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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
The destruction of evidence is the bigger crime - the one that will take these monsters down... but I guess they 'gotta start somewhere'...
Any new feelings about the drones?
Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Dec 5, 2024
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 1,100 points after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates but signaled they might stay higher than investors expected in 2025.
Heading into the meeting, traders had expected that the Fed would cut interest rates twice next year. Interest-rate futures now indicate a strong probability that the Fed will cut rates only once in 2025, or not all.
OBSERVATION - The fed threw cold water on expected loosening of the prime rate and raised the specter of inflation once again with tighter controls.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the bird flu in California on Wednesday, despite the virus’s low risk to the public.
OBSERVATION - Developing. Many see some precursors to a potential nation wide “emergency”.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Following the release yesterday of the 1500+ page abomination called a CR, all hades broke loose on Speaker Johnson and any Republican supporters of the bill.
The assembled forces of DOGE, lead by Musk , and Vivek Ramaswamy and Americans on “X”, the bill was picked apart and the massive grift, waste and abuse quickly brought into the open. That opened the floodgates to the Capitol Switchboard and filled republicans voice mail boxes quickly. By yesterday afternoon, Trump and Vance were on record being against the bill. Vance reportedly met with Johnson to ‘discuss’ the bill.
It now looks like the bill has been pulled and a shift to a “clean” CR is in the offing.
After accusing GOP leaders of breaking a pact and threatening a government shutdown, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) hinted on Wednesday that Democrats would oppose any federal spending package that deviates from the bipartisan pact unveiled the day before.
In a succinct statement, Jeffries cautioned Republicans that they will have to “own” the political and economic consequences of any shutdown, highlighting the mounting outcry against the negotiated continuing resolution (CR), including vocal opposition from President-elect Donald Trump.
The CR was initially being leveraged as a way to get $100 billion in emergency aid to W NC and TN suffering from lack of govt response from recent hurricanes. It was an emotional blackmail ploy.
OBSERVATION - I’ll leave other threads in FR to discuss the horrific crap filling the 1500+ pages that were supposedly crafted in a “bipartisan” manner. Suffice it to say if it weren’t for Musk and the renewed “X” platform, word would never have gotten out on just how demonic the bill was until after it passed. Speaker Johnson, after hanging around Trump since the election, quickly showed his real self in allowing this bill to even see the light of day. His days as speaker are numbered.
Big to the discussion was the warning to any republican who votes for this CR the very real threat of being primaried out of office. Being tone deaf to the demands of Americans from the election results will not work well for them. I find it hard to understand why an republican would support anything but a clean CR?
Back up plan if the congressional republicans passed this mess was Sen Paul and some others ready to block it in the senate.
The current extension expires this Friday and a limited shutdown could commence shortly thereafter. NOTE - parts of the govt will be designated essentially as ‘non essential’ My what a good starting point for cutting govt waste.
Final good observation -
“No, they don’t have to be bipartisan. The House can simply pass a bill that continues spending at present levels for a few months, with no other provisions. If the Democrats who still control the Senate for the next month want to hold out for unrelated concessions, they can decline to pass the bill. Then the government will “shut down.” Who cares? Let the government stay “shut down” until Senate Democrats relent, or the new Congress assembles. Democrats will mind that more than Republicans will.”
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2024/12/doge-showdown.php
Biden / Harris Watch –
Just 34% of Americans approve of Joe Biden’s job performance while 66% disapprove — putting him underwater by an abysmal 32 points!
That’s marks the worst net approval rating Biden has posted in the Marquette Law School national poll since taking office.
https://x.com/CortesSteve/status/1869449510960963925
North/South Korea –
South Korean intelligence reports heavy losses among North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in the Kursk region, per Reuters. Reports indicate that around 100 killed and 1,000 wounded.
The high casualties are due to their lack of experience in “drone warfare” and unfamiliarity with the open terrain where battles are taking place.
OBSERVATION - Another key factor is a language barrier / communications issues.
Russia -
Putin:
We have evacuated 4,000 Iranian fighters to Tehran from the Khmeimim base.
Russia was not defeated in Syria. We achieved our goal in Syria, we did not allow the creation of an Islamic caliphate, it was not terrorists who came to power there.
30,000 government troops and pro-Iranian units retreated without a fight.
