 - State of the union

****
James OKeefe has opened up a new can of worms on todays WH. Top White House Cyber Official tells O’Keefe in Disguise “they can’t say it publicly” the White House wants to replace Kamala Harris and Confirms biden is in
mental decline: “Biden is definitely slowing down.”

“I’m just telling you what I’ve heard… they’re really concerned about it” …“I think they need to get rid of him or her.”

“But no one in modern history has ever said, like, ‘We’re not going to renominate the president for a second term.’”

OBSERVATION - This also sums up democrat problems with biden. Granted, this guy is kinda low on the totem pole, he is in enough position to hear this information and discussions. In addition to the WH disfunction and his mental issues, the polls are slamming him even further behind Trump - especially in key swing states and demographics. Remember - polling has a second purpose and that is to shape public opinion. But they are facing some hard decisions.


Cyber attacks/warfare – HEIGHTENED ALERT

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned lawmakers on Wednesday about the growing threat posed by Chinese hackers who are targeting U.S. electrical grids and other infrastructure during testimony before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
“China’s hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if or when China decides the time has come to strike,” Wray said in his opening remarks to the panel.

Wray and other national security officials, including Jen Easterly, who leads the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, testified just as the FBI and Justice Department announced Wednesday that it had shut down a major China-based hacking group that had been working to compromise U.S. cyber infrastructure.

“So far, we’ve discovered CCP malware in certain critical infrastructure, but they haven’t been activated yet,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), the ranking member of the committee.
The group, called “Volt Typhoon,” is believed to have attacked hundreds of routers in offices, allowing the Chinese government to access critical data. It was apparently targeting U.S. water treatment plants, the power grid, oil and natural gas pipelines, and transportation systems.

OBSERVATION - Cyberwarefare initiated by China or Iran, would be a combat ‘multiplier’ at a strategic level, permitting them to attack US directly without threats to loss of operatives lives. There is also a cover of anonymity involved in that it is difficult to pin any attack on a national player or so call unaffiliated ‘groups’ doing the hacking/attacking.


Illegal Immigration –

See CW2 on Texas standoff.

***

Police departments in sanctuary cities and their suburbs are reporting crime waves tied to illegal aliens who are summarily released into the country by the Biden administration after crossing the southern border. In particular, Chicago and New York City are suffering significant increases in crimes committed by illegals.

Oak Brook, Illinois, Police Chief Brian Strockis reported six illegal alien felonies in a recent single day. The chief told Fox News his department has arrested 47 illegals since October 23.
In NYC, illegals attacked and hospitalized two policeman. 5 individuals were arrested and turned back onto the streets with no bail.

OBSERVATION - Can link this to movement towards CW2. All these single men of military age that have poured across the border the past several years is starting to bring home the bacon for democrats - in a way they may or may not have expected. For the marxist deep state democrats, the chaos this increased crime and violence produces fits their Hegelian dialectic models. To the rank and file democrat sheeple, they are being shocked and angered as the crime hits home to them - an not some podunk border town in TX not mentioned on the MSM. This is increasingly straining the cultural ties of this country.


China –

Chinese lithium giants Ganfeng and Tianqi warned investors on Tuesday that their profits are plunging by up to 80 percent as the demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries weakened, producing a glut of lithium that drove prices down.

Ganfeng posted a note to the Hong Kong stock market that said net profits declined by up to 80 percent in 2023 because the “cyclical” nature of the lithium industry, and the “growth rate of demand slowing down,” caused a “significant decrease in the price of lithium-salt products.”
Ganfeng shares fell by five percent in trading after the announcement. Rival lithium supplier Tianqi suffered a 6 percent decline after making a similar announcement of profits slipping by up to 73 percent in 2023.

https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2024/01/31/chinas-lithium-producers-see-profits-collapse-as-ev-demand-craters/

OBSERVATION - China’s economy takes another hit. In the US, EV sales are tanking and the automakers who bet the farm by moving to convert all production to EVs are rapidly backtracking.
Another item is that massive Lithium deposits are being found outside of China’s control of the metal. Two major deposits in the US announced in the past year alone.

****
The Chinese Coast Guard spokesman asserted “indisputable sovereignty” over the Scarborough Shoal and its adjacent waters. An estimated 200 Chinese boats surrounded the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at the same time as the sovereignty claim.

OBSERVATION - This island continues to be a potential flash point between China and the Philippines. Same region where Chinese coast guard attacked Philippine ships with high pressure water cannons.


Phillipines –

The Philippines is preparing for a massive and complex iteration of the Balikatan exercise in April that will include several nations, practice in non-kinetic warfare domains such as cyberspace and information operations.

Routine participants include the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, but the Philippines is open to any nation with which it has a Status of Forces agreement joining in.

OBSERVATION - Growing joint exercises are a result of Chinese aggression in the region and the necessity of western Pacific nations to band together to resist.


Russia -

WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022

CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Jan 1, 2024, New assessment underway.

With the end of the Ukraine summer offensive and the ongoing winter mud season, Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Russia maintains it attacks to take Avdiivka, even in the face of huge losses. Russia continues to launch smaller attacks daily across the front lines.

Russian has been shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones with the likelihood of attempting to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2023. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.

The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. In the last half of 2023, Ukraine was able to take out about 20% of the fleet.

While Russia has reportedly about 400K of soldiers in the theater, all evidence indicates that they are poorly trained and equipped. Russian forces are increasingly having to rely on 50’s and 60’s vintage tanks, APCs and other vehicles. Russian large assaults continue to be what are referred to as ‘meat’ attacks - throwing large numbers of lightly armed, foot troops at Ukraine defenses in hopes of overwhelming them. These tactics ‘worked’ at Bakhmut but there Russia still had a superiority in artillery support. Concerted efforts by Ukraine to locate and destroy Russian artillery, combined with wear and tear taking systems out and poor/no ammo has generally caused Russia to lose the edge in artillery firepower.

Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.

Russia is believed to be trying to muster a force for a winter offensive, once the soils freeze up and permit cross country maneuver. Focus of such an offensive has not solidified but the most likely candidate for one front is the continued attempt to eliminate the salient at Adviivka.

RUMINT-

Analysts believe Russia has kicked off its winter/spring offensive in eastern Ukraine - See Ukraine below for discussion.


Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30 range with scattered snow and rain.

24 HOUR ROUND UP – Weather continues to dominate action on the ground. However, temperatures are reaching levels around Ukraine that are starting to freeze the ground locally, meaning that ground operations may have their tempo increase over the coming days/weeks.

2 of 4 Shahed drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defense overnight around Kharkiv. Russia also launched S-300 missiles at Myrnohrad overnight

Ukrainian Military Intelligence reports Russian Black Sea Tarantul-class corvette Ivanovets was sunk after an attack with naval drones.

Massive wave of Ukrainian missile strikes against Russian military positions in occupied Crimea took place overnight. The attacks follow suicide drone swarm attack two days ago which destroyed a Russian S-300 air defense system in northern Crimea.

Major target of the attack was the Russian military airfield in Belbek in occupied Crimea. Initial damage rpts destroying two Su-27 and one Su-30 aircraft. 12 Russian soldiers killed, 10 injured.

Multiple large smoke plumes floating over the Russian-occupied city of Sevastopol were also reported.. Another 9 Russians were reportedly killed, 7 injured in a Ukrainian strike on a GRU military intelligence training camp in Hvardiyske, occupied Crimea. Just north of Simferopol.
Russian Telegram channels report that a drone attacked Nevsky Mazut plant in St Petersburg last night.
There is a fire on the plant’s territory, the entrances to the plant are blocked by security services.
NOTE - This is a recurring pattern, Ukraine takes out strategic air defense radar(s) and follows up with a major missile / drone attack.

Analysts are indicating that the anticipated Russian 2024 winter-spring offensive effort is officially underway in the Kharkiv-Luhansk Oblast border area. GUR Head Budanov stated on January 30 that the Russian offensive in Ukraine is currently ongoing and that Russian forces aim to reach the Zherebets River and the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (basically from the northern most edge of the eastern front southward to the Avdiivka region).

Outlook —

Weather and mud conditions are continuing to dictate ground operations, which are at a low level due to lack of maneuverability cross country and on dirt roads due to the mud.

Big stories over the past couple days are the cruise missile strikes on Crimea as well as the sinking of another significant Russian Black See combatant. Ukraine’s asymmetric fight continues to catch Russia flat footed. As noted before, major Ukraine strikes on Russian ADA radars will be followed up closely by drone/missile attacks through the radar gaps. Russia ADA assets are increasing stretched to their limits as Ukraine continues to take major systems out and Russia diverts resources to protect deeper cities from Ukraine drones.

The sinking the “Ivanovets “ should be especially concerning for Russia given the ease with which the attack was executed. Video shows the second sea drone hitting the same spot as the first drone, rapidly sinking the ship.

When the new US gliding missile / bombs reach Ukraine in force, Russian strategic resources in the region will be severely at risk. Their range puts all of occupied Ukraine in range as well as most of Crimea.

RE the start of a Russian winter/spring offensive, minor tactical gains were reported along the northern portions of the eastern front. What is notable is that these attack axises are not supporting one another - just pushes where they see a defensive weakness. No larger, grander overall combat plans, such as deep envelopment, etc.

Russia has been attempting an offensive in this part of the front since this past summer.

