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To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; bgill; bitt; Black Agnes; ..


Globalism / Great Reset –

Chrystia Freeland, WEF insider and Trudeau’s right hand, has resigned from his cabinet, sparking political chaos in Ottawa. Once united in pushing globalist agendas, Freeland’s dramatic departure exposes deep cracks in Trudeau’s government.

She’s walking away after clashing with Trudeau over economic strategy—just hours before delivering a major fiscal update! Could this signal the beginning of Trudeau’s downfall?

The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Freeland’s resignation is more than just a political shakeup—it’s a seismic shift in Canada’s leadership, with global implications.

https://x.com/jimfergusonuk/status/1868679655806341364?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA

OBSERVATION - Canada has been one of the test beds for implementation of WEF goals. Over the course of his efforts, Trudeau has destroyed his popularity ratings with the exception of the radical left. Some of this latest fallout may be due to Trump’s threat of tariffs against Canada.

Freeland was also a key player in the truckers strike against Canada a few years ago, cackling over how she could (and did) freeze their bank accounts.
Now there is a lot of rumors that Trudeau may resign. His ratings are in the dump and the parliamentary chaos may be enough to send him over the edge.


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

***
The Air Marshal National Council represents the federal law enforcement officers whose job it is to protect planes from terrorist attacks and other criminal activity in our nation’s airways.

They are warning that a terrorist attack may be imminent, and the TSA is not doing enough to help them thwart it.

https://hotair.com/david-strom/2024/12/16/air-marshals-worry-about-al-qaeda-terrorist-attack-in-2025-n3797950

OBSERVATION - Disturbing but not surprising. We’ve all seen the reports that illegals pass thru TSA without a hitch, even using criminal summons as identification. Literally thousands of jihadis can enter our planes without vetting, leaving them wide open for a terrorist incident.

***
A 15 (17?) -year-old student opened fire inside a study hall at a small Christian school in Wisconsin, killing a teacher and teenager and prompting a swarm of police officers responding to a second grader’s 911 call.
The girl also wounded six others in Monday’s shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, including two students who were in critical condition, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. A teacher and three students were taken to a hospital with less serious injuries, and two of them were later released.

In a follow-up briefing later on Monday, Chief Barnes replaced the words “male or female” with “gender.”
And, instead of reiterating that he didn’t “know” whether the suspect was male or female, he said that his office was “not releasing” any details about the suspect’s sexual status.

Subsequently, the Associated Press reported that the suspect “was a 17-year-old female student,“ according to an unnamed law enforcement officer - which does nothing to clarify whether the suspect was a biological male or female, given the AP’s embrace of transgender ideology and terminology.

https://mrctv.org/blog/craig-bannister/madison-police-chief-doesnt-know-if-school-shooter-male-or-female

OBSERVATION - Much discussion over whether the ‘girl’ was actually a girl or a transexual male. If the latter, then the last half dozen school / mass casualty episodes have been by individuals in the transgender community. In this case, another Christian based school was singled out as well.


Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Dec 5, 2024

Serious rumblings that the govt is about to issue updated jobs data for 2Q 2024 - and its going to be ugly. Some are forecasting that the jobs reportedly “created” in the second quarter, were actually fake, there were no net jobs created at all, and in fact, the US may have lost jobs in Q2. This is based on initial evaluation of data released Friday by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Final word on jobs revisions expected out soon.

Philly Fed report -
https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/regional-economic-analysis/early-benchmark-revisions

OBSERVATION - A significant downward revision as some are indicating follows right along with the overestimation by nearly 1 million for 2023. Fundamentally, the Fed lied to us in an effort to keep up the facade of a good biden economy going into the elections.


Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –

On December 15, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) made a southbound transit through the Suez Canal and into CENTCOM’s control.


POLITICAL FRONT –

Merchan refuses to dismiss charges due to presidential immunity.


Biden / Harris Watch –

Rumors from a NRC insider indicates that biden has slipped quickly to vegetable mode and may not last another year.