NOTE - He is blaming Syria for its loss, disavowing any Russian contribution (or lack thereof)
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 30s and rain and snow throughout much of the period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Russian losses per 19/12/24 reported by the Ukrainian general staff
+1530 men
+5 tanks
+27 APVs
+14 artillery pieces
+1 AD system
Ukraines Air Force reports on a missile and shahed drone attack overnight.
Shot down:
0/2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles
0/1 Kh-59/69 cruise missile
45/85 Shahed drones
Another 40 drones were suppressed by electronic warfare. No information about damage was received.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported 84 drones were shot down overnight over seven regions, with the largest number of UAVs — 36 and 21 — shot down over the Rostov and Bryansk regions.
Russian Territory –
Yesterday, the Rostov region was attacked, targeting -among other things- the Kamensky plant. The plant produces rocket fuel, including for intercontinental missiles, as well as explosives and ammunition components.
Russia believes Ukraine attacked Rostov region with ATACMS or Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG.
Overnight, explosions occurred in Rostov-on-Don. It was reported that the Rostselmash plant in Rostov-on-Don, known for repairing and upgrading armored vehicles, was hit.
The General Staff confirmed the Russian Novoshakhtinsky Oil Refinery was struck and hit. This facility supplies the Russian armed forces with fuel, specializing in producing mazut, diesel, furnace, and marine fuel, with a capacity of 7.5 million tons of oil annually. A fire has been confirmed at the ELOU-AVT-2.5 catalytic cracking unit.
Summary —
Russia continues to try to maintain to the initiative in the fight as reflected in the reported casualties, though they are not as high as last week. Very limited success by any of the Russian attacks.
It was another relatively ineffective Shahed attack by Russian but a far more successful series of drone / missile attacks by Ukraine.
On a strategic level, the bow wake of Trumps return to the WH continues to force Ukraine and Russia to publicly address ceasefire issues.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- IAF hit Houthi targets overnight
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israel rejected Turkish accusations on Tuesday following Ankara’s condemnation of Israeli military actions in Syria, as Turkey escalates its own operations in the war-torn country. The rising tensions have deepened the rift between the two nations and sparked concerns over regional stability and the fate of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces fighting ISIS.
On Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a response on X. “Turkey has systematically encroached on Syrian territory… Approximately 15% of Syria’s territory is under Turkish-backed control. In these areas, the Turkish currency is in use, and Turkish bank branches and postal services have been operating.
“Furthermore, the Turkish military bombards infrastructure in the northeastern autonomous region of Syria using aircraft and UAVs. Turkey supports jihadist forces that operate against Kurds in Syria. The last country that can speak about occupation in Syria is Turkey… There is no justification for Turkish aggression and violence against Kurds in Syria!”
https://harbingersdaily.com/israel-at-war-week-56/
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-
IDF is working the Gaza Palestinian terrorists this morning with 24 terrorists being eliminated in IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip this morning so far.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
IDF continues to destroy Hezbollah facilities found in the occupied areas of S Lebanon.
——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-
Palestinians are reporting that Tarek al-Dush, commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in the Tulkarm camp, was killed in the airstrike. An Israeli drone struck a car in the Tulkarm camp in the West Bank, the Israeli army said
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Houthi’s launched a ballistic missile at Israel that was intercepted before entering the country. Parts of that missile hit a school.
According to an initial probe in the Israeli Air Force, the missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen at Israel overnight was only partially intercepted by the Arrow air defense system. The missile’s warhead remained intact, without exploding in the air. It then crashed and exploded on a school in Ramat Gan, causing a building to collapse.
In response, Israel attacked the Haziz power station in the south of the capital Sanaa, two attacks targeted the D’Habban power station in the north of Sanaa. Four attacks targeted the port of Al-Hodeidah in the west of the country, two attacks targeted the oil facility in Ras Al-Issa also in western Yemen. In Al-Hodeidah, there are reports of power outages in most neighborhoods. For the first time, Israeli struck in the capital Sanaa area!
At least 9 Workers are now reported to have been Killed, as a result of Israeli Airstrikes on the Ras Al-Issa Oil Refinery and Port within the City of Hodeida in Western Yemen.
The powerful strikes came less than an hour after a Yemeni ballistic missile was intercepted above Israel and pieces of interceptors caused damage to a building near Tel Aviv.
It’s estimated that the IAF strikes in Yemen overnight paralyzed all three ports controlled by the Houthis, crippling the Iranian regime’s ability to send weapons to the Houthis by sea.
The Houthis have launched some 200 missiles and 120 UAVs at Israel in the last 14 months (most did not reach Israel).
Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti to Al-Arabiya TV: We will respond to the Israeli raids on Sanaa and Hodeidah, and escalation will be met with escalation. Our military operations will escalate, and we have a bank of targets that will hurt America, Britain, and Israel. Our position is just, and we will stop our military operations if the aggression on Gaza stops.
OBSERVATION - Note the difference between Israeli strikes and those of the US/Coalition?
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Biggest news is the IAF hitting key infrastructure targets under Houthi control. I note the difference between US/Coalition and Israeli strikes. The Israeli strikes display STRENGTH and are very open for the population to see (and feel the effects from). Western ‘strikes’ seek to avoid such and though they may hit some military facilities - evidence from Hamas and Hezbollah are that they have a lot scattered throughout the countryside, many underground, and would require a sustained effort like in Gaza and Lebanon to effective reduce that threat. These Israeli attacks go for the throat and with the situation stable in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and even Iran, the Houthi will be facing a lot of scrutiny in the coming days.
Iran is so weakened that there is very little support they can now offer them. The only practical means of supply by Iran is via air cargo. Sea lift of military supplies is virtually done with the amount of damage to the three Houthi ports now. Airlift is very costly, and Iran doesn’t have the spare change to support what is necessary - they have big trouble brewing at home.
Israel has now threatened Houthi leadership with targeting. If anything, Houthi leaders will be losing a lot of sleep, judging from the success Israel has had hunting leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
Iran –
After the E3, known as Britain, France and Germany accused Iran yesterday of growing its Stockpile of Highly-Enriched Uranium to “Unprecedented Levels” without Civil Justification; the Iranian Ambassador to the U.N. threatened the Three Countries, stating that if they reimpose Sanctions on Iran, then they will face a “Harsh and Disproportionate Response” which will create a Major Crisis that does not serve the Interests of either Side.
https://x.com/sentdefender/status/1869264236867670304?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
OBSERVATION - Iran’s only ace in the hole at this stage is their nuclear program and their race to get the bomb.
Syria -
US supported SDF calls on Kobane(Ayn al-Arab) residents to take up arms (Kurdish region) (Reuters)
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Syrian rebels leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa (Al-Julani): Syria will not be Afghanistan and I believe in educating women
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Threat of expanded Turkish attacks in the north are growing. If Turkey commences with attacks, it may cause a more direct confrontation with the US.
Turkey –
During an interview with Al Jazeera, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan would not directly deny that Turkey is preparing for a significant joint Turkish military-SNA offensive in Northern Syria. When directly asked if Turkey was preparing for an offensive, Fidan instead chose to focus on the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) connections to groups that Turkey designates as terrorist entities. Wrapping up his answer, he said that “we don’t want to disturb certain balances in the region, but we must keep our national interests [observed] and safe,” without definitively denying the coming offensive.
In the same interview with Al Jazeera, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the current decision-makers in Damascus, saying that “if they address this situation (Kurdish forces in northern Syria) properly, then there will be no reason for us to intervene.” This likely indicates that Turkey is pressuring the new government, led by Hay’at
Tahrir al-Sham’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, to take action against the SDF and/or subordinate groups that Turkey has designated as terrorist organizations.
https://x.com/sentdefender/status/1869505252476764339?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
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Turkish President Erdogan exchanged a brief greeting with Iran’s President ahead of D8 leaders summit in Cairo. This is their first engagement since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria
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Turkish Defense Ministry: No agreement on truce with SDF in northern Syria. The factions we support will control the Kurdish areas in northern Syria
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Turkish Ministry of Defense: We strongly condemn Israel’s decision to expand illegal settlements in the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967.
Misc of Note –
Drones -
At least 17 military bases adjacent to Chinese-owned farmland across the US have experienced a rash of drone sightings in recent weeks, The Post has learned.
Mysterious drones have been reported near military bases in Hawaii and by installations in Utah, California, Maine and Florida — among other facilities scattered throughout the country.
The Post previously identified 19 military bases that lie in close proximity to farmland bought up by Chinese-owned companies — a situation that has worried China analysts, who feared the Communist country would use the land to spy on US military operations.
All of those facilities apart from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota and Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis in Texas had reports of drones either attempting to fly over their bases or nearby, according to local reports.
OBSERVATION - This evidence contributes to my concerns that hostile agents - in this case likely the Chinese - have their droned buried in the midst of this ongoing now nationwide flap.