As per pervious battles, Ukraine will likely give up selected territory in order to draw Russian forces into kill zones and chew them up.

Another problem is that Russia is hard pressed for adequate armor forces to exploit any breakthroughs. More and more the tanks being relied on are old T-62 and T54/55 vintage with MTLVs for APCs. Ukrainian video shows the results of one of the larger attacks of the past couple days, where the Russian armor force drove into the open only to chewed up by Ukraine anti-armor elements - killing nearly a dozen tanks and APCs. Poor equipment, poorly trained and motivated soldiers equal a very blood fight for Russia.


ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Negotiations over hostage releases and prisoner swaps are increasing.

- biden threatens to unilaterally impose a two state solution on Israel.

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Lest we forget - there are still 136 being held hostage in Gaza.

***
Likud Party - There is no talk at all about a ceasefire, talk only about “temporary pauses”
Any deal to return detainees without completely destroying Hamas is “not acceptable”.

The White House - “We seek a longer truce in Gaza than the previous one in November”

***
The Biden White House intends to pursue a policy of recognizing a Palestinian state at the end of the Israel-Hamas War without the participation of the Israeli government. Along with bilateral recognition, the Biden White House contemplates urging other states to do the same and permitting that Palestinian state to join the United Nations. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron says the United Kingdom will do the same to bring about “irreversible progress to a two-state solution.”

https://redstate.com/streiff/2024/01/31/us-considering-recognizing-palestinian-state-without-negotiations-with-israel-n2169472

OBSERVATION - To unilaterally impose a two state solution by recognizing Palestine as a nation-state and adding it to the UN would be a huge knife in the back to Israel. It would face overwhelming support by the general assembly as well as no veto in the security council.

——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-

In addition to the increase in Hamas military activity, the political arm is also increasing its influence and control in N Gaza and Gaza city.

One former Israeli national security advisor, Eyal Hulata, has described, “We are hearing more, unfortunately, of the recovery of [an] insurgency in both central and northern Gaza … We’re hearing more and more that Hamas are doing policing in northern Gaza and governing trade, and that is a very bad outcome.”

Michael Milstein of the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israel-based think tank, explained to the publication how this could be possible. “Hamas control these areas. There is no chaos or vacuum because it is the workers of Gaza municipality or civil rescue defense forces, who are effectively part of Hamas, who are enforcing public order. Hamas still exists. Hamas has survived,” he said.

Israel is still seeking out terror tunnels, and small Hamas teams are making effective use of to launch ambushes or utilize other insurgent or guerilla tactics.

OBSERVATION - This will be a big problem for Israel to overcome given the hatred of Jews in the region and support from international agencies like the UN and Iran that will work to rebuild its political and militarily structure.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Continued exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and IDF along the border.
The Israeli army says fighter jets struck Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon’s Ayta ash-Shab, Beit Lif, and Blida today. Several projectiles were also launched from Lebanon at Metula. The Israeli army says it is striking the source of the fire

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

Iran has withdrawn its senior officers from Syria after recent Israeli attacks.
Reuters, citing sources reports that Iran informed Syria of its concern about the leakage of information after its advisors were targeted.

An Iraqi official told CBS News that some militias that are part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have already evacuated their bases in Syria and Iraq - due to fear that they will be targeted by a U.S. retaliatory strike(s).

———WEST BANK——————————-

Continued Israeli security forces operations to arrest Hamas and affiliated terrorists

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

U.S. forces have been attacked 166 times from Oct. 17 to Jan. 30, per DOD official: 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and once in Jordan.

***
Things remained active in the Red Sea region. On Jan. 30, at approximately 11:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. The missile was shot down by USS Gravely (DDG 107). There were no injuries or damage reported.

The USS Carney (DDG-64), shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile along with several one-way “suicide” drones launched by the Houthis yesterday. The ballistic mssile was downed using an SM-6 interceptor missile while the drones were downed using a combination of other defensive weapons.

According to a U.S. Defense Official the Arleigh Burke-Class Guided-Missile Destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG-107) was forced to use her Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) last night during a “Close Call” with a Anti-Ship Cruise Missile launched by the Houthi Terrorist Group in Western Yemen; the Cruise Missile is reported to have come within 1 Mile of the Ship likely following a Miss or Malfunction with an SM-2 Interceptor Missile.
NOTE - The Phalanx system is a weapon of last resort - indicating how dangerously close the Houthi go to hitting the ship.

Jan. 31 at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), USCENTCOM forces struck and destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missiles prepared to launch. U.S. forces identified the missile in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that it presented an imminent threat to U.S. aircraft.

British Maritime Trade Operations Authority: Report of an incident 57 nautical miles west of Hodeidah in Yemen

***

Local Yemeni sources are reporting significant activity by U.S. Military Aircraft over the City of Hodeidah in Western Yemen following what appears to have been additional airstrikes against the Houthi sites. According to a Senior U.S. Defense Officials, several F/A-18 “Super Hornets” from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) launched airstrikes tonight in against 10 launch sites for one-way “Suicide” Drones, that were being prepared by the Houthi to be used against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-

Italian Defense Minister - “Unrest in the Red Sea threatens the stability of Italy’s economy”

——— FORECAST ————————-

Israel to continue search and destroy operations across Gaza. Fighting to continue to be intense in central and S Gaza while N Gaza levels are dropping fast.

The fact that Hamas is once again leaning more towards a hostage exchange suggests that they need time to covertly restructure and rearm its forces. Both sides have laid out major demands that may likely for now continue to stop any exchanges.

The whole Gaza war focus and attention has shifted to the US / Iran confrontations - to be expanded upon below.

Inspire of air strikes, Houthi continue to successfully shoot commercial ships in the Red Sea region. Some analysts/observers are beginning to equate the constipation of sea traffic to that which occurred during wuhan.

That the Houti came within a minute of hitting the USS Gravely bears repeating. They are looking for a lucky hit. With the present regime’s unwillingness to really use the power of the military forces at its disposal, it seems that US forces will be essentially forced to retreat in that event, given the cluster fark that response to other Iranian backed proxy attacks have been substandard to say the least. I expect the Houthi will increases its direct attacks on US vessels in order to get a successful hit or more.


Iran – Potential war with US developing.

A Senior U.S. Official has told NBC News that the Biden administration are preparing for a “Military Campaign in the Middle East which could last for Several Weeks” and include strikes on Iranian and Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria as well as cyberattacks against targets likely located inside of Iran.

It was emphasized that there will be a series of strikes and what was referenced above is only part of the overall strike plan.

OBSERVATION - The world awaits any significant US operations. Many are shaking their heads over the telegraphing what we are going to ‘do’ in that is gives Iran lots of time to get its critical assets to safety. biden’s apologetic ‘we don’t want war’ bleats are making the US a joke to nations in the region as well as Europe, Russia and China. The last time I saw such paralysis by an administration was the Iranian Hostage Crisis under carter.



145 posted on 02/01/2024 8:04:32 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: Godzilla

Thank you.


146 posted on 02/01/2024 10:06:01 PM PST by blu (Bagster's ping on the side)
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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; bgill; bitt; Black Agnes; ..

Weekend watch for developments between US air strikes against Iran and Iranian assets in the ME region.


Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO February 19 to 21, Trans guideline committee.
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024

*****

Rubber bullets and water cannons were deployed against hundreds of European farmers protesting outside the EU Parliament building in Brussels on Thursday. The farmers threw eggs, set off fireworks, and started fires near the building while demanding that European leaders stop punishing them with more taxes and rising costs imposed to finance a so-called ‘green agenda.’

The farmers in Portugal have now joined the European wide farmers protest against climate agenda.

The Dutch farmers have now set up blockades of supermarket distribution centers in the Netherlands.

Croatian MEP, Mislav Kolakušić, to the EU parliament - “The EU is using the climate scam as a pretext to seize agricultural land from farmers, with the ultimate goal of creating deliberate food shortages.”

OBSERVATION - Push back on this major point of the Globalist agenda continues to grow in Europe. Besides being a basic life or death (no food, no life), these farmers are laying down their careers and family heritage to oppose this level of tyranny. The real fact of life is that once these globalist powers shut down these farms, they will likely never be reopened/restarted. This will create a forced famine that will have the full potential, when followed to its logical conclusion, to kill billions from starvation and the accompanying wars to secure food supplies.

You are the carbon they wish to reduce.

***
Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently interviewed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss the future of AI and the potential for new global controls to maintain peace, safety and democracy around the world. The question is: Whose ideas must the global population submit to in order for there to be world peace? OpenAI and Microsoft are currently working to promote artificial intelligence as a tool for influencing governments around the world and for solving global challenges. Source
During the interview, Gates and Altman lamented how the U.S. government failed to reign in “polarization” across social media over the past four years. They believe that AI could solve the problem of “polarization” and therefore “save democracy.”

To do this, AI would have to be engineered in a way to control speech and impose lies as facts – brainwashing the population with propaganda and deceiving people until everyone is forced to agree for the sake of “unity.”