Illegal Immigration –

A police chief in a small North Dakota city says he and his officers were abandoned by the feds and left to fend for themselves when suspected Tren de Aragua members showed up in town.

North Dakota is the latest state to report that the brutal Venezuelan migrant gang is operating there after alleged member Henry Theis, 25, was busted last month for hacking and ripping off ATMs in West Fargo to the tune of $100,000, according to authorities.

And he’s not the only suspected TdA member to now have been identified in the city of 40,000.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/15/us-news/cops-in-north-dakota-beg-for-feds-help-over-tren-de-aragua/

RELATED - Tren de Aragua now operating in Utah.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/16/us-news/tren-de-aragua-is-now-terrorizing-utah-as-venezuelan-dissident-warns-that-local-authorities-are-not-ready/

OBSERVATION - The count is now up to 19 states penetrated by TdA - and growing in rural areas! In bigger cities they thrive because they can burrow into the background. In rural states they are finding that police/sheriffs lack resources and man power to effectively confront the challenge and that smaller elements of TdA can operate effectively.


North/South Korea –

US Treasury Department website announces new sanctions package related to North Korea and Russia

***
Footage from Russian channels indicates over 100 wounded North Korean soldiers are being treated at the Emergency Clinical Hospital on Pirogov Street in Kursk. A separate floor and special meals have been allocated for them.


Russia -

*****
Russia’s Permanent UN Representative Vasily Nebenzya said that Russia does not accept any scenarios for freezing the war, and Moscow considers Zelensky’s peace initiatives an attempt to buy time to intensify the fight against Russia. He added that Russia is ready to speak with those who ‘accept reality’.

NUCLEAR THREATS –

Serial production of “Oreshnik” must be established in the near future, “and this will certainly be done” - Putin

(ISW). Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued fixation on the Russian “Oreshnik” ballistic missile and Russia’s non-nuclear deterrents suggests that the Kremlin may be searching for off-ramps from its continued nuclear saber-rattling narrative.


Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.

24 HOUR ROUND UP –

Russian losses per 17/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff

+1600 men
+4 tanks
+15 AFVs
+8 artillery pieces

Ukraine’s AIr Force reports on a Shahed drone attack overnight and early morning. Out of 31 launched, 20 were shot down. Another 10 were supressed by electronic warfare. One Shahed remains active

Ukraine Kursk Offensive-

In the Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 68 Russian army assaults, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports

Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -

Russian forces have closed off and captured a Ukrainian held salient near Kurakhivka.

Russian Territory –

24 hours after Ukraine filed international charges against Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the Commander of the Russian Armed Force’s Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Unit, for ordering the use of chemical weapons during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, he was killed by a bomb fixed to a scooter. Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed credit for the attack. He is reported to be one of the most Senior Russian Officers killed during the War.
One of his Deputies was also killed.

Summary —

Uptick in Russian losses equate in uptick in fighting.

N Korean losses are growing - See N/S Korea above. Wounded in the hundreds, killed likely in the dozens. This is equating to a disaster for both Russia and NK. Becomes questionable if NK is going to send more troops to be cannon fodder.


Europe / NATO General –

German Chancellor Scholz loses parliamentary confidence vote, paving the way for snap elections in February.


ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Israel expands occupation in Syria

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Netanyahu made a unscheduled trip to Crete. Purpose and agenda are unknown.

——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-

Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel will continue to rule over Gaza militarily after the war.

“Once we defeat Hamas’s military power and ruling power in Gaza, Israel will control security in Gaza with full freedom to act, just as in Judea and Samaria,” he says, in reference to the West Bank.

“We will not allow any terrorist activity against Israeli communities and citizens from Gaza. We will not allow a return to the pre-October 7 reality.”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/katz-israel-to-maintain-security-control-over-gaza-after-war-with-full-freedom-to-act/

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

IDF took out some Hezbollah activities in violation of the ceasefire

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

See Syria below

——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-

A civil war of sorts continues to grow in Judea and Samaria as Abbas’ PA and armed terrorists continue to fight as the PA begins its campaign for new leadership of the region, following a delay due to the US elections.

