Posted on 01/01/2025 6:44:53 AM PST by Godzilla
Thanks Godzilla. Sorry to hear about the loss of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE from your dog. My wife and I have lost 4. It is never easy. Our 5th Wolfie (Wolfgang), an English Golden eased some of the pain.
So sorry for your loss. It never gets easier.
Thank you for your condolences
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - WARNING - up dated June 10, 2025
- New “no king” style protest for July 17th
I’ve still not seen anything significant concerning the plans for another attempt at a nations wide protest today.
Terrorism - Threat Level - WATCH as of Jun 14, 2025
- Iran could activate cells in the US.
Five Iranian nationals were apprehended at the U.S.-Canada border, sparking new fears that small towns are becoming the latest frontlines in the fight against terrorism. As the southern border crisis continues to dominate headlines, the northern border is now showing signs of vulnerability, raising serious national security concerns.
On Tuesday, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested five Iranians who were attempting to illegally cross the U.S.-Canada border near a rural town in Vermont. Earlier this month, Border Patrol agents in Champlain, New York, stopped a minivan near Mooers Forks and discovered five Iranian nationals and two Uzbek nationals inside, according to a statement from CBP’s Swanton Sector. The group was taken into custody after reports of suspicious activity were received.
They have previously been arrested for attempting to cross the border illegally. They are awaiting deportation.
OBSERVATION - This sector of the US / Canadian border has seen significant increased in illegal penetrations over the past several years. Far less heavily monitored or reinforced.
Economy- Threat Level - WATCH - as of April 4, 2025
United States industrial production for June increased by 0.3 percent month-over-month, exceeding the expected 0.1 percent growth. Additionally, May’s previously reported 0.2 percent decline was revised upward to unchanged.Year-over-year, industrial production rose by 0.73 percent, reflecting a steady improvement in the sector’s performance. Manufacturing output also showed positive momentum in June, increasing by 0.1 percent compared to expectations of no growth. This lifted the year-over-year growth in manufacturing output to 0.8 percent. Capacity utilization saw a modest uptick in June, but continues to remain in a broader downtrend, signaling that certain challenges may persist within the industrial space.The jump in industrial production follows a number of major American companies announcing they are reshoring significant swaths of their production capacity to the United States.
https://thenationalpulse.com/2025/07/16/another-tariff-win-as-american-industrial-output-surges/
OBSERVATION - This is a by product of the tariffs as well as better business climate here in the US.
***
The nation’s “core” inflation rate, which excludes volatile energy and food prices, was lower than analysts’ expectations for the fifth straight month in June, consumer price data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show.
Compared to May, the 0.3% increase in the seasonally-adjusted Consumer Price Index (CPI) matched economists’ forecasts, but was up from the 0.1% rise from May’s monthly increase. The unadjusted all-items index rose 2.7% for the 12 months ending June, after rising 2.4% over the 12 months ending May.
Meanwhile, the core index rose 0.2% in June, following a 0.1% increase in May. Over the last 12 months, core inflation rose 2.9%, inching up from the 2.8% year-over-year increase recorded in May. The core rate had held steady at 2.8% in each of the previous three months, marking the lowest level since March 2021.
“Underlying US inflation rose in June by less than expected for a fifth month, as lower car prices helped offset gains in other goods exposed to tariffs,” Bloomberg noted on Tuesday.
https://mrctv.org/blog/craig-bannister/core-inflation-comes-lower-forecasts-fifth-straight-month
OBSERVATION - I noted this yesterday, but the above provides better overall numbers and description. Very good numbers, thous the MSM is trying to associate the meager 0.2% increase to tariffs.
POLITICAL FRONT –
The Senate early Thursday approved President Donald Trump’s plan for billions of dollars in cuts to funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, sending the package to the house and setting the stage to move the Republican president’s agenda forward.
Illegal Immigration –
Financial Times reports that immigration arrests under the Trump administration have more than tripled, from an average of 300 arrests per day in 2024 to 1,100 arrests per day in June 2025.
***
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported this morning that 75,341 people have been repatriated to Mexico since 20 January 2025. Of those, 68,790 were Mexicans and 6,551 were other foreigners merely deported from the United States.
China -
(FO) During the annual Han Kuang drills, the Taiwanese Navy and Air Force practiced escorting an American landing ship from an American carrier strike group into an eastern port city, offloading supplies, and exiting the port.
Taiwan used a former U.S. Navy Anchorage-class landing ship to simulate a U.S. supply ship.
Per Taiwanese defense officials, they expect the U.S. to resupply Taiwan in the event of a blockade but the U.S. may use civilian ships to conduct the transport.
Why It Matters: The United States is likely advising Taiwan on how they would do this if not actively participating in these drills. The public nature of these drills should signal to all parties that the United States will violate a Chinese blockade of Taiwan if necessary. The Chinese will likely take running the blockade as an act of war and attack any resupply vessels to weaken Taiwan. This also highly incentivizes China to prevent the U.S. from even being capable of sending supplies to Taiwan.
OBSERVATION - This is the first Taiwan exercise simulating this operation. It also seems to confirm that current planning is focused on a Chinese blockade and not a direct, massive amphibious assault on the island.
Phillipines –
The U.S. plans to construct a fast boat facility on the west coast of Palawan, Philippines, providing the local armed forces a launch point for patrols into the South China Sea. The facility is expected to be operational in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. - Defense News
Russia -
Threat Level WATCH, Ongoing - into the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
Personnel Issues –
War demands and losses is crunching the available pool for workers in Russia. It is have a large effect on industrial production and output. Now, younger men (17-18) and older (50+) are being encouraged to the work pool. In the case of the young men, they still face conscription and war.
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 60-90 range, mostly sunny but with scattered thunderstorms..