During the conversation, Gates explored the idea of using AI as an instrument to foster “unity” throughout society. Forcing all people to obey narratives that are propagated by Bill Gates will come at a high cost. The global elite’s gambit for this kind of “world peace” will most certainly backfire, leading to mass protests and further societal division. This type of rebellion was already witnessed during the installation of COVID vaccine mandates and vaccine passports, two ideas imposed by Bill Gates and his colleagues from the World Economic Forum. From Australia to Europe to Canada, populations pushed back against the censorship, abuse and unlawful mandates. However, even this reality could all be rewritten with AI that is engineered by people like Bill Gates.

https://expose-news.com/2024/02/01/bill-gates-wants-to-engineer-a-i-so-we-can-end-polarization-and-save-democracy/

OBSERVATION - The explosion last year of AI to the open market has continued to grow exponentially. AI ‘fakes’ are proliferating everywhere. Gates indirectly indicates that AI production of fake narratives to cover the real actions of the WEF et al and to counter any opposition - i.e. “misinformation’ are clearly threatening to free speech and free thought.


CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT

Showdown in TX continues. The beacons of Gondor are lit ! !

Florida is sending over 1000 NG and State Militia to TX to assist in border controls.

***
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked five major roadways in the Washington, DC, area during Thursday morning rush hour in objection to the country’s support for Israel.

Reports published just before 8:45 a.m. showed traffic standstill on the major highways, with the NOVA Campaigns X account writing, “A coordinated protest is locking down the major highways into DC… Kids and parents stranded. Ambulances can’t move. Hospitals blocked off. Government proceedings interrupted/delayed”

https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2024/02/01/major-d-c-highways-blocked-pro-palestinian-protesters/

OBSERVATION - Annoying but tame. Not violent threatening tactics towards drivers. However, unlike to win the hearts and minds of those who’s day they screwed up.


Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to impending conflict with Iran.

CONTINUED WARNING - impending military action against Iranian assets for the attack that killed US forces in Jordan could result in Iranian terror groups here in the US to activate and conduct terror ops here. These attacks can range from infrastructure destruction (water, power, communications, etc) to mass casualty events (superbowl related attacks) or attacks on political candidates - heavily leaning against current administration but also Trump as well. So far the govt hasn’t come out with any warnings but the risk has increased significantly the last 24 hours, based on common sense and stated goals of the Islamist movement/Iran.


Economy-

Thousands of shipments of new Ford electric trucks have been canceled, at Dearborn MI. and Claycomo MO. assembly plants, resulting in massive layoffs. Some of these workers may be able to be transferred to production plants where gas/diesel fueled vehicles are still being produced.

OBSERVATION - This was bound to happen as the public doesn’t share the pie in the sky claims of the regime and swayed automakers that EVs are the salvation of the future. Ford for instance has been losing tens of thousands of dollars per vehicle. The latest winter snap has shown just how worthless EVs are as the temperature drops. Electrical work at homes to allow one to connect their EVs without blowing every fuse in the house are going up rapidly as well.

***
Jobs sector continues to look bleak. According to a new report published by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, found that companies planned 82,307 job cuts in January, a substantial 136% increase from the previous month. However, that is down about 20% from the same time one year ago. It marked the second-highest layoff total for the month of January in data going back to 2009.

“Waves of layoff announcements hit U.S.-based companies in January after a quiet fourth quarter,” said Andy Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The cuts were “driven by broader economic trends and a strategic shift towards increased automation and AI adoption in various sectors, though in most cases, companies point to cost-cutting as the main driver for layoffs.”

Financial companies bore the brunt of the job losses in January, with the industry shedding 23,238 employees. That is the highest monthly layoff total for the financial sector since September 2018, when it announced 27,343 job cuts.
The technology sector followed with 15,806 layoffs, the most since May 2023 and a stunning 254% increase from just one month prior.


POLITICAL FRONT –

Dates of importance
Feb 8 - The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the Colorado case.
March - latest CR expires
March 5- Super Tuesday primaries

****

Many of the trials against Trump are in the process of being unraveled - even those with confirmed anti-Trump judges.

Major fights in Congress circle around a ‘reformed’ (which only confirms continued illegal access into the country at near these abominable rates), funding for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel. Just about every bill being voted on has the anti-Midas touch, instead of gold, it turns everything to crap.


Illegal Immigration –

See CW2 on Texas standoff.

***

Eagle Pass TX before the state took over, was the source of approximately 25% of all illegal traffic into the US. Those numbers have come to a screeching halt. Hopefully we’ll see the January numbers so see just how much of an impact it has had.

Illegals getting a free pass to commit more crimes in the US, as 75% of democrats voted to permit them to commit fraud against the Social Security system and to avoid deportation from DUI offenses. (I have to ask - how can they get a drivers license being here illegally in the first place).

More and more sanctuary cities are confiscating facilities popular with its citizenry for holding areas for illegals. This is particularly true for those buildings and facilities built for the local low income / poverty areas. This set up even more friction between the old democrat dependency class and their new favorite dependency class (illegals).


North/South Korea –

NK fired off more cruise missiles overnight.


Russia -

WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022

CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Feb 2, 2024, closing in on two years of war.

Russia is attempting to seize the initiative by executing a winter/spring offensive across the eastern front. Though reports indicate that there have been some limited successes, Russian forces have taken heavy losses. One key objective continues to be the capture of Avdiivak, near Donetsk, as well as terrain lost to Ukraine during the Ukraine fall offensive in 2022. The attacks associated with this offensive do not appear to be supportive of each other in a manner that could help expedite any breakthrough and initiate any significant armor / mobile action. These assault axis also appear to be vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes on their logistics trains.

Russia has been able to gradually enlarge the number of soldiers in the theatre to the 400,000 range. Training and equipping of these forces is still rated very poor. Russia has drawn heavily upon ‘volunteers’ from penal colonies for their “Z” shock troops- the primary element of their meat attack (human wave) assaults against Ukraine defenses. It has been documented that ‘enforcement’ squads follow behind these ‘shock troops’ with orders to shoot any who attempt to retreat.

Russia continues to suffer heavy tank and APC losses. Old, cold war era tanks and APCs are becoming more and more common sights in battle fields.

Shortages of Ukraine artillery ammo has permitted Russia to regain some degree of local superiority on the battlefield. Some estimates give Russia a 3:1 advantage. This is down substantially from the start of the war where it had a 10:1 advantage.

Russian has been shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for a potential effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2023. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.

The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. In the last half of 2023, Ukraine was able to take out about 20% of the fleet.

The Russia air force has taken significant losses at the hands of Ukraine. This has forced Russia to redeploy fighter bombers further away from the contested zone and exercise more caution when attacking. Larger aircraft have been forced to alter their operations as well.

Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace. putin is struggling to place his economy on wartime footing to accomplish this goal.

*****

Putin has announced Russia’s plans to integrate the occupied Ukrainian territories into Russia by 2030.

Economic Impact –

Drone attacks by Ukraine have reduced the export of oil products from Russia — Reuters

Successful drone attacks by the Security Service of Ukraine on major oil refineries reduced Russian exports of oil products by almost a third.

According to Reuters, in January, gasoline exports fell by 37%, diesel exports by 23%.


Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30 range with scattered snow and rain.

24 HOUR ROUND UP – Weather continues to dominate action on the ground. However, temperatures are reaching levels around Ukraine that are starting to freeze the ground locally, meaning that ground operations may have their tempo increase over the coming days/weeks.

Ukrainian air defense shot down 11 of 24 Shahed drones overnight. Blackouts in Kryvyi Rih after Russian drones targeted power infrastructure

Followup on the Belbek airport strike from yesterday’s report. The Ukrainian Storm Shadow strike reportedly killed Russian Lieutenant General Alexander Tatarenko and 10 other servicemen, according to Russian Sources. Tatarenko is the 2nd Russian Lieutenant General to get killed by Ukraine

More video of the successful attack on the Russian corvette “Ivanovets” (Project 12411) have been released . The Russian corvette got hit by four Ukrainian USVs. Two hits on the stern to damage the drive, the other two midship, with the second hit following in where the first penetrated. This caused a massive explosion of the munitions carried by the ship, which then quickly tipped over and sank stern first. Crew on the ship barely put us any kind of a fight until after the first two hits - apparently completely caught off guard.

Russia casualties being reported by Ukraine have jumped significantly over the past week, possible reflecting losses from the attempted start of the Russian winter/spring offensive. This increase is roughly 40-60% higher, now solidly being reported as over 1000 casualties per day. Associated reported losses of tanks, APCs and artillery have gone up as well. There may be an inflation factor since the source is the Ukraine military, but Russian milbloggers are reporting heavy losses in all categories as well, so these numbers may not be that far off and do reflect a trend.

Outlook —

Weather and mud conditions are continuing to dictate ground operations, which are at a low level due to lack of maneuverability cross country and on dirt roads due to the mud.

Most of the ground fighting reflect attempts to improve their current tactical conditions. Ukraine has executed counter attacks as well and has regained some ground. If Ukraine gets a timely resupply of artillery ammo, Russia’s offensive may grind to a very quick halt.


Moldova/Transnistria -

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed on Jan. 31 that Moldova is economically “strangling” regions in Moldova that do not agree with the Moldovan government’s policies likely referring to both Transnistria and Gagauzia, whose leaders have reportedly complained about Moldovan economic policies recently.

Zakharova claimed that the Moldovan government is using increased “Russophobic rhetoric” to divert attention from Moldova’s internal socio-economic and political problems.

OBSERVATION - Though many reports on the happenings in Moldova regarding the Russian captured province of Transnistria have been below the radar, Russia maintains a focus on trying to keep Moldova at bay over thoughts of retaking the region now that the Russian military presence has been substantially reduce due to the Ukraine war.


ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- US Sanctioning Israeli citizens in West Bank

- Negotiation for a temporary pause in fighting to facilitate exchanges of the hostages for terrorist prisoners continue to stumble.

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Lest we forget - there are still 136 being held hostage in Gaza.

***
US Department of State - Under a new Executive Order announced today, the U.S. imposed sanctions on four extremist settlers for their destabilizing acts in the West Bank.
John Kirby - There are no plans to target Israeli government officials with sanctions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called US sanctions against four violent settlers in the West Bank unnecessary, in a statement issued soon after US President Biden announced the measures.
“Israel acts against all lawbreakers everywhere, so there is no need for exceptional measures in this regard,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying.
The statement said the majority of Israeli settlers in the West Bank were “law-abiding” and that those who were not were subject to prosecution in Israel.

OBSERVATION - Unprecedented US interjection into Israel’s rights and jurisdiction. As Netanyahu made clear, these individuals are being brought to Israeli justice, and the US should keep its nose out of Israeli business.

***
The Biden administration is bucking decades of US foreign policy by considering a plan to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, despite deep opposition to the move within Israel.

Both Axios and The New York Times reported on Wednesday about this potential major shift in the American approach towards Palestinian statehood, which hitherto has emphasized direct negotiations between Jerusalem and Ramallah.

https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/biden-doctrine-us-reviews-options-for-recognizing-palestinian-state/

OBSERVATION - This continues to be a very dangerous track that the US is following - to recognize a Palestinian state. But biden et al and anti-Israeli nations are chomping at the bit for such an action.

——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-

Army statement: “Over the past day, IDF ground forces coordinated with the IAF have continued to target terrorists and destroy terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

In addition, Israeli Naval troops struck terror targets across the Gaza Strip coastline as part of the effort to assist the troops operating on the ground.
IDF ground troops continue to operate in western Khan Yunis, Over the past day, over 20 terrorists were killed, primarily during close-quarters combat.
Furthermore, during the activity, the troops conducted targeted raids on a number of different terror targets and military compounds in which AK-47 rifles, grenades, explosive devices, military equipment, and ammunition were located.

***
Israel is preparing to expand its war on the Gaza Strip further south, near the Egyptian border, after claiming to have routed Hamas in Khan Younis.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that success against Palestinian militants in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where Israel launched a major ground assault last week, meant its forces could advance to Rafah on the enclave’s southern border.

“We are achieving our missions in Khan Younis, and we will also reach Rafah and eliminate terror elements that threaten us,” Gallant said in a statement.

https://www.dw.com/en/israel-hamas-war-us-sanctions-israeli-settlers-over-attacks-on-palestinians/live-68145737?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-rdf

***
The IDF’s 646th Brigade destroyed a complex used by Hamas to produce rockets in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said Friday.

The complex contained civilian and dual-use machines which were converted by Hamas for the production of weapons.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Continued exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and IDF along the border.
US Secretary of Defense - “We do not want a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and we are communicating with the Israelis to ensure that the war does not expand.”

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

Israeli bombed sites in southern Damascus overnight. Likely Hezbollah/Iranian facilities. initial reports from Iranian media they killed an IRGC advisor Saeed Alidadi in the strike, describing him as, “a fighter of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”

The Israeli strike reportedly targeted a farm on the road between Aqraba and Sayeda Zeinab near the regime’s headquarters of electronic warfare in southern Damascus

———WEST BANK——————————-

Continued Israeli security forces operations to arrest Hamas and affiliated terrorists

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

Repeated US and UK air strikes against the Houthis in Yemen have failed to slow their attacks on ships in the region, BBC Verify has found.

There have been nine attacks on ships in the past three weeks, compared with six in the previous three weeks.
Since the US-led strikes began on 11 January, shipping using the vital Red Sea trade route has dropped by 29%.

The Houthis initially said they were attacking ships connected to Israel, or heading to or from there. But since air strikes began in January they have mostly targeted ships tied to owners or operators in the UK or US.

In total, 28 vessels have been targeted since Houthi attacks began in November. We’ve identified seven of these with links to Israeli companies, individuals or destinations.

Of the nine ships attacked since the air strikes began, five had American or British links, and none had identifiable Israeli links.
As well as their targets, their tactics have changed.

In November and December, their attacks were concentrated at the southern end of the Red Sea close to the narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait where ships are forced to sail very close to the coast of Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory.

In recent weeks they have been mainly striking further to the south in the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis have also changed how they attack. Initially they used both missiles and drones carrying explosives, but more recent attacks have used mainly missiles launched from Yemen.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68159939

***
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday it’s time to further disable Iran-backed militias that have struck at U.S. forces and ships in the Middle East and the U.S. is preparing to take significant action in response to the deaths of three U.S. service members in Jordan.

For days the U.S. has hinted strikes are imminent. While the threat of retaliation for Sunday’s deaths has driven some militant groups to say they were stopping hostilities, as late as Thursday Yemen’s Houthi rebels were still attacking vessels and fired a ballistic missile at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea.

https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war/2024/02/01/id/1151953/

***
The HMS Richmond (F239), a Type 23 Frigate with the British Royal Navy reportedly entered the Red Sea earlier today via the Suez Canal in order to Join the HMS Diamond (D34) and several U.S. Navy Ships, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), in the Maritime Security Coalition known as Operation Prosperity Guardian as well as Operation Poseidon Archer, which is meant to Degrade the Offensive Capabilities of the Houthi Terrorist Group in Western Yemen.

——— FORECAST ————————-

Israel to continue search and destroy operations across Gaza. Fighting to continue to be locally intense across all Gaza as Hamas and affiliate cells are discovered and neutralized as well as of the couple hundred miles of tunnels are uncovered and destroyed.

The whole “ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” issue with their Iranian support continues to build in importance and potential for expansion of the conflict.

The US Secretary of Defense calls on Iran to stop supplying the Houthis with weapons. What Iran-backed “Houthis are doing is an int’l crime. They are trying to sink ships that have nothing to do with Israel,” Houthis don’t care, so far US/UK airstrikes have done very little to deter their actions.

Same for Iranian backed militias attacking US forces Syria, Iraq and now Jordan. So far all the administration has done is bluster and beat their chest. They have telegraphed their intent so much that any prolonged, multi-day bombing campaign will likely fail to do any good, as men, materials and critical infrastructure will be moved and hidden.

There are some who figure that sometime after the close of the stockmarket today the retaliatory strikes will begin. Waning moon over the next couple weeks will also work to the US’s advantage.

Honestly, at this stage I don’t see this campaign being announced as having much effect and will likely be way watered down. The biden regime is so paranoid about getting into a direct conflict with Iran that they are almost wetting themselves is very evident. This weekend may well be busy this weekend, but that will be about it. Granted, they may surprise me and get real serious about it, but their track record isn’t that good.


Iran – Potential war with US developing.

World waiting to see just how significant the warned air strikes against Iranian assets, and Iranian backed militias will be. See Israel above for more analysis. Not expecting very much bang for the bluster.


Saudi Arabia –

Saudi officials have told their US counterparts that Riyadh would not insist Israel take concrete steps to create a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia would be willing to accept a political commitment from Israel to create a Palestinian state, rather than anything more binding, in a bid to get a defense pact with Washington approved before the US presidential election, three sources said.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-784866

OBSERVATION - More push for separate acknowledgement of a pali state.



147 posted on 02/02/2024 7:22:47 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; bgill; bitt; Black Agnes; ..

Maintaining watch over events with any additional US air strikes into Syria and Iraq (and maybe even Houthi controlled Yemen)


Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO February 19 to 21, Trans guideline committee.
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024

*****

White House adviser John Podesta will be the top U.S. climate diplomat when high flying John Kerry steps down this spring and ceases his endless global tours warning the world of impending doom.

White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said in a written statement, shared Wednesday with The Washington Post, CNN and The Hill.
“John has — and will continue to be — at the helm of driving the implementation of the most significant climate law in history,” Zients added.

OBSERVATION - This is tracking down the dark side. There are rumors a plenty concerning satanic connections of the young and restless inhabitants of the global elite as is. Now we have a very documented pedophile and satanist representing the US.

Podesta also has deep links to China and those may be exploited to try to gain concessions on trade issues as well as global warming.


CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT

Showdown in TX continues. The beacons of Gondor are lit ! !

***
Multiple members of the Oregon state Senate who walked out for more than 40 days last year have been banned from the 2024 ballot by an Oregon Supreme Court ruling.

In 2023, nine Republicans and one independent refused to take their seats in a 42-day protest against a bill supporting abortion and health care to support gender transitions, according to KATU.

In 2022, voters passed what’s known as Measure 113.
Measure 113 said “any state legislator who accrues 10 or more unexcused absences during a legislative session shall be disqualified from holding legislative office” immediately following the current term.

https://www.westernjournal.com/dem-controlled-oregon-supreme-court-blocks-10-pro-life-senators-running-re-election/

OBSERVATION - This is just a piece of the fight going on in the left coast. Supermajorities in CA, OR and WA stomp all over the rural, red eastern portions of those states. This leaves few options for republicans/conservatives to fight back with. This heavy handed move by OR will further alienate the rural areas by denying them their representation of choice. As the article notes, this will only really affect 4 of the 10 in the short term. All are from reliable red areas. Expect to see an even harder push for the “Greater Idaho” movement.