Abbas wants to prove Trump he’s the right candidate to take control over Gaza and receive more aid from the US

https://x.com/mossadil/status/1868906809056280899?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

A ballistic missile (Houthi’s called it a ‘hypersonic’ missile) launched at Israel from Yemen was successfully intercepted by air defenses, the military says.
The IDF says the missile was shot down before crossing the county’s borders

Israeli Broadcasting Authority, citing an official: We are considering carrying out a strike in Yemen following the missile that was launched today towards central Israel

Airstrikes pounded Sana’a, the capital of Yemen. Conflicting reports of who is responsible, with various sources saying Israel and others saying the USA.
Some preliminary reports are suggesting that the head of military intelligence and second in command of the Houthis, Abu Ali al-Hakim, was one of the targets of the attack.

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

Israel expand control of Syrian territory east of the Golan. Appears to be firming up support for Druze communities and their call for protection. Druze in Israel are afforded full rights and I think that they are confident in Israel looking out for their best interest, especially in view of Israel’s demolition of Hezbollah as promised to a Druze community where a dozen children were killed by a Hezbollah rocket earlier this year.

Hamas appears to be accepting of a continued Israeli presence in Gaza as a ceasefire and hostage release deal is being worked out.

Hezbollah has remained subdued in Lebanon. There appears to be no evidence that they have been able to receive much in the way of arms and munitions from Syrian bases they and Iran once ran.

Watching to see if Israel targets Islamic Resistance elements in Iraq. Same too for major strike against the Houthi.

Further action against Iran is still in the RUMINT stage. Its going to happen, the key issue is timing. Hit now before biden leaves or wait until Trump is in charge and all the geopolitical ramifications therein.


Iran –

Iran is facing severe fuel shortages due to a surge in demand caused by freezing weather, outdated infrastructure, and the impact of international sanctions. In response, authorities have extended school closures, shut down cities, and suspended power plant operations to manage the crisis. The shortages have led to widespread disruptions across the country, with no immediate solutions in sight. - FT

https://x.com/osint613/status/1868684660584186089?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA

OBSERVATION - This is what happens when you spend billions on arming and supporting terror groups and ignore your citizens. This is another point of friction that may generate new civil uprisings against the mullahs.


Iraq -

Rumint. Israel is preparing for a very large attack on the Iranian proxy in Iraq. All pro-Iranian militia leaders are now hiding under the ground.


Syria -

Former Leader of Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and now Leader of the Syrian Transitional Government, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, who currently leads the new administration in parts of Syria, has declared that Syrian territory will not be used for attacks against Israel. This follows Israel’s decision to expand settlements in the Golan Heights and ongoing strikes on Syrian targets. al-Jolani also reaffirmed his commitment to the 1974 Syria-Israel Agreement, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts amid regional tensions.

***
Israeli troops have been operating in several Syrian villages beyond the buffer zone in southern Syria in the past day, according to local media .The Daraa 24 outlet yesterday reported that Israeli army soldiers entered the village of Ma’ariya, located a few hundred meters east of the buffer zone in the southern Golan Heights, and questioned locals. The outlet says that today, Israeli army tanks entered the town of Saidah, also located on the edge of the buffer zone. The Israeli army has said that its deployment to the buffer zone and strategic positions in the area is a defensive and temporary measure amid the situation in Syria, and it would remain there until it clears up.

These appear to be Druze villages that have called for Israel to protect them. The Druze minority has historically faced forced conversion to Islam at the hands of HTS, which now controls Syria.

Lebanese reports that the IDF has taken control of the Al Wahda Dam, which controls the sources of the Yarmouk river in Syria.

***
(ISW). HTS continues to consolidate security control over disparate armed groups in Syria.

Former regime soldiers in coastal areas of Syria are reportedly giving up their arms to HTS-led authorities as part of a settlement process.