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukraine’s air defense shot down 36 Shahed-type drones overnight out of 64 launched by Russia, including decoys. The main axis of attack was Dnipropetrovsk region. EW units also suppressed 5 imitator drones
Russian losses per 17/07/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+1190 men
+4 tanks
+1 AFV
+43 artillery
+1 AD system
Russian Ministry of Defense claims full occupation of Kamianske of Zaporizhzhia region, Dehtiarne of Kharkiv region and Popiv Yar of Donetsk region of Ukraine
Summary —
Another slack off of drone attacks, means another big swarm is in the works in the next couple of days. Ground fighting pretty much status quo. Russian gains are being offset by Ukraine liberation of lands in Sumy region.
Europe / NATO General –
NATO Chief of Staff: Preparations have begun to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
EU fails to approve new sanctions on Russia for a second time. Slovakia vetoes. Sticking point for Slovakia is replacement of Russian natural gas supplies.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Israel targets Syrian military as the fight with the Druze increases.
- IDF warns of potential deployment into S Syria to protect Druze.
- Rumors of some kind of agreement in the negotiations with Hamas.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Overnight, the Israeli army managed to return dozens of Israeli Druze who had crossed into Syria yesterday, according to the military. Still, several dozen Druze from Israel remain inside Syria, mostly in the Hader area, a Druze town just over the border across from Majdal Shams
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
The Cairo-based Arab channel Al-Ghad reported early Thursday morning, citing its sources, that the Hamas terrorist organization agreed to a new withdrawal map presented by Israel during talks in Doha, which includes, among other things, a withdrawal from the Morag Corridor.
According to the report, this represents a breakthrough in the negotiations after Israel withdrew its previous map following pressure from US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The report further stated that the new map stipulates that IDF forces will remain 1.2 kilometers north of the Philadelphi Corridor and 1.1 kilometers in the northern and eastern parts of the Gaza Strip.
It was noted that negotiations on Thursday are expected to focus on the issue of the framework for releasing hostages, and that Witkoff is set to arrive in the region next week to announce an agreement.
As of now, there is no confirmation of this report from an official Israeli source or other parties.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411796
OBSERVATION - I’d throw an extra scoop of speculation on this announcement.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
CENTCOM: Yemeni Partners Successfully Interdict Massive Iranian Weapons Shipment Bound for the Houthis. Congratulations to the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF), led by Gen. Tareq Saleh, for the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history. The NRF intercepted and seized over 750 tons of munitions and hardware to include hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and seekers, components as well as hundreds of drone engines, air defense equipment, radar systems, and communications equipment.
https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1945507629100638655
***
The IDF has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, IAF aerial defense systems Intercepted the missile
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Action with Syria picked up and may resume today if Syrian forces do not pull back but continue their genocidal attacks on Druze in S Syria. See Syria below.
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Level lowered due to decreased military activities post 12 day war.
Iraq -
A drone targeted the Ba’adra oil field in the Sheikhan district of Duhok Governorate, northern Iraq.
This drone was probably launched from the Iran backed militias
Syria -
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Potential IDF ground forces involvement in defense of Druze in S Syria.
A lot was happening when these events were breaking, so here is summary I found —
The conflict in Suweida, Syria, began on July 11, 2025, after a Druze merchant was abducted on the Damascus-Suweida highway, sparking sectarian clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin fighters.
By July 13, violence escalated, resulting in 30–50 deaths and over 150 injuries. Syrian government forces, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) elements, intervened but were accused of attacking Druze civilians, with videos showing executions and atrocities.
On July 15, Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian military targets to protect Druze communities, followed by a brief U.S.- and Turkish-backed ceasefire that collapsed. Further HTS abuses, including the assassination of an elderly Druze Sheikh, prompted additional Israeli strikes on July 16, targeting sites near Damascus and Suweida, killing three and injuring 34.
The U.S. urged de-escalation, and Syrian forces withdrew from Suweida by late July 16, brokering a ceasefire that reduced violence but left uncertainty about lasting peace. The conflict has caused at least 260 deaths, per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
https://x.com/worldintel24/status/1945753355458150772?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
The IDF has attacked 160 targets in Syria. Preparations are underway to increase strikes in Damascus. The IDF is preparing for significant reinforcement of forces in the area. The army is preparing for several days of battle.
The Paratroopers received an order to prepare to move up north, Division 98 is preparing to leave Gaza, the Chief of Staff instructed: to attack Damascus government targets with increasing intensity.
Israeli conducted an airstrike next to the Syrian Presidential Palace. Turkish officials reportedly urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to evacuate — he refused.
Israel destroys the Chief of Staff headquarters of Syrian military in Damascus
Road closures have begun in Daraa, preventing any commercial exchange into Suweida
***
In an address to the nation President Al-Shara calls for the unity of Syria, reassured Druze population in security guarantees, explains Israeli hostility and Syria response, thanked U.S., Türkiye for mediation in solving Suweida situation
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa: We decided to assign the responsibility of maintaining security in the province to local factions and wise sheikhs. - We chose not to be drawn into conflicts in order to preserve the country’s security
***
The Saudi channel Al Arabiya reports the withdrawal of Al-Julani’s forces from as-Suweida
***
According to Israeli Foreign Ministry, @gidonsaar spoke with EU Foreign Affairs Head Kaja Kallas, German FM Wadephul and FM Gerapetritis on Syria today. “Sa’ar stressed the recurring phenomenon of massacres and attacks against minorities in Syria: Alawites, Kurds, Druze, and Christians - both by forces of the Syrian government and by jihadist gangs that support it,” official statement said
OVERALL OBSERVATION - The statement by the Israeli Foreign Ministry summarizes the situation well. The attacks against “Alawites, Kurds, Druze, and Christians - both by forces of the Syrian government and by jihadist gangs that support it,”” represent a sly method of subjugation by Julani’s religious forces. He sits back and lets these militias do his dirty work, then he steps in with Syrian ‘military’ forces to establish order. However, that order further subjugates the minorities under his radical islamist govt. Once ISIS, always ISIS. So to the rest of the world he gets to look like a hero establishing peace where as in real life, he is the puppet master of this kind of attacks on minorities.