***
The U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR), and National Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) called for a “week of action” from 5 to 11 February.

OBSERVATION - Observers are noting that the pro-Hamas movement is losing traction as the issues and concerns arising from the Gaza war drop off of people’s radar screens. This seems to be an effort to reverse that trend. Expect demonstrations to pick up as early as this weekend, with most of them focused on disrupting normal public activity and travel (i.e. road blockages and targeted protests at jewish and democrat related sites).


Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to impending conflict with Iran.

CONTINUED WARNING - impending military action against Iranian assets for the attack that killed US forces in Jordan could result in Iranian terror groups here in the US to activate and conduct terror ops here. These attacks can range from infrastructure destruction (water, power, communications, etc) to mass casualty events (superbowl related attacks) or attacks on political candidates - heavily leaning against current administration but also Trump as well. So far the govt hasn’t come out with any warnings but the risk has increased significantly the last 24 hours, based on common sense and stated goals of the Islamist movement/Iran.

***
RUMINT - Multiple border patrol sources confirm—The soft-sided migrant processing facility “Firefly” in Eagle Pass evacuated everyone to other facilities within the Del Rio Sector last night—The FBI was alerted to threats by two known extremists who are targeting Firefly because they claim it is a “smuggling hub” saying they “plan to overthrow it by any means necessary” —The report shows this could happen anytime between today and Monday.

According to the reports, they are also planning to infiltrate the truck convoy headed here and target other law enforcement. Firefly is reportedly being guarded by Border Patrol’s BORTAC unit.

OBSERVATION - Placing this under RUMINT as there are very few quality news sources to support the claim and it may be PR effort to reduce support for the Truckers convoy to the border. It has raised the level of my concern to the level of reporting this information rather than passing it by.

That said, there have been some rumors concerning agent provocateurs infiltrating into the Trucker’s convoy in support of TX efforts to seal the border working to set off a ‘false flag’ event. Such would be used to go after the organizers and truckers in a J6 manner of prosecution.


Economy-

(Bloomberg) — The US cattle herds shrank to the lowest level in more than seven decades as ranchers continue to send their cows to slaughter, threatening to keep beef prices at stubbornly high levels for consumers for at least another couple of years while eroding profits for meat processors.

There were 87.2 million cattle as of January 1, down about 2% from a year ago and less than anticipated by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg, the US Department of Agriculture said Wednesday in its biannual cattle-inventory report. That’s the smallest animal count since 1951, according to USDA data.

American ranchers have for the past four years been culling more cows than they were retaining for breeding because of persistent droughts, surging feed costs and elevated interest rates. While improved pasture conditions and attractive prices are starting to encourage them to change direction, herds aren’t expected to start rebounding before at least 2026, said Lane Broadbent, president of KIS Futures Inc. in Oklahoma City.

https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/us-cattle-herd-shrinks-73-201317215.html

OBSERVATION - i disagree with this statement from the first paragraph of this article - “. . . ranchers continue to send their cows to slaughter, threatening to keep beef prices at stubbornly high levels for consumers for at least another couple of years while eroding profits for meat processors.”

Were rancher to cut off sending cows to processors, meat prices would REALLY skyrocket unbelievably. Such ignorance by the article authors of how the process works.

It takes years for cattle ranchers to recover from reductions that the recent major drought has caused. Add to it the increasing regulatory pressures, fees and taxes the regime is placing on the industry all in the name of fighting global warming, and this recovery comes even slower. Selling cattle for slaughter is what puts money in the pockets of rancher, so a certain percentage needs to be sold to enable the ranch to function and the herd to grow. Similar woes are hitting sheep, pigs and poultry.


Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –

See Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Syria below regarding strikes against Islamic Resistance elements.


Cyber attacks/warfare – HEIGHTENED ALERT

Successful Chinese cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Guam or other Indo-Pacific footholds could cripple U.S. military capabilities in the region, the leader of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command said.
Guam is a key outpost for U.S. forces in the increasingly competitive area, where Washington thinks a fight with Beijing could erupt. The island serves as a logistics and munitions hub, as well as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance node.

An assault on the networks and information technology that support Guam’s distribution of electricity, water, food and emergency response could “have a very significant impact” on the options available to military commanders at the time, said Gen. Paul Nakasone.

“Communications, an ability to leverage our most lethal weapon systems — these are all areas that we would rely on,” he said during a Jan. 31 hearing held by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. “We have to operate every day, we have to have vigilance, we have to have offensive and defensive capabilities.”

https://www.defensenews.com/cyber/2024/01/31/cyberattacks-on-guam-could-sap-us-forces-in-indo-pacific-nakasone-says/

OBSERVATION - China has gotten increasingly adept at targeting cyber systems and has made the capability of successfully conducting such attacks a high priority. A cyber attack on Guam would definitely gum up any US response to Chinese action and would be ‘safer’ that a direct, physical attack by missiles.


Illegal Immigration –

See CW2 on Texas standoff.

***

The McConnell/Schumer supported so called ‘immigration reform’ package, crafted in secret, is reportedly being forced down the throat of the senate with the release to senators as early as this weekend and a vote sometime next week. The republicans need 41 votes against it to sustain a filibuster of the measure. McConnell has reportedly been doing some severe arm twisting to get the Republican votes in support. One of the bill’s more dastardly effects is to codify the illegal tsunami at near its current, grossly unsustainable levels.

This bill has also been tied to Ukraine funding - a big lever in the argument that has many republican senators chomping at the bit.

Speaker Johnson has said this bill will be DOA upon reaching the House, but that is a dangerous thing as well. Republicans have a much smaller advantage following resignations and explosions and there are some republicans who have voiced favor for the bill.

Should it pass both houses, biden will sign it in a heart beat - condemning our nation into spiraling into a third world hell of our own making.

***
Starting to see some actual numbers on the effects of the TX taking control of the border regions.

Illegal border crossings are down 76% in January in Eagle Pass according to the CBP.
Last month, Texas saw 3-4,000 illegal crossings daily in the Del Rio sector.
Now that number is down to 200 per day.


China –

See Guam threat under “Cyber attacks/warfare” above.


North/South Korea –

On Friday, KCNA reported that Kim had visited the Nampho Dockyard, which is located in the city of Nampho on North Korea’s west coast and constructs both warships and civilian ships. The North Korean leader told the dockyard that it’s charged with a very important task in developing the country’s shipbuilding industry and strengthening its naval force, which was the most important issue in reliably defending the maritime sovereignty of the country and stepping up war preparations, according to KCNA.

OBSERVATION - The construction of submarines may well be the most important vessel Kim may be looking towards. To develop surface combatants able to stand up to modern warfare will be a major step - needling a proper mix of different classes of ships with the offensive/defensive capabilities needed today. NK has many of the technological advances, but needs quality platforms to mount them in. NK is a neophyte to modern naval operations, so there will also be a significant learning curve.


Russia -

WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022

CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Feb 2, 2024, closing in on two years of war.

Russia is attempting to seize the initiative by executing a winter/spring offensive across the eastern front. Russia has reportedly concentrated 40,000 troops to sustain this offensive. Though reports indicate that there have been some limited successes, Russian forces have taken heavy losses. One key objective continues to be the capture of Avdiivak, near Donetsk, as well as terrain lost to Ukraine during the Ukraine fall offensive in 2022. The attacks associated with this offensive do not appear to be supportive of each other in a manner that could help expedite any breakthrough and initiate any significant armor / mobile action. These assault axis also appear to be vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes on their logistics trains.

Russia has been able to gradually enlarge the number of soldiers in the theatre to the 400,000 range. Training and equipping of these forces is still rated very poor. Russia has drawn heavily upon ‘volunteers’ from penal colonies for their “Z” shock troops- the primary element of their meat attack (human wave) assaults against Ukraine defenses. It has been documented that ‘enforcement’ squads follow behind these ‘shock troops’ with orders to shoot any who attempt to retreat.

Russia continues to suffer heavy tank and APC losses. Old, cold war era tanks and APCs are becoming more and more common sights in battle fields. (formerly) Elite units like the Russian marines are routinely seen with T54/55 series tanks instead of the T72/80/90 series they were commonly equipped with.

Shortages of Ukraine artillery ammo has permitted Russia to regain some degree of local superiority on the battlefield. Some estimates give Russia a 3:1 advantage. This is down substantially from the start of the war where it had a 10:1 advantage.

Russian has been shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for a potential effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2023. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.

The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. In the last half of 2023, Ukraine was able to take out about 20% of the fleet.

The Russia air force has taken significant losses at the hands of Ukraine. This has forced Russia to redeploy fighter bombers further away from the contested zone and exercise more caution when attacking. Larger aircraft have been forced to alter their operations as well.

Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace. putin is struggling to place his economy on wartime footing to accomplish this goal.

*****
RUMINT-
Growing speculation that Russian General Russia Gerasimov is dead
He is thought to have been killed early Jan in an Ukraine strike in Crimea.

This week Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu held another of his defense ministry updates, but Gerasimov was nowhere to be seen.

Logistics –

The drone strike has taken the largest oil refinery in the Southern Federal District of Russia - Lukoil oil refinery in Volgograd off line.

Economic Impact –

Ukraine drone attacks may have damaged as much as 30 % of Russia’s oil exports.


Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 30-50 range with scattered snow and rain.

24 HOUR ROUND UP – Weather continues to dominate action on the ground. However, temperatures are reaching levels around Ukraine that are starting to freeze the ground locally, meaning that ground operations may have their tempo increase over the coming days/weeks.

Ukrainian air defense shot down 9 of 14 Shahed drones overnight

Russian air defense shot down 7 drones over Belgorod, Rostov and Volgograd regions. Volgograd refinery caught fire as result of debris crash. Other reports that the refinery was a direct hit by drones.

Both private and Russian sources confirm Ukrainian advances in western Krynky, while also gaining further control over supply lines in the Dnipro and branches towards the left bank. Russians may be stripping more combat capable forces from this region to support their offensive in the east. A risky act given that this is the most direct route to cut off Crimea from the rest of Ukraine.

Outlook —

Weather and mud conditions are continuing to dictate ground operations, which are at a low level due to lack of maneuverability cross country and on dirt roads due to the mud.

Russia continues to press its offensive in the east, with minor tactical successes at best. Some analysts are saying that the limited, local successes mean that the Ukraine defense is crumbling and Russians are going to march into Kyiv (ok, a little hyperbola). Folks forget Ukraine has an extensive defense in depth and Russia has little to no armor/APC capability to speak of to exploit. Soil conditions are still predominantly muddy, making maneuver warfare conditions nearly impossible.

Associated with the offensive are more reports of blunders by Russian forces - untrained and poorly coordinated tank/APC attacks that end up getting chewed up very heavily. Poor coordination extends to artillery support, though greatly improved at the moment due to Ukraine artillery shortages, leave the Russian armor columns sitting ducks for ATGM and precision artillery fire.

As noted above, Ukrainian advances in western Krynky are expanding their Dniper River bridgehead. Russia reportedly has not committed any more combat capable forces into the region, just cycling the same, heavy depleted forces, into the fight. Ukraine has also been acquiring bridging assets / pontoons. I am half thinking that Ukraine may make a bold strike across the Dniper with the assets if/when the soil freezes. This attack would be characteristic of many of their attacks. It would put access to Crimea in danger. If Ukraine manages to hit the Kerch Bridge again and at least damages it enough to close it for multiple months, the possibility of a breakout attempt near Krynky grows.

Otherwise I expect to see near static conditions along the front with no major breakouts in the near future.

Finally, scuttlebutt concerning the prolonged absence from public of Gerasimov is growing with the Kremlin responding by not responding. Apart from his position in the MoD, Gerasimov was a lackluster general and if dead, will not significantly affect Russian operations in the near term.


Europe / NATO General –

Romania on Thursday joined the growing list of NATO countries who’s had a prominent official warn about the potential of going to war with Russia.

General Gheorghiță Vlad, Romania’s chief of defense, said during an interview with Europa Liberă România—a news service from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty—that his country currently isn’t prepared for the prospect of war with Russia and warned it needs to take such a threat seriously.

OBSERVATION - Growing war drums in Europe. What are they actually seeing? Is this a prequel to entering the Ukraine fight?


ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Potential ceasefire agreement moving forward.

- US and Jordanian forces bomb “ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” sites in Iraq and Syria

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Lest we forget - there are still 136 being held hostage in Gaza.

***

Hamas officials said on Friday that the group was studying a proposed cease-fire deal that would include prolonged pauses in fighting in Gaza and swaps of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
However, the group also appeared to rule out some key components of the proposal.

Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has been in Cairo for the past two days to evaluate the offer.

Haniyeh said in a statement on Friday that negotiations must “completely end” Israeli military operations in Gaza and bring about the withdrawal of Israeli forces — terms Israel has rejected.

U.S. supports aspects of the proposed truce agreement in Gaza and calls on Israel to accept it

——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-

Ongoing search and destroy operations throughout Gaza. Reports of more mass surrenders of Hamas and affiliated fighters. Also more reports of Hamas popping back up in N Gaza.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Continued exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and IDF along the border.
The Israeli army says it struck a truck used to store weapons for Hezbollah in the southern Lebanon village of Kafrchouba earlier today. Fighter jets also struck a Hezbollah site in Blida, the Israeli army says.The strikes come following attacks on the border today, including projectiles fired from Lebanon at Avivim and Yir’on. There are no injuries in the Hezbollah attacks, the Israeli army says

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

Airstrikes, believed to be Israeli, at Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadin and Deir Ez Zor overnight.

———WEST BANK——————————-

Continued Israeli security forces operations to arrest Hamas and affiliated terrorists

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

Intelligence officials in the Biden administration said Iran does not have “full control” over proxy groups, like Kataib Hezbollah (KH) and the Houthis, conducting attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.

***

CENTCOM Statement on U.S. Stikes in Iraq and Syria. At 4:00 p.m. (EST) Feb. 02, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from United States. The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions. The facilities that were struck included command and control operations, centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aired vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces

The strike package included at least 2 B-1 bombers, 10 fighter/bombers under CENTCOM including A-10s and Jordanian F-16s.

The series of US strikes lasted about 30 minutes, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, adding the Defense Department was still assessing the effect. A second round of strikes are expected today.

***
Iran-backed militias targeted Harir Air Base in northern Iraq, where US troops are stationed

***
Houthi military spokesman - “We carried out a military operation with ballistic missiles against Israeli targets in Eilat”
No reports of Israeli air defense action, so it is thought the missile failed to reach the target.

———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-

Jordanian F-16s joined in the US operation against Syrian and Iraqi “ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” targets - WSJ

——— FORECAST ————————-

Israel to continue search and destroy operations across Gaza. Fighting to continue to be locally intense across all Gaza as Hamas and affiliate cells are discovered and neutralized as well as of the couple hundred miles of tunnels are uncovered and destroyed. Israel has consistently stated that this operation will likely go on for the better part of a year.

US bombing campaign against “ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” elements retribution of the death of three US servicemen/women.

This is so convoluted but I’m putting my analysis the overnight air strikes here rather than under Iran, Syria or Iraq below since it is dealing with the Islamic Resistance factor of the Gaza War.

Never have I seen such a telegraphed attack since Bush’s “Shock and Awe” strikes during the invasion of Iraq. Announcements from literally take off of the B-1 thru entry into the middle eastern region were a violation of just about every principle of surprise the military teaches. This already on top a what I see as an apologetic blitz by the US to pacify Iran - that gave them plenty of time to move men and material out of the most likely targets. It further put our aircraft in danger of alerted air defense assets.

Now info is coming out that this once declared ‘multi-day’ assault may only last a couple of days. Far too few for what is needed. This remains to be seen.

Did this deter the Iranian backed militias? The answer is no as they attacked Harir Air Base in northern Iraq, where US troops are stationed.

Also noting that no Houthi targets were hit - what’s up with that.

The biden administration claim that Iran does not have “full control” over proxy groups, is very simply a signal from the Biden administration to Iran that Biden wants to avoid escalating the current conflict by targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force personnel operating in Iraq and Syria. This provides a ‘fig leaf’ by the US for Iran. This assessment is clearly comical at the very best.

The attack attempted to hit some important sites, without taking out islamic fighters. We will have to see just what the next round of attacks accomplish. I’m not holding out much for that. Right now my assessment of this ‘first’ attack is underwhelming. biden et al are so bed wetting scared of a war with Iran that they are further endangering out military with the way they are prosecuting this retaliatory strikes and the overall actions against these Iranian -proxy forces.


Iran – Potential war with US developing.

Iranian Foreign Ministry: We strongly condemn the American military attacks on a number of areas in Syria and Iraq. The U.S. attacks represent a “dangerous mistake” that will lead to increased tension and instability in the region


Iraq -

The Iraqi government states; the recent ‘blatant’ aggression resulted in the loss of 16 lives, including civilians, with 25 individuals sustaining injuries. Additionally, there were damages to residential buildings and private property owned by citizens.

Airstrikes targeted a weapons warehouse affiliated with the IRGC militias on the outskirts of Al-Bukamal city near the Al-Sinaa neighborhood

PMF 13th brigade operations headquarters was targeted in Akashat, western Iraq


Syria -

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemns the U.S. attack and says that the United States is fueling the conflict in the region in a “dangerous way.”

The Syrian military has said that US strikes late on Friday that targeted various locations have caused “significant damage” and killed civilians and military personnel.

Airstrikes targeted the security square belonging to the IRGC militias in the outskirts of Al-Tamo neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Al-Mayadeen in eastern Syria.

Airstrikes targeted Ayash warehouses in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zur



148 posted on 02/03/2024 5:59:17 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: Godzilla; Roman_War_Criminal; SaveFerris
OBSERVATION - This is tracking down the dark side. There are rumors a plenty concerning satanic connections of the young and restless inhabitants of the global elite as is. Now we have a very documented pedophile and satanist representing the US.

Satan putting his minions inn place, I see.

149 posted on 02/03/2024 6:07:57 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Godzilla
This is tracking down the dark side.

There are rumors a plenty concerning satanic connections of the young and restless inhabitants of the global elite as is. Now we have a very documented pedophile and satanist representing the US. Podesta also has deep links to China and those may be exploited to try to gain concessions on trade issues as well as global warming.

Biden loves the sexual weirdo community - he's creepy that way.