***
Al-Arabiya reports that the remaining Russian Forces in Syria, located at the Naval Base in Tartus and Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia, are expected to depart in the coming days. Russian forces scattered across Syria are reported to be continuing to head towards Latakia and Tartis for extraction.

Reports continue of Russia efforts to try to resecure use of Tartis and Latakia. In the interim, reports also indicate that efforts to secure facilities in Libya are on going.

***
US airstrikes vs ISIS in Syria - targeted camps, operatives Monday. Initial assessment - 12 ISIS fighters killed, no civilian casualties, per PentagonPresSec MajGen Par Ryder

***
Israeli warplanes have returned over the capital, Damascus, with air raids in the vicinity of the Sayyida Zeinab area.

***
The Syrian Transport Ministry has announced the reopening of Syrian Airspace to International Commercial Flights, with work at Damascus International Airport for its opening on Wednesday now 90% Complete.

***
The Turkish army removed the separation wall between Ayn Al Arab/Kobane and Turkiye

The U.S. fears Türkiye’s military buildup near the Syrian border signals an imminent incursion into PKK/YPG rebel group held Ayn al-Arab.
PKK/YPG/PYD officials urged President-elect Trump to pressure Turkish President Erdogan.


JORDAN -

Growing concerns the revolution that hit Syria may spill over into Jordan.


Turkey –

The United States is increasingly alarmed that Turkey and its militia allies are preparing for a large-scale military incursion into Syrian territory controlled by US-backed Kurdish forces, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday, citing US officials.

The officials cited a significant Turkish military buildup near Kobani, a Kurdish-majority city on the Syria-Turkey border, sparking fears of imminent conflict.

According to US officials cited in the report, the buildup resembled Turkish movements seen ahead of its 2019 invasion of northeast Syria. One US official, speaking to the WSJ, warned that “a cross-border operation could be imminent.”

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-833777


Misc of Note –

The drone wars are not over yet.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has confirmed that radioactive material was lost in transit earlier this month, heightening fears about public safety and sparking theories about mysterious drone activity in New Jersey.
Officer Lew, a prominent political commentator, highlighted the NRC’s event report during a review of regulatory alerts.

“While looking at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Alerts. I can confirm that there is radioactive material that has gone missing on Dec 2nd, 2024 out of New Jersey. This might be the reason for the drones… just speculation at this point,” he wrote.

According to the NRC’s report, the radioactive source, while classified as “Less than IAEA Category 3,” still poses potential risks if mishandled or exposed for prolonged periods.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/12/u-s-nuclear-regulatory-commission-releases-report-confirming/

Definitions from the NRC for the level of material lost -

Category 3 sources, if not safely or securely managed, could cause permanent injury to a person who handled them or was otherwise in contact with them for hours. It could possibly—although it is unlikely to—be fatal to be close to this amount of unshielded radioactive material for a period of days to weeks. These sources are typically used in fixed industrial gauges such as level gauges, dredger gauges, conveyor gauges, spinning pipe gauges, and well-logging gauges.

Category 4 sources, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly cause temporary injury to someone who handled them or was otherwise in contact with or close to them for a period of many weeks, though this is unlikely. It is very unlikely anyone would be permanently injured by this amount of radioactive material. These sources are typically used in fixed or portable gauges, static eliminators, or low-dose brachytherapy.

https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/glossary/category-of-radioactive-sources.html

OBSERVATION - As I noted yesterday, the search for nuclear material was one potential cause for the sudden increase in unusual air/drone traffic. Is this the cause and is the govt being straight about it?

The categories only note lethality. Normal small quantities of these radioactive substances are generally not sufficient for a dirty bomb. The next question then becomes how MUCH of this material was stolen. If a lot was stolen, then the utility for a dirty bomb rises.

The container for the item was found busted up and opened upon arrival in New Jersey - not a good thing. This means it was a deliberate and targeted action. This NRC announcement creates more questions than answers.


1,305 posted on 12/17/2024 6:14:15 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1302 | View Replies ]


To: Godzilla

Thanks.