Israel quickly escalated air strikes in support of the Druze as well as to send messages to Julani to stand down. Israel also made plans to insert ground forces as necessary.
New tries to give credit to a generic demand by the US to stop the fighting, but IMHO it was Israeli actions and readiness to expand its operations that gave Julani a second thought. Israel has a lot of military assets freed up and the military is still in war mode.
My most current read of the situation is that forces have likely pulled back but now appear to be instituting an blockade of the city / region. This situation is not over by a long shot.
Thanks Godzilla
Sorry about your dog - that’s a hard one to overcome. My dog died many years ago and I still miss her.
There will be no posting tomorrow. Out of town (again) with my SAR unit supporting a major trail bike event.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - WARNING - up dated June 10, 2025
No, we haven’t forgotten. Reddit continues to call for increased political violence
***
Arrests at tonight’s bridge bridge blocking demonstration in Cincinnati Ohio, the event was organized by marxist group Cincinnati Socialists
Charges are a mix of riot, obstructing emergency responders, disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, unlawful assembly, criminal mischief, menacing, and resisting.
The demonstration was done in support of Ayman Soliman, who had his asylum revoked (started under Biden admin in December) and was taken into ICE custody in June. Asylum was likely revoked due to a connection to Muslim Brotherhood group
***
Yesterdays protests appear to have been a bust. Very little news worthy events. Focus seems to have been stopping deportations and some budget cut items.
TRUMP Watch –
On Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the president’s doctors have diagnosed Donald Trump with chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition characterized by blood pooling in the veins, leading to increased pressure and strain on the vein walls.
Since functional venous valves are necessary to facilitate efficient blood return from the lower extremities, CVI primarily affects the legs.
When impaired vein function leads to significant symptoms such as oedema (swelling) or venous ulcer formation, the condition is referred to as chronic venous disease.
This is a common aliment of elderly and is not necessarily life threatening, unless other factors are present.
China -
EU sanctions on Russia are also hitting Chinese interests. China reportedly threatens to retaliate.
Russia -
Threat Level WATCH, Ongoing - into the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
Kremlin: New European sanctions will have dire consequences for countries that support them
Logistics –
July 18, 2025: A frequent target of Ukrainian attacks are bridges vital to the Russian movement of troops and supplies. The Soviet Union, which both Russia and Ukraine belonged to from the 1920s to 1991, was heavily dependent on railroads. Those rail lines depended on many bridges and tunnels to remain operational. Naturally, Ukraine has been attacking Russian railroad operations deep inside Russia as well as near the Ukrainian border.
Russia’s railroads are under tremendous pressure because of the Ukraine War, sanctions and less money for maintaining railroads or anything else. One side effect is China using more reliable Central Asian railroads and sea routes rather than the collapsing Russian rail system. Speeds of Russian rail traffic have fallen to about 30 kilometers an hour compared to 48 for European rail traffic.
The Russia railways are state owned and run and are suffering an increasingly desperate labor shortage. Many younger railway employees are quitting to make a lot more money in the military. A growing number of older employees are retiring, although Russia has been able to get some retired employees to return to work by offering cash bonuses and high monthly salaries, in addition to the pensions the retirees receive.
Since last year there have been growing fears of a collapse of the Russian rail network. A symptom of this is the five percent decline in cargo carried last year. People in remote areas who depend on rail for supplies are going hungry because rail shipments arrive late or not at all. Another hunger is felt by Chinese firms that no longer have reliable trade routes with Russia are turning to Central Asian railroads and seagoing routes.
https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/articles/2025071801118.aspx#gsc.tab=0
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 60-90 range, mostly sunny but with scattered thunderstorms..
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukraine’s air defense shot down 36 Shahed-type drones overnight out of 64 launched by Russia, including decoys. The main axis of attack was Dnipropetrovsk region. EW units also suppressed 5 imitator drones
Russian losses per 17/07/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+1190 men
+4 tanks
+1 AFV
+43 artillery
+1 AD system
Russian Territory –
Drone attacks targeted the Moscow region overnight and early morning, with explosions also reported in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region.
Summary —
Well below average day for drone attacks, indicating that a major one is soon to come, should the current pattern continue. Ground action shows little to no changes of significance.
Rumblings from Moscow suggest that Trump’s recent pivot to rearm Ukraine and allow for deeper strike weapons has caught them flat footed.
Europe / NATO General –
Slovakia officially lifted its veto yesterday, allowing a new major package of EU sanctions against Russia to pass.
Over 20 new Russian banks and 105 additional Russian shadow fleet ships have been sanctioned, Russian oil faces a lower price cap, Nord Stream banned, and more.
The EU has passed its 18 package of sanctions after Slovakia dropped its veto.
2 Chinese banks to be listed. In Brussels this month, Wang Yi repeatedly warned Kallas that China would retaliate if this happened.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Israel continues pressure in Syria to help defend Druze.
- Hamas continues to lose ground in Gaza
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
The Israeli army and Shin Bet: We killed three senior officials in the General Security Service and Hamas’s emergency committees during raids carried out this week in the northern Gaza Strip.
***
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) confirmed 20 deaths this morning at its SDS3 aid site in Khan Younis. Nineteen people were trampled, and one was stabbed during a violent surge triggered by agitators in the crowd.
According to GHF, the chaos was deliberately incited by armed individuals affiliated with Hamxs. Multiple firearms were seen for the first time since GHF began operations, and one was confiscated. An American staff member was also threatened at gunpoint.
https://x.com/osint613/status/1945835807715074081?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Gaza fighting will continue at high intensity. Much of the fighting consists of Hamas attempting to set up ambushes with Israel detecting them early and hitting hard with air strikes.
Lebanon continues to see targeted attacks on Hezbollah leadership and sites by IAF
Iran continues on a tense pause
Syria and defense of Druze is a front burner issue for the IDF. See Syria below.
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Iranian Foreign Minister: Any new round of negotiations will only be possible if the other side demonstrates its willingness to reach a fair and balanced nuclear agreement.