150 posted on 02/03/2024 9:40:59 AM PST by GOPJ (Is Biden starting a war AFTER draining the petroleum reserves and giving our weapoins to Ukraine?)
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To: metmom

He’s running out of time and out of options short of chaos and death.

This just means our redemption draws closer!

Maranatha!


151 posted on 02/03/2024 6:22:18 PM PST by Roman_War_Criminal (Jesus + Something = Nothing ; Jesus + Nothing = Everything )
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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; blu; bgill; bitt; ...

No posts today up all night on a search and rescue mission


152 posted on 02/04/2024 5:12:21 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: Godzilla

OK, thanks for letting us know, sleep well.


153 posted on 02/04/2024 5:33:24 AM PST by null and void (I identify as a conspiracy theorist. My personal pronouns are told/you/so.)
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To: Godzilla

Get your rest.

God bless you.

Was it successful?


154 posted on 02/04/2024 6:00:55 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: Godzilla

Take care and get some rest. Thanks for all you do.


155 posted on 02/04/2024 9:47:49 AM PST by Oorang (Politicians:-a feeble band of lowly reptiles who shun the light and who lurk in their own dens. )
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To: metmom

We found them. After 6 hrs in the dark in a snowstorm


156 posted on 02/04/2024 11:31:03 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; blu; bgill; bitt; ...

Mind is still a little foggy today - getting kinda old to pull all nighters. Had a head cold take advantage of the situation as well, now dealing with medicine head too.

FYI - we found the missing persons after a 6 hour search in the dark in the middle of a snow storm. They at least were smart enough to stay with their vehicle, and i’ll leave it at that.


Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO February 19 to 21, Trans guideline committee.
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024

*****

Farmer protests against EU mandated agriculture reductions continue. I’ve noted this months ago, but is still relevant to the current protests. Ireland is seeking to mandate the slaughter 20% of all cows in order to reduce climate emissions. This equates to approximately 200,000 cows - and devastation to the industry.

Popular tactic continues to be used as Dutch farmers are spraying manure on government buildings.

Increasing reports of empty store shelves in France due to road blockages by the protesting farmers.


CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT

Showdown in TX continues. The beacons of Gondor are lit ! !

The Texas Supreme Court has rejected calls to allow Texans to vote on whether the state should become independent.
The Texas Nationalist Movement had submitted a petition to the Republican party demanding the question be posed on the March primary ballot.
But it was rejected by Texas Republican Party Chair Matt Rinaldi, despite being well over the 97,709 signatures required to get a vote added. The petition was submitted with 139,456 signatures.

OBSERVATION - This will not end the effort as the conflict with the feds over the border will continue to be hot button for a long time.

***
One of the markers of a society moving towards a civil break up is the development of governing/war structures. Some are making the case that the flocking of 25 states to the aid of TX is the start of such a development. Granted, no formal or even semiformal “organization’ of an alternative governing body has been created, but the speed to which TX go support to me indicates the governors and state leaderships have already set up channels of communication and response networks. I suspect that this adhoc networking will evolve into an actual ‘shadow’ govt system and that this process can go forward very quickly.

***
The trucker convoy arrived in Quemado on Friday night. The truckers are staying at the Cornerstone Children’s Ranch. People deemed too extreme are being denied entry. Several groups were turned away and that is causing protests against the truckers. Groups are showing up with messages against a number of things. Some protest Black Lives Matter, others protest gays and AIDS. None of their grievances were germane to this border security demonstration.

A group of so-called street preachers holding signs that read, ‘BLM are racist thugs,’ and ‘AIDS: Judgement or Cure’ were outraged after they were denied entry to the Cornerstone Children’s Ranch.
‘You’re worse than Democrats,’ a man named ‘Jim’ yelled into a megaphone across the street from the convoy gathering.

https://hotair.com/karen-townsend/2024/02/03/truck-convoy-security-creates-protests-no-guns-no-alcohol-no-drugs-no-offensive-things-we-dont-want-that-n609349

OBSERVATION - I noted earlier that there were agent provocateurs infiltrating this convoy and these are example of just what to expect. Convoy leadership / organizers are holding the line on this to maintain a border issue security message. This raises further concerns of a false flag operation when it reaches Eagle Pass and its first of three major rallies. These provocateurs could try to launch an attack against border patrol or DHS personnel in the ‘name’ of the convoy. Wisely, they are being kept out of the convoy.
Leftist organizations and NGOs probably see border security actions like at Eagle Pass as endangering their gravy train funding to traffic these humans and leftists have no qualms over using violence.


Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to impending conflict with Iran.

CONTINUED WARNING - impending military action against Iranian assets for the attack that killed US forces in Jordan could result in Iranian terror groups here in the US to activate and conduct terror ops here. These attacks can range from infrastructure destruction (water, power, communications, etc) to mass casualty events (superbowl related attacks) or attacks on political candidates - heavily leaning against current administration but also Trump as well. So far the govt hasn’t come out with any warnings but the risk has increased significantly the last 24 hours, based on common sense and stated goals of the Islamist movement/Iran.


Biden / Harris Watch –

Dates to watch -
March 7 - State of the union

****

Biden declined an invitation to be interviewed on Super Bowl Sunday. CBS was turned down. It is the second year in a row that Biden declined Super Bowl Sunday interviews.

OBSERVATION - Most likely due to the fact that biden has no mental facilities left to allow an unsupervised and unscripted interview.


Illegal Immigration –

See CW2 on Texas standoff.

***

The U.S. Senate on Sunday unveiled a $118 billion bipartisan border security bill that would also provide aid to Ukraine and Israel following months of negotiations, but the measure faces an uncertain future amid opposition by Donald Trump and hardline Republicans.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would take steps to hold an initial vote on the bill on Wednesday. If the bill were to become law, it would mark the most significant changes in U.S. immigration and border security in decades.

House Speaker Mike Johnson put a damper on the enthusiasm, saying the bill would be “dead on arrival” in the lower chamber. “This bill is even worse than we expected, and won’t come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created,” Johnson said on X, formerly Twitter.
https://www.newsmax.com/us/senate-border-ukraine/2024/02/04/id/1152237/

OBSERVATION - This bill is as vile, if not more, that what has been leaked already. it essentially allows illegal import to be maintained at todays unmaintainable rates. Tosses a bunch of money around to other causes too. Kept under wraps until the last minute then forcing a vote very quickly before the light is fully shown on it. 41 republicans need to support the filibuster. House republicans state that this bill is DOA and will not be brought up for a vote. The fact that Senate republican leadership would endorse this bill is appalling and shows we need new leadership that pays attention to the people, not their wallets.


Russia -

WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022

CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Feb 2, 2024, closing in on two years of war.

Russia is attempting to seize the initiative by executing a winter/spring offensive across the eastern front. Russia has reportedly concentrated 40,000 troops to sustain this offensive. Though reports indicate that there have been some limited successes, Russian forces have taken heavy losses. One key objective continues to be the capture of Avdiivak, near Donetsk, as well as terrain lost to Ukraine during the Ukraine fall offensive in 2022. The attacks associated with this offensive do not appear to be supportive of each other in a manner that could help expedite any breakthrough and initiate any significant armor / mobile action. These assault axis also appear to be vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes on their logistics trains.

Russia has been able to gradually enlarge the number of soldiers in the theatre to the 400,000 range. Training and equipping of these forces is still rated very poor. Russia has drawn heavily upon ‘volunteers’ from penal colonies for their “Z” shock troops- the primary element of their meat attack (human wave) assaults against Ukraine defenses. It has been documented that ‘enforcement’ squads follow behind these ‘shock troops’ with orders to shoot any who attempt to retreat.

Russia continues to suffer heavy tank and APC losses. Old, cold war era tanks and APCs are becoming more and more common sights in battle fields. (formerly) Elite units like the Russian marines are routinely seen with T54/55 series tanks instead of the T72/80/90 series they were commonly equipped with.

Shortages of Ukraine artillery ammo has permitted Russia to regain some degree of local superiority on the battlefield. Some estimates give Russia a 3:1 advantage. This is down substantially from the start of the war where it had a 10:1 advantage.

Russian has been shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for a potential effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2023. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.

The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. In the last half of 2023, Ukraine was able to take out about 20% of the fleet.

The Russia air force has taken significant losses at the hands of Ukraine. This has forced Russia to redeploy fighter bombers further away from the contested zone and exercise more caution when attacking. Larger aircraft have been forced to alter their operations as well.

Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace. putin is struggling to place his economy on wartime footing to accomplish this goal.

*****

Logistics –
According to OSINT analysts, imagery analysis of Russian bases, almost half of Russian pre-war artillery has been pulled from storage (9,334 pieces of Russian tube artillery). What’s left (9,747) is seen often missing barrels and other key parts.

It is no secret that Russia has been forced to draw deeply upon its storage sites of surplus military equipment. What is telling that remaining pieces are missing barrels and other key parts. Barrels wear out quickly at the volumes of fire Russia has been putting out over the course of the war, necessitating replacement. New barrels suffer from the loss of titanium for strength, making barrel wear out even faster. At the current burn rate, Russia is facing a growing artillery crisis. This crisis has already devolved into Russia now only having a 3:1 superiority ratio - down from 10:1 at the start of the war.


Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30 range with scattered snow and rain.