1,306 posted on 12/17/2024 6:52:34 AM PST by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1305 | View Replies ]

To: Godzilla
OBSERVATION - Much discussion over whether the ‘girl’ was actually a girl or a transexual male. If the latter, then the last half dozen school / mass casualty episodes have been by individuals in the transgender community. In this case, another Christian based school was singled out as well.

Which is why the left is going to do everything it can to bury it is the kid was transitioning.

Bad publicity.

We'll find out soon enough.

1,307 posted on 12/17/2024 8:36:03 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1305 | View Replies ]

To: null and void; aragorn; Axenolith; Baynative; Beautiful_Gracious_Skies; bgill; bitt; Black Agnes; ..


Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Dec 5, 2024

The Federal Reserve is expected to lower borrowing costs Wednesday in what some observers are calling a “hawkish cut” set to be delivered alongside policymakers’ updated interest rate outlooks and economic forecasts covering the first months of the incoming Trump administration.

The anticipated quarter-percentage-point move would lower the U.S. central bank’s benchmark policy rate to the 4.25%-4.50% range, a full percentage point below where it stood in September when it began easing the tight monetary policy used to counter a surge in inflation that began in 2021.
How much further and how fast rates will fall next year remains increasingly uncertain with inflation still lodged above the Fed’s 2% target, the economy growing faster than expected, and the prospect that President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff, tax and immigration policies could change the economic landscape in unpredictable ways once he takes office in January.

https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/fed-rate-decision/2024/12/18/id/1192060/

OBSERVATION - Not unexpected, but how well based is the decision in economic realities vs wishful thinking.

***
Prices of new cars rose last month, along with sales numbers and higher incentives offered by dealerships, according to automotive research company Kelley Blue Book.

The average transaction price for a new vehicle in November was $48,724, up 1.5 percent year-over-year, according to a Dec. 11 statement from Kelley Blue Book. This was the second consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Despite the higher prices, new vehicle sales rose last month.

“Higher prices were met with higher discounts in November, which has kept the retail business moving,” said Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/new-vehicle-prices-jump-in-november-kelley-blue-book-5776808?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport&src_src=partner&src_cmp=BonginoReport

OBSERVATION - Mixed news, but to consider paying $49K for a new car is outrageous.


Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics

Moderna has paused its mRNA RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine trial for children after five infants were hospitalized with severe respiratory complications.

This comes just days after the FDA quietly admitted it had halted enrollment in similar trials, citing safety concerns for children under two years old.

The news broke during Thursday’s FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting, where panelists struggled to navigate the safety implications of Moderna’s findings, Fierce Pharma reported.

Henry Bernstein, a professor of pediatrics at Hofstra/Northwell, stated, “This all seems like an incredible conundrum with lots of unanswered questions remaining—lots to still learn.”

The halted trial, identified as mRNA-1365-P101, sought to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of two mRNA-based vaccines, mRNA-1345 and mRNA-1365. The vaccines were designed to protect infants and toddlers against RSV.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/12/moderna-halts-mrna-rsv-vaccine-trial-children-after/

OBSERVATION - Dodged a bullet on full on rollout of this toxin? The flood of ill fated mRNA based ‘vaccines’ continues to be dangerous - more dangerous than the disease they claim to be fighting.


POLITICAL FRONT –

Top Republicans and Democrats in Congress unveiled a stopgap measure on Tuesday to keep federal agencies funded through March 14, averting a partial government shutdown that would otherwise begin Saturday.

The measure would likely keep the roughly $6.2 trillion federal budget running at its current level, funding programs ranging from the military, air traffic controllers and federal regulators for areas ranging from drug safety to securities markets.

It also includes $100.4 billion in new emergency funding to help states including North Carolina and Florida recover from devastating hurricanes, as well as western wildfires and other recent disasters.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/congress-stopgap-funding/2024/12/17/id/1192039/

Senator Rand Paul announces he will delay the passage of the massive Omnibus Spending Bill if it clears the House, potentially leading to a government shutdown if not passed by Friday.

OBSERVATION - This CR is some 1500 (!) pages long for a 90 day extension. Business as normal by the congress critters. This has got to stop.