Trump: We are in no rush to negotiate with Iran
OBSERVATION - Clock is ticking for implementation of snap back sanctions. Iran has less than two months to make up their minds.
Syria -
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Potential IDF ground forces involvement in defense of Druze in S Syria.
The situation in Suwayda is approaching a critical threshold, while retaliatory arson by tribal fighters continues. Their next moves remain unclear - whether they will attempt to seize the city (where Druze fighters are heavily deployed) or apply enough pressure to force Druze factions into a deal concerning the Bedouin tribes in the province.
https://x.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/1946128508247220245
A statement by the Syrian tribes announces a general mobilization and a move to Sweida.
Thousands of jihadists from across Syria are being mobilized by the Syrian regime to Suwayda to carry out ethnic cleansing against the Syrian Druze community. Several surrounding villages are already under their control. Posing as civilian tribesmen, they hope to evade Israeli Air Force strikes.
***
Israel will allow the “limited entry of [Syrian] internal security forces” to the Sweida area for the next 48 hours, “in light of the ongoing instability” there, an Israeli official says in a statement to reporters
The Syrian president has sent security forces to try to deescalate tensions between the Bedouins and the Druze in Suwayda.
These are the same forces that clashed directly with the Druze earlier this week, and now they’re being sent to protect them.
***
Rumint. According to Al Mayadeen News:
- The President of Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, left the Syrian capital Damascus accompanied by his family
According to unconfirmed reports, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has been transfered to Idlib
NOTE - This is the third separate report saying Jolani has left Damascus for safer realms.
- A military unit entered the Radio and Television building in a surprising move to take over the supervision of television operations
- An assassination operation targeted 3 prominent figures in the Syrian transitional administration, including Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra
OVERALL OBSERVATIONS -
Foiled in having regular Syrian forces cleanse the Druze, Al-Sharaa (Jolani) is resorting to letting unofficial ‘tribal’ forces attack in the south - and by many accounts having been reinforced with de-uniformed Syrian military elements. The Druze in the south were a thorn in Assad’s rear end and Jolani wants to totally subjugate or eliminate them all together. He plays the ‘high’ road while actually supporting / encouraging the attacks.
With the escalation and mobilization of sunni tribes against them, Israeli promised support becomes more critical. With Iran operations done for now, there are a lot of air assets available. What may be necessary though is a ground intervention. Israel’s positions in Syria would provide an attack into the rear of the sunni tribes. A blitzkrieg of sorts could throw them into disarray. What is important is that Israel demonstrate strong support for the Druze who currently provide a stable flank region to Israel.
As noted up from, things are reaching a critical juncture. The big question is will Israel deploy ground forces or not and if so, how soon.
Turkey –
Erdogan spoke with Syrian President Ahmed Shara (Jolani), calling Israel’s strikes on Syria unacceptable and a threat to the region. He pledged continued Turkish support for the Syrian people.
The democrats will go nuts over this health report about Trump.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi
Treatment is close to what I expected, including exercise and weight loss to help improve blood flow.
It’s apparently very common.
Growing old is hell........
Once you realize what old people have to deal with as they deteriorate, it’s hard to look down on them and be impatient with them when they’re slower or an inconvenience, Except on the road. Some people should not be driving and there needs to be some sort of requirement for reflexes and awareness.
Took an extra day off, totally beat from Saturday’s activity. Report today is sorta spotty as a result.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - WARNING - up dated June 10, 2025
No significant protests noted over the weekend. Some gained headlines like an attempted bridge closure in Kentucky - where the police were having none of it and the protestors found out quickly.
Terrorism - Threat Level - WATCH as of Jun 14, 2025
- Iran could activate cells in the US.
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has issued a formal warning to retired senior officials who previously served in U.S. Special Operations roles in Iraq and Syria and now reside in Florida, alerting them to a credible terrorist threat. The advisory, known as a “duty to warn notification,” was circulated earlier this week as part of a standard protocol when authorities receive intelligence indicating potential danger to current or former service members.
OBSERVATION - Looking at some posts by those potential affected by this warning, there is some skepticism. Mostly thinking this is a precursor to some sort of false flag event. However, given the influx of likely islamic terrorists, cannot totally rule out the warning.
Economy- Threat Level - WATCH - as of April 4, 2025
U.S. single-family homebuilding dropped to an 11-month low in June as high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty hampered home purchases, suggesting residential investment contracted again in the second quarter.
OBSERVATION - Again, noting that the housing market is a key indicator as to the health of the economy and a harbinger of future trends, this report continues to indicate that the economy is still deeply hurting. IMHO most of the hurt is due to the Fed withholding any rate decreases which would open up money for new housing. Lack of housing growth is serving to push the prices for homes, both new and used, higher across the country.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
Aircraft carriers USS George Washington (CVN-73) and HMS Prince of Wales met Friday in the Timor Sea for operations as part of Talisman Sabre 2025.
“This powerful demonstration of naval power brings together advanced capabilities and carrier aviation, including HMS Prince of Wales’ air group of F-35B Lightning jets,” the Royal Navy said..
Friday’s operations mark the first time aircraft carriers from the U.S. and the U.K. have operated together as part of Talisman Sabre since the exercise began in 2005. Held every other year off the coast of Australia, the eleventh iteration of the multinational exercise began July 13 and will conclude July 27. The U.S. and the U.K. are among 19 countries and 35,000 troops participating in the exercise.
The dual carrier operations are also the George Washington CSG’s first major bilateral drill since returning to Japan. Meanwhile, the UKCSG’s participation in Talisman Sabre is part of its Operation Highmast deployment to the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.
POLITICAL FRONT –
A magnititude 7 political earthquake hit with the release of the evidence that Obama and his national security team cooking up an Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that served as the foundation for years of investigations and false accusations against President Donald Trump. Further aftershocks have documents’/communications with hillary’s campaign to further the lie.
According to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, this isn’t just about newly disclosed documents. There are now Intelligence Community whistleblowers coming forward, too.