RUMINT –

24 HOUR ROUND UP – Weather continues to dominate action on the ground. However, temperatures are reaching levels around Ukraine that are starting to freeze the ground locally, meaning that ground operations may have their tempo increase over the coming days/weeks.

There are reports popping up that indicate that Russia has prepared 500 tanks, more than 600 combat vehicles, hundreds of howitzers and forty thousand soldiers for the attack on Kupiansk - Forbes

The Russians are reportedly planning to launch a major offensive to make military gains closer to spring against the backdrop of the election process in Russian Federation.

In the face of reported buildup for a larger offensive, more examples of the lack of training these Russian forces have when trying to maneuver armored formations. One example is the recent Russian failure to breach Ukrainian defenses near Vuhledar, they attempted to bypass the town from the north and attack Novomykhailivka. However, Ukrainian counterattacks pushed the Russian forces back by more than 2 km. In another attack, over a dozen tanks and APC got mixed up and in some instances collided with each other. Follow on Ukraine ATGM and artillery strikes took out most of the rest.

Outlook —

Weather and mud conditions are continuing to dictate ground operations, which are at a low level due to lack of maneuverability cross country and on dirt roads due to the mud.

The ability of Russia to launch a large scale offensive at this stage of the war comes with a lot of question marks. The biggest being the simple skills of maneuvering a force on hostile terrain under uncertain conditions. The US Army has Ft. Irwin - the premier training ground that permits Brigade sized units to operate under simulated battlefield conditions against a very savvy OPFOR. Russia has no similar level of intense training, basically throwing drivers into tanks/APC. Second level is the lack of trained and experienced leadership - general level on down. Attrition of officers has been huge - in part to poor comms (which hasn’t been fully resolved either) and the lack of a proficient NCO corps.

Logistics is another hurdle that Russia seems to be prepared to repeat pervious failures with. Mainly road bound, this offensive will face new challenges such as Ukraine drone kill zones. Soft sided logistic trucks will be easy prey to smaller drones, not needing massive explosive charges to take them out.
Finally (for now), this Russian offensive will continue to face a massive, layered system of recon drones, heavy suicide and bomber drones and keyed in artillery. Throw in some of the new weapon systems that should be in country in the coming month, the Russian offensive may well face a serious defeat, but one that sets up a Ukrainian counter offensive.


Poland –

On 2 February 2024, at the direction of the military, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency published Notam N604/2024. Navigation warning - unplanned military actions related to ensuring national security. This area is a zone along the Ukraine border.

OBSERVATION - Observers are saying that this warning is a result of recent over flights and impacts in Polish territory of Russian drone/cruise missiles. Civilian pilots are to maintain solid contact with control towers in the event of another Russian attack and potential drones/missiles entering Polish airspace - and any Polish response.


ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Hostage negotiations continue.

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Lest we forget - there are still 136 being held hostage in Gaza.

***
Hamas leaders abroad and in Gaza are expected to go in a “positive direction” during hostage deal negotiations following a round of consultation, according to reports by the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper on Monday.
The leadership of Hamas abroad has completed a first round of consultations that included the senior officials of the terrorist organization as well as the leadership of the Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian factions.

——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-

Ongoing search and destroy operations throughout Gaza. Reports of more mass surrenders of Hamas and affiliated fighters. Also more reports of Hamas popping back up in N Gaza.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Continued exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and IDF along the border.

IDF is moving three divisions to the northern border to “reshape the security reality”. Redeployment is meant to provide security for the thousands of Israelis that were evacuated at the start of the Gaza war as a deterrent against any assault by Hezbollah.

Rumint. Reports from Lebanon that Hezbollah put all units on high alert for possible war with Israel.
NOTE - There have been several similar notices of Hezbollah going on high alert since Oct 7. The current situation in along the border doesn’t suggest activity being taken by either side to initiate full battle operations.

Could be related to this following statement -

Israel’s military on Saturday issued its most detailed warning yet to Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon that it would be “ready to attack immediately” if provoked, as it recounted its actions along the northern border during four months of war in Gaza and made a rare acknowledgment of dozens of airstrikes inside Syria against the militant group.

“We do not choose war as our first priority, but we are certainly prepared,” military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said, adding: “We will continue to act wherever Hezbollah is present. We will continue to act wherever it is required in the Middle East. What is true for Lebanon is true for Syria and is true for other, more distant places.”

———WEST BANK——————————-

Soldiers from the IDF, the Israel Security Service (Shin Bet), and Border Police arrested 33 wanted persons throughout the West Bank, including a man suspected of shooting at security forces, in an operation throughout Monday night, the IDF announced on today.

Arrests occurred in numerous cities in the West Bank, including Hebron, Ein Beit Ilma, and Kfar Beit Omer.

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

A lot of action on the Houthi situation, mostly good. First it appears that US / UK forces have stepped up their surveillance of Houthi drone and ballistic missile firing preparations and are hitting many with airstrikes now on a daily basis. Secondly, more strategic strikes targeting ammo, command, control, radar, etc.

Actions against US interests in Syria and Iraq have also been ramping up. After the major bombing of IRGC and affiliated militia sites Friday night, it seem that those strikes did do some good. They haven’t felt that much airpower in a while. However, they are continuing their attacks.

The Iranian-Backed, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are claimed that 16 of their Fighters were Killed and 36 were Injured in the Retaliatory Airstrikes led by the U.S. Air Force last night against their Munitions Depot and Base within the Town of Al-Qa’im in Western Iraq.

Iran-backed militias targeted the Kharab Al-Jir military base in northeastern Syria.
This marks the third attack carried out by these militias today in Syria and Iraq.

The Iraqi Al-Nujaba Movement militia has issued a statement, vowing to retaliate against US forces following the US airstrikes last night on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. The statement mentions that they have several upcoming surprises.

——— FORECAST ————————-

Israel to continue search and destroy operations across Gaza. Fighting to continue to be locally intense across all Gaza as Hamas and affiliate cells are discovered and neutralized as well as of the couple hundred miles of tunnels are uncovered and destroyed.

US response to Islamic resistance and Houthi are just now beginning to reach a level of starting to put the hurt on them. In Iraq and Syria, these militias are still tenaciously attacking US forces, but US is becoming more aggressive in their response and preemptive strikes.

Against the Houthi, there is a seemingly reduction in the number of attacks on shipping using either drones or missiles. There is clearly an increase of US strikes on launching systems preparing for launches. Deeper attacks targeting C3CM, munitions storage and personnel have gradually increased as well.

US strikes are just starting to reach a level of intensity necessary to force a reduction in attacks. The bombing campaign stopped way too short IMHO and should have been kept up for a couple more days and include Houthi targets. But for now, it seems US military has been given a freer hand in prosecuting preemptive attacks on these islamic radicals.


Iran – Potential war with US developing.

Biden in a message to the US House of Representatives - “ The strikes on Syria and Iraq are aimed at deterring the Revolutionary Guard and its militias from threatening our forces and interests. If necessary, I will direct additional measures, including against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard”

Reports that Iran pulled its C2 intelligence ships into ‘safe’ ports operated by the Chinese at the start of the US bombing of iranian militias in Syria and Iraq.

State dept spokesmen do not rule out strikes on Iranian territory in response to Iranian backed militia attacks on US forces.


Central / South America General-

“El Salvador’s Trump,” Nayib Bukele, has won re-election with close to 90% of the vote, only minutes after polls closed.

Bukele in his first 4 years eliminated over 90% of the murders and violent crime in El Salvador thru an aggressive arrest and lock up campaign to get gangs off the streets. The sudden freedom and safe streets that ensued has gained this overwhelming support of his policy.
Leftist, so called human rights groups have been railing against his lock up policies as being inhuman and unjust. Safer citizenry doesn’t care.


Misc of Note –

The second of back-to-back atmospheric rivers battered California on Sunday, prompting the first-ever warning for hurricane-force winds in the state’s history.
California is bracing for what could be days of heavy rains, flooding on roads and knocking out power to nearly 800,000 people, with 97 percent of the state’s population under flood warning.
The current ‘bomb cyclone’ - a term denoting a storm that rapidly intensifies over 24 hours - could dump more than 8 trillion gallons of precipitation on the state.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13044947/California-weather-hurricane-force-winds.html

OBSERVATION - Kalifornia has no average ‘weather’, its weather is that of extremes. Central and southern Kalifornia hopefully made preparations days ago for this growing event. At this stage, damages to infrastructure and key economic points is uncertain. However, recovery from a storm of this magnitude hitting a people that are generally clueless is going to place a strain on the system.


157 posted on 02/05/2024 7:42:02 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson )
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To: Godzilla

Thanks


158 posted on 02/05/2024 7:57:33 AM PST by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: Godzilla
FYI - we found the missing persons after a 6 hour search in the dark in the middle of a snow storm. They at least were smart enough to stay with their vehicle, and i’ll leave it at that.

God bless you for caring and for your selfless act of service.

159 posted on 02/05/2024 8:05:40 AM PST by Lazamataz (Laz 2005: "First, we beat the Soviet Union. Then we became them.")
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To: Godzilla
FYI - we found the missing persons after a 6 hour search in the dark in the middle of a snow storm. They at least were smart enough to stay with their vehicle, and i’ll leave it at that.

Interesting life there Godzilla... stay safe.

160 posted on 02/05/2024 11:44:45 AM PST by GOPJ ( Ashli Babbit's killer was given a promotion after the murder. Never forget.)
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