***
From the House report on the J6 hearings:

Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, the former Vice Chair of the January 6 Select Committee, and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Evidence uncovered by the Subcommittee revealed that former Congresswoman Liz Cheney tampered with at least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly communicating with Hutchinson without Hutchinson’s attorney’s knowledge. This secret communication with a witness is improper and likely violates 18 U.S.C. 1512. Such action is outside the due functioning of the legislative process and therefore not protected by the Speech and Debate clause.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation must also investigate Representative Cheney for violating 18 U.S.C. 1622, which prohibits any person from procuring another person to commit perjury. Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, Hutchinson committed perjury when she lied under oath to the Select Committee.

This all stems back to the “Trump grabbing the steering wheel” story, which would’ve helped pin the “insurrection” on President Trump if it’d been true.

Hutchinson was a witness before the J6 committee. She claimed that when then-President Donald Trump was leaving the Stop the Steal rally at the Elipse in Washington, DC, following his speech, he attempted to grab the steering wheel of the car that was driving him back to the White House. This testimony was debunked in March 2024 by the Secret Service agent who was driving the car, which Hutchinson was not actually in.

https://notthebee.com/article/house-report-says-liz-cheney-should-be-investigated-for-witness-tampering-at-j6-hearings

OBSERVATION - Cheney along with her other cohorts on the J6 committee are in deep kimchee. This doesn’t even begin to touch the destruction of evidence by same committee.


Cyber attacks/warfare – Moderate ALERT as of Dec 18, 2024
Alert status maintained due to persistent presence of Chinese hackers in US networks.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published a new draft National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) on Monday. CISA Director Jen Easterly said the “increasingly complex threat environment demands that we have a seamless, agile, and effective incident response framework,” and the new plan will help the federal government and private sector coordinate responses to cyberattacks.


North/South Korea –

Putin reportedly paid Kim Jong Un up to $6 billion for weapons and North Korean soldiers, according to The New York Times.

The Hankuk Institute in Seoul estimates Pyongyang’s arms shipments were worth $1.72–$5.5 billion, partially paid in cash and the rest in oil and food.

For deploying 5,000–20,000 troops, North Korea could have earned $143–$572 million.

With 11,000 soldiers reportedly in Russia’s Kursk region, Pyongyang may have received about $315 million.


Russia -

*****
Analysts are tracking a large number of cargo flights out of Syria headed to Libya, suggestion that Russia is reinforcing its position there for at least the interim as negotiations reportedly continue with the new Syrian govt for continued use of Tartis and other bases.


Ukraine –

WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.

24 HOUR ROUND UP –

Ukraine’s Air Force reports on a Shahed drone attack overnight. Out of 81 launched, 51 were shot down by regular air defense and 30 were suppressed by electronic warfare. Damage at the shopping mall in Saltivsky district in Kharkiv as result of a drone attack was reported.

Russian losses per 18/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.

+1580 men
+4 tanks
+21 APVs
+5 artillery systems

Ukraine Kursk Offensive-

In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 42 Russian army assaults, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports

Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -

Ukrainian Military withdrew from some positions near Sontsivka and Novyy Komar village, - The Khortytsia operational-strategic group

Mandatory evacuation for families with children have been announced in Udachne community of Donetsk region

Summary —

Continued uptick in Russian losses equate in uptick in fighting. Russia still making small advances in the Pokrovsk region, but advances on the town itself seem to have stalled again. Russian efforts to push Ukraine out of Kursk continue with little results.

Ukraine winter is setting in quickly now, and ground operations will have to face increasing issues with mud interfering with cross country movements.

Apart from the standard Shahed attacks, both countries seem to be at a pause in their deeper drone/missile warfare.


ISRAEL –

Key overnight developments -

- Netanyahu makes a surprise visit onto Israeli controlled Syrian territory.

- Netanyahu says Israel is willing to renegotiate the 1974 treaty with the new Syrian govt.