“The implications of this are frankly nothing short of historic. Over 100 documents that we released on Friday really detail and provide evidence of how this treasonous conspiracy was directed by President Obama just weeks before he was due to leave office, after President Trump had already gotten elected. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is an issue that is so serious it should concern every single American because it has to do with the integrity of our democratic republic.
“What we saw occur here, as the documents we released detailed, was that we had a sitting president of the United States and his cabinet and leadership team, quite frankly, who were not happy with the fact that President Trump had won the election, that the American people had chosen Donald J. Trump to be the next president and commander in chief of the United States.
“And so they decided that they would do everything possible to try to undermine his ability to do what voters tasked President Trump to do. So, creating this piece of manufactured intelligence that claims Russia had helped Donald Trump get elected contradicted every other assessment that had been made previously in the months leading up to the election that said exactly the opposite, that Russia neither had neither the intent nor the capability to try to ‘hack’ the United States election for the presidency of the United States.
“So, the effect of what President Obama and his senior national security team did was subvert the will of the American people, undermining our democratic republic, and enacting what would be, essentially, a years-long coup against President Trump, who was duly elected by the American people.”
OBSERVATION - The overwhelming question is will we see real accountability? Will we see these scum frogmarched and standing trial?
Reality is this scheme has been out there in the conspiracy realm since 2016/17. Tulsi has shown the integrity to the constitution and the country to finally produce the receipts and refer for criminal prosecution. Time will tell if the forces of the deep state will be able to suppress any accountability for these treasonous acts.
RELATED
The Hillary Clinton campaign was directly coordinating with the Obama White House to launch the Trump-Russia hoax in July 2016.
Hillary Clinton unleashed hell on this country when she hatched the ‘Trump-Russia collusion’ plot in 2016 to distract from her email scandal.
Hillary used a bogus dossier and conspired with foreigners and the FBI to spy on Trump’s 2016 campaign and presidency.
In July of 2016, then-FBI special agent Peter Strzok opened a counterintelligence investigation into Trump’s camp dubbed “Crossfire Hurricane” on suspicions (based on no evidence) that the Russians had infiltrated Trump’s circle.
TRUMP Watch –
President Donald Trump might visit China before going to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit between October 30 and November 1, or he could meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC event in South Korea, the South China Morning Post reported on Sunday citing multiple sources.
Illegal Immigration –
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting director Todd Lyons said in an interview that aired Sunday that his agency will crack down on American companies hiring unauthorized workers.
“Not only are we focused on those individuals that are, you know, working here illegally, we’re focused on these American companies that are actually exploiting these laborers,” Lyons said on CBS News’s “Face the Nation.”
“These people that came here for a better life. You know, either, you know, forced labor, child trafficking, you know, a lot of these work site cases — just isn’t a victimless crime of someone here working illegally,” he added. “And that’s why we’re going there with these criminal warrants to focus on these American businesses that are trying to make an extra dollar on the backs of these people that came here for a better life.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5411184-ice-crackdown-unauthorized-workers/
OBSERVATION - One response to the massive collection and deportation of these ‘workers’ at various companies has been when will these employers be held accountable for failure to follow the law and properly vet these workers. Now it appears that the wheels of justice are beginning to roll in that direction. From failure to properly vet to paying workers under the table, this has fueled a sector of the illegal push into the US.
China -
.See Trump watch above re: Trump / Xi meeting potential
Japan –
Exit polls today (20th) show that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost its majority, in great part due to the surge in the rightwing vote
Japan’s prime minister Shigeru Ishiba is refusing to step down after ‘losing its grip on power’ in the upper house of the country’s parliament.
Ishiba minority government had already lost control of the more powerful lower house back in October.
OBSERVATION - Japan is entering a critical period. The govt is running deeply in the red and could face a massive, global shaking, meltdown. It is uncertain if the conservatives in the parliament can effect any change to the transjectory of the economy, but certainly the refusal of the liberal PM is not going to help matters.
Russia -
Threat Level WATCH, Ongoing - into the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
TASS reports new round of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in the end of this week
Logistics –
Russian TV aired a new report on Shahed/Geran production in Alabuga. The footage shows local engine manufacturing suggesting Russia may no longer depend on either Iranian or Chinese engines
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 60-80 range, mostly sunny but with scattered thunderstorms..
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
The Ukrainian Air Force reports on another large-scale Russian missile/drone attack overnight:
Shot down:
403/426 Shahed and other type drones (of which 203 taken down by EW)
?/5 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles
?/4 Kalibr cruise missiles
?/1 Iskander-K cruise missile
?/14 Kh-101 cruise missiles
According to the Air Force “The majority of missiles were shot down by air defense fire means, the rest were suppressed by EW/locally lost” without providing specific numbers.
Russian losses per 21/07/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+1170 men
+2 tanks
+7 AFVs
+54 artillery
+1 MLRS
+1 AD systems
A meeting of the Contact Group on Ukrainian Defense Issues in the Ramstein format has begun in Kyiv. Newly appointed Defense Minister Shmyhal is participating in it
North-Slobozhansky (Sumy) -
In the Sumy border region, Ukrainian forces have recaptured Kindrativka.
Russian Territory –
Train traffic—including military convoys—has been halted in Russia’s Rostov region after strike drones hit the strategic rail hub in Kamennolomni. This station was a key route for trains heading to occupied territories in Ukraine.
Summary —
Again, after a few days of low drone attack levels, Russia the past two days has cranked up the volume with missiles added to the mix. Civilians in Ukraine are especially being hit in addition to attacks on probable storage facilities and factories in Western Ukraine.
The fight on the ground remains relatively static. The exception being continued Ukraine successes in the Sumy sector. The recapture of Kindrativka is significant (if I’ve been able to keep spelling variants together) resulted in the cut off and loss of a sizable Russian force.