——— GENERAL ——————————-

Under the cover story of an unscheduled trip to Crete, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the peak of Mount Hermon earlier today, on the Syrian side of the border, after the site was captured by the Israeli army last week. He also said Israel is willing to renegotiate the 1974 treaty with Syria under its new rulers.

Experts show that if Israel installs a radar on the summit of Mount Hermon, Israel will have coverage all the way to Iraq.

——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-

IAF strikes across central and N Gaza.

Various outlets are suggesting that Hamas is facing a leadership crisis brought on by the losses of nearly all their senior commanders.

——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-

Israeli army: We carried out an airstrike in southern Lebanon after a Hezbollah member was spotted loading weapons onto a vehicle

Israel continued to destroy Hezbollah bunkers and facilities in S Lebanon overnight. Numerous explosions reported.

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

Israeli airstrikes in Syria to prevent Hezbollah or any other terror group to get their hands on Syrian army assets has slowed down considerably.

——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-

Israeli security forces continued to operate in numerous areas of the region.

———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————

Reports overnight of U.S-Coalition airstrikes on the City of Hodeida in Western Yemen.

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

Israel continues to conduct clean up operations in both Gaza and occupied S Lebanon. Hezbollah has largely been silent following the overthrow of Assad’s govt by Hezbollah/Iranian hostile rebel forces. The ball is now in the court of Lebanon, to see if they have the political will to exclude Hezbollah from the society and country.

Lots of rumors on hostage releases - still probably weeks out if at all.

Iran is still licking its wounds from the devastating loss of Hezbollah and its operations in Syria. The big question continues to be will Israel strike their nuclear program before or after Trump takes office? Will Iran try to strike Israel first, before Trump comes into office? This window is now down to about a month. Iran is wounded and a wounded animal can be dangerous.

The new Syrian govt is getting irritated with the Israeli airstrikes, but is impotent to stop them. Israel appears to be finished with them as well as stopping its movements to control the 1974 buffer zone. The rebel Syrian govt is unlikely to challenge Israeli power for a while.


Lebanon -

Lebanese Prime Minister: The information we received from the Syrian authorities regarding the issue of Lebanese forcibly disappeared in Syrian prisons is “not encouraging”


Saudi Arabia –

A Saudi official told no “breakthrough” has been achieved between Saudi Arabia and Israel regarding “normalization” of relations. “The notion that the kingdom’s leadership has somehow modified its longstanding commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is equally baseless”, the Saudi official said. The Saudi official added that the kingdom’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict “has been clear and consistent for decades and our determination to end the war on Gaza is unshakable”. “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to work towards ending the war in Gaza and helping the Palestinian people achieve their right to an independent state”, the Saudi official said


Syria -

US Central Command carried out precision airstrikes against ISIS camps and operatives in Syria on December 16, killing 12 ISIS terrorists.
The strikes against ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were carried out as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, harm, and defeat ISIS, prevent the organization from carrying out external attacks, and ensure that ISIS does not take advantage of opportunities to regroup in central Syria.
The latest attacks were also carried out in areas controlled by the regime and the Russians, in order to continue to exert pressure on ISIS.

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Satellite imagery reveals Russia has begun a large-scale loading operation at the Hmeimim air base to relocate heavy equipment, including mobile S-400 missile launchers, from Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, reports washingtonpost.

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Syrian sources report that Israeli warplanes attacked the radar battalion near the Deir ez-Zor airport in eastern Syria last night. According to these sources, additional targets near the airport were also attacked.

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Turkish troop build up on the Northern Syrian border is continuing to cause international concern.


Turkey –

Turkey has been outspoken in past years in its desire to create a buffer zone in Syria to prevent Kurdish forces from raiding into S Turkey and the build up of border forces indicates that they are planning to take advantage in the chaos surrounding the regime change to move that plan forward. Kurds in the region are supported by US as part of the ISIS fighting coalition and any conflict could place US and Turkish forces on a collision course.



1,308 posted on 12/18/2024 6:52:07 AM PST by Godzilla (“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson)
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