Don’t hold your breath on peace talks, just more posturing expected from Russia.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Airstrike against Houthis
- Ground offensive entering new terrain in Gaza
- Continued military and humanitarian support to Druze in S Syria
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israel Katz and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hasegawa met at the Pentagon
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
On Sunday, the Israeli military (IDF) issued new evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza, which even after years of war with Hamas is an area where Israeli ground forces have rarely operated, further restricting access between Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
It is the first time since the war broke out in October 2023 that the area of central Gaza has been targeted by IDF ground forces
Israeli tanks have advanced into the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza for the first time, with local doctors reporting several people there have been killed by shelling.
Footage shows Israeli air strikes in Deir al-Balah.
The Israeli military has previously avoided a major ground operation in the area – where it’s said to believe some remaining hostages may be held by Hamas.
There’s been no immediate comment from the army about its advances – a day after it issued evacuation warnings for tens of thousands of residents.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvg9ky87dpdt
***
Hostage deal Negotiation: Hamas is dragging its feet and has refused for several days to discuss the list of terrorists to be released in exchange for the hostages. Last night, a new proposal was presented by the mediators, which has not yet been answered by the parties.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
IDF Strikes reported in Yemen’s western port city of Al-Hudaydah.
IAF reported that one aircraft, supported by refueling and intel planes, hit maritime infrastructure the Houthis were trying to rebuild including the docking pier and engineering equipment.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
I don’t expect progress in the hostage/ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Things very tense still in S Syria as the Druze are holding their sector, but blood thirsty sunni ‘tribes’ brutally murdering druze in the western and northern areas. See Syria below.
IDF push into Deir al-Balah is significant and could generate pivotal later actions.
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
According to Turkish diplomatic sources, nuclear talks between Iran and the UK, France, and Germany are scheduled to take place in Istanbul on Friday
***
In a call last night with @araghchi, E3 foreign ministers and @kajakallas put on the table the possibility of extending the deadline for snapback under the nuclear deal, according to sources. The asks of Iran were a resumption of nuclear talks with the US and E3 and resumption of cooperation with the IAEA.
***
Iranian Army: Damaged defense systems have been replaced with new ones and deployed in pre-determined locations.
OVERALL OBSERVATIONS - Iran is now in the delay game mode to prevent imposition of ‘snap back’ sanctions that would in the large part seriously impact its oil exports. Other bleats from Iran consist of efforts to try to rebuild its military image in the region.
Lebanon -
U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack, during his visit to Beirut, stated: “I’ve returned to Lebanon because President Trump is committed to regional stability, and Lebanon plays a key role. We need to focus on it now to help restore security across the region. The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel hasn’t held, and we’re working to address that.”
He added, “The issue of disarming Hezbollah is a domestic Lebanese matter. As far as the U.S. is concerned, Hezbollah is a foreign terrorist group. We’re here to support, advise, and encourage dialogue, but we cannot force Israel’s hand.”
Syria -
Threat Level - WATCH July 21, 2025
Upgraded due to IDF involvement in defense of Druze in S Syria.
Watch level upgraded
Israel says it transferred medical equipment last night, including trauma care supplies and life-saving medications, to the hospital in Sweida, Syria, following reports of severe damage to the hospital and in order to provide assistance to the wounded on site. The delivery was made by security forces and the Israeli army. The Ministry of Health says it is planning to transfer additional medical supplies and medications in subsequent phases
***
Syria: following negotiations, a total of 1,500 Bedouins who were blocked (some detained, others trapped) in Suwayda province were freed in different batches and evacuated from the province
***
Commander of Internal Security in Sweida Governorate: The Syrian government is making strenuous efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Internal Security continues its deployment in the Sweida countryside in implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
OVERALL OBSERVATIONS -
First, fighting continues, though things have leveled out. This is a no holds barred assault. Abundant videos to social media by the sunni tribes showing execution of families and other atrocities.
Second, numerous soldiers from the ‘official’ govt military have donned civilian clothing and fighting the druze. I’ve said it before, this action is fully supported by Joulani. Govt forces, under the current announced ceasefire are having minimal effect in keeping the tribemen out.
Third, Israel is obviously monitoring the situation closely, ready to strike in defense of Druze forces. Rumors of an IDF Druze manned unit potentially being readied or already on the ground in Sweida. Further rumor that IDF ground forces have moved within miles of the area.
I doubt that this cease fire is really going to go the distance. The sunni “tribesmen” are bound and determined to exterminate the Druze from the region. And this includes Christians and any other minority group.
How big this will break out depends on the foreign pressure on Jolani to separate the parties and install a ceasefire. Druze don’t trust him and rightly so.
Venezuela -
Ten Americans, including former Navy SEAL Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, were released from Venezuelan custody in a prisoner swap involving the U.S., El Salvador, and Venezuela. CBS reports the swap included 250 Venezuelans deported to CECOT for their alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Globalism / Great Reset –
The Trump administration, with work from Secretary of State Rubio and Secretary of Health Kennedy, just delivered a major victory against globalism by rejecting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) totalitarian “international health regulations.”
https://libertysentinel.org/trump-gives-black-eye-to-globalist-world-health-tyrants/
OBSERVATION - Since the shut down of the wuhan plandemic scare, the WHO has attempted to build upon the alleged threat such a global pandemic can cause to build the mechanism to control the world due to ANY declared global ‘medical’ crisis. I’ve noted this effort over the past couple years. Months ago, the WHO finally got a watered down version agreed to by member nations - the preverbal nose under the tent. Globalist WHO is not going to stop but keep pressing for global control. Trump just reinforced the US rejection of such efforts which would potentially cede US sovergnity to world dictators.
***
Trump has decided to pull the United States out of UNESCO, citing the organization’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as what he views as a consistent pro-Palestinian and pro-China bias.
***
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is facing explosive accusations after it emerged that former chairman Klaus Schwab was manipulating data to undermine Brexit and damage the reputation of the United Kingdom in an effort to advance the globalist agenda.
Schwab, the WEF’s founder and the figurehead of the Davos elite, is at the center of the scandal.
He is accused of interfering in the Global Competitiveness Report to ensure that the Brexit vote was seen as a failure.
In a shocking revelation, Schwab, who has long been a kingpin of the globalist elite, allegedly orchestrated a rigging of the figures in the 2017/2018 report.
The final report, which downgraded the UK to eighth place, is now under scrutiny as the WEF’s own internal corruption comes into the spotlight.
https://slaynews.com/news/klaus-schwab-rigged-wef-data-brexit-appear-failure/
OBSERVATION - Corruption in the WEF - I’m shocked I tell you. WEF failure to turn the wuhan plandemic and a biden reelection into enhanced globalist control of the world now coming back to bite them. Corruption is not limited to their efforts to thwart national rejection of their offered utopia, but even internally to obtain objectives as this. The hits the WEF have taken over the past year will harm its globalist agenda and efforts for the short term, but they will not give up, holding to the long game.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - WARNING - up dated June 10, 2025
As the 0bama / Russia gate corruption moves forward, there is a lot of speculation on how violent the lefts response will be should he get charged and arrested. This situation has put the left in a very dangerous position - cheering the arrest and trial a former president - Trump while trying to excuse 0bama from the same treatment. An 0bama inditement could send the leftist democrat brown shirts over the edge. We’ll have to see.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
The USS Gerald R. Ford CSG has arrived in the Mediterranean. Ford is on a regularly scheduled deployment to U.S. European Command area of responsibility, USNI News previously reported. It’s unclear if the ship and its escorts will remain in the Mediterranean or head to the Red Sea. The last few East Coast-based carrier strike groups all deployed to the region before transiting the Suez and into the Red Sea in U.S. Central Command.
However, it’s been several months since the Navy has had a carrier strike group in the Red Sea. The last was the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which left the Red Sea and entered the Mediterranean in May on its way home.
The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, now in the South China Sea, was in the North Arabian Sea in early July. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, another West Coast-based CSG, remains in the North Arabian Sea.
https://news.usni.org/2025/07/21/uss-gerald-r-ford-now-operating-in-the-mediterranean
OBSERVATION - Highly likely that it will proceed into CENTCOMs area of ops to replace the USS Truman who’s been there on station the longest and due to be cycled out.
***
The Pentagon ordered the U.S. Marines to leave Los Angeles on Monday, more than a month after President Donald Trump deployed them to the city against the objections of local leaders.
OBSERVATION - Indicator that the efforts to counter ICE and attack its facilities has faltered and the need for additional protection no longer necessary. Earlier, CANG elements were released as well.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics
While RFK Jr. was on vacation, the FDA approved a new Moderna Covid shot for vulnerable children.
He received no briefing and gave no sign-off on the decision.
On July 10th, the FDA approved a new Moderna Covid shot for children 6 months to 11 years old—those deemed “at increased risk.”
But here’s the disturbing part:
Many of these kids are immunocompromised—the very group most vulnerable to serious mRNA vaccine side effects.
And yet this is the group they’re targeting again.
Within days of returning from Vacation, RFK Jr. started firing people.
- His Chief of Staff: fired.
- A top deputy: fired. That same deputy, in a reported fit of rage, crashed her car into RFK’s vehicle after being let go.
OBSERVATION - Haven’t heard if Kennedy has rescinded the approval or not
POLITICAL FRONT –
On Monday, U.S. District Court judges in New Jersey will determine whether to confirm Alina Habba as the state’s U.S. Attorney, choose another candidate, or leave the position unfilled. Habba, appointed on an interim basis in late March, is approaching the end of her 120-day term.
Notably, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is publicly lobbying the mostly Democrat-appointed jurists to push out Habba, citing her prosecution of Democrat Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)—currently facing charges for physically accosting federal officers involved in deportations. Consequently, Mike Davis and the Article III Project have filed a House ethics complaint against Jeffries for “abuse of his official position by improperly inserting himself into a criminal proceeding pending in federal court.”
“House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries called on the 17 New Jersey U.S. district judges (15 of whom are Democrat-appointed by Presidents Obama and Biden) to effectively fire the New Jersey U.S. attorney tomorrow [Monday]… The reason? Because she brought an indictment against a Democrat House Member—who allegedly attacked federal officers. This is clear corruption by House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries,” the complaint reads.
OBSERVATION - More proof the democrats have politicized and weaponized the judiciary.
***
Attorney General Pam Bondi now has the discretion regarding what to do with the criminal referrals sent to her by the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, over the latest trove of Russian collusion documents that further expose the plot against Donald Trump. We knew the Obama administration and the Deep State were in on it—now we have solid documentation of the plot, the initial intelligence assessment that said Moscow didn’t interfere in our elections, only to have Obama throw a super-secret December 9, 2016, meeting which set the collusion hoax into motion. Barack wanted a new report to line up with liberal narratives about the race, entrusting ex-DNI James Clapper to include the Steele Dossier, elevating knowingly false political opposition research funded by the Clinton campaign into credible status. This was the “new guidelines” moment that set this circus into motion.
OBSERVATION - This is the major show and how Trump and his underlings handle this will be critical in looking at how resistant the deep state is and if we’ve lost our country to them.
***
The Senate Judiciary Committee released a bombshell report today, revealing that Comey’s FBI “failed to fully investigate Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of highly classified information during her time as Secretary of State.”
If anyone’s shocked at that revelation, I’ve got some beachfront property in Southern Ohio to sell you.
This news comes from what they’re calling the “Clinton annex,” [read it for yourself below] which Attorney General Pam Bondi has just declassified at the request of Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley. Grassley has been trying to gain access to the files since 2018.
“This document shows an extreme lack of effort and due diligence in the FBI’s investigation of former Secretary Clinton’s email usage and mishandling of highly classified information,” Grassley said. “Under Comey’s leadership, the FBI failed to perform fundamental investigative work and left key pieces of evidence on the cutting room floor.”
OBSERVATION - This information has been out there since 2016 - though normally denigrated to the category of conspiracy theory. Will these charges finally stick to her?
TRUMP Watch –
Trump filed a 10 BILLION dollar lawsuit against the WSJ and Murdock regarding the fake ‘card’ he reported sent to Epstine. Trial assigned to a very politically biased 0bama appointed judge.
Cyber attacks/warfare – Threat Level - WATCH as of Jun 14, 2025
(FO) Government officials and private researchers said a zero-day exploit in Microsoft SharePoint server software was used to breach U.S. federal and state government networks. At least two federal agency networks and a power utility were compromised, and hackers gained access to cryptographic keys that would allow them to continue accessing compromised networks in the future. Microsoft said the zero-day hack is still ongoing, and they are still working to patch server software.
Illegal Immigration –
U.S. Border Patrol agents recently uncovered and shut down a major drug-smuggling tunnel stretching from Tijuana, Mexico, into California.
According to the Daily Mail, the tunnel spanned nearly 3,000 feet, beginning beneath a home in Tijuana and ending near a warehouse in Otay Mesa, just south of San Diego.
Authorities said the tunnel was still under construction when it was discovered in April, but was already very advanced.
The tunnel was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, a ventilation system, and even a rail system to transport drugs. Authorities believe the Sinaloa Cartel, once led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, is behind the construction.
https://conservativebrief.com/border-near-93350/
OBSERVATION - With improved border security, I expect cartels to revisit the tunnel concept of smuggling into the US.
***
A federal judge on Monday lifted an order preventing the Trump administration from stripping temporary protected status for thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians in the United States.
The Trump administration moved in April to end TPS for Afghans and Cameroonians in the U.S., saying conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer merited the protected status. The move affected an estimated 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians.
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-administration-afghans-cameroonians/2025/07/21/id/1219523/
OBSERVATION - Temporary means temporary and not permanent.
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 60-80 range, mostly sunny but with scattered thunderstorms..
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Overnight on July 22, Russia launched 42 Shahed drones and decoys from Primorsko-Akhtarsk and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defense shot down or suppressed 26 drones; another 7 were disrupted by EW systems.
Russian losses per 22/07/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+1090 men
+1 tank
+7 AFVs
+43 artillery
+1 MLRS
Russian Ministry of Defense claims full occupation of Novotoretske village in Donetsk region of Ukraine
Ukraine drones attacked an airfield in Millerovo of Rostov region
Summary —
Drone strikes reduce levels for the next few days until Russia launches its next round of large drone/missile attacks. So far, Ukraine has not been able to fully close the door on these attacks like they have in the past. This most likely due to the sheer volume and improved tactics.
On the ground, not much significant change. Minor Russian gains in the central front region. Nothing indicates any potential breakouts by Russia in the short term.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Houthi missile intercepted
- Situation still tense in S Syria
- IDF pushes deeper into Hamas stronghold
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
Israeli being charged with shooting Gazan civilians attempting to reach humanitarian aid. Videos of the incident point to Hamas elements doing the shooting. Not surprising its is UN personnel making the accusations.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted a ballistic missile earlier launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist group in Yemen, with the missile being intercepted before reaching Israel.
***
Yesterday it was reported that IAF hit Houthi targets. Now word suggests that drones were used for the first time.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
IDF ground push into central Gaza being limited by the ability to get ‘civilians’ out of the combat zone.
Monitoring for conformation of the use of drones by Israel against the Houthis.
Situation in S Syria still tense - see below
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Iran will not give up its uranium enrichment program, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Fox News that aired on Monday evening.
“We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride,” Araghchi told Special Report‘s Bret Baier.
Responding to the interview, U.S. President Donald Trump posted to his social media platform, Truth Social: “Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, on the Iran Nuclear Sites, ‘Damages are very severe, they are destroyed.’ Of course they are, just like I said—and we will do it again, if necessary!”
https://harbingersdaily.com/israel-at-war-week-88/
OBSERVATION - On the surface it is clear Iran hasn’t learned anything. Also on the surface, it appears that the west did learn that Iran was pretty much a paper tiger. Iran’s public pronouncements are largely for propaganda purposes.
***
Iran is currently experiencing a major water crisis. The Iranian government has declared an emergency public holiday in Tehran Province as the nation grapples with a severe water shortage and energy crisis, compounded by soaring temperatures that have pushed the country’s aging infrastructure to its breaking point.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced on X/Twitter that Wednesday, July 23, would be a public holiday in Tehran Province “following the continued extreme heat and the necessity of conserving water and electricity.” She encouraged citizens to use the time for “rest, a short trip, or being with family, of course, while observing safety guidelines and conserving energy.”
The unprecedented move comes as temperatures across Iran have climbed well above seasonal averages, with Tehran reaching approximately 40⁰ on Sunday, placing enormous strain on the country’s deteriorating power grid and water supply systems.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-861724
OBSERVATION - I’ve noted for over a year that Iran has been suffering from some major infrastructure failings, with water being the biggest, current issue. Electrical supply, natural gas supply, gasoline availability and prices all have hit the general Iranian hard. This due to the diversion of funds towards the military at the expense of the maintenance of infrastructure. This makes the season ripe for protests.
Syria -
Threat Level - WATCH July 21, 2025
Upgraded due to IDF involvement in defense of Druze in S Syria.
Situation remains tense with numerous skirmishes along the border areas of Druze populated regions/cities in S Syria. Druze have stabilize and recaptured areas intimately seize by the sunni ‘tribal’ elements. Videos continue to be posted on social media showing Druze and even Christians being murdered in cold blood by their sunni captors.
Misc of Note –
Massive wild fire in Oregon nearing the 100,000 acre mark. Reminder for freepers living out west to maintain vigilance in knowing where fires are at. Have your bugout material ready to go and your escape routes identified and tested (hyper important)..
It hardly matters what we do.
The left will oppose it and escalate the violence as they have been with every event.
It won't stop until they are met with a response equal to what they're dishing out.
Authorities said the tunnel was still under construction when it was discovered in April, but was already very advanced.
The tunnel was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, a ventilation system, and even a rail system to transport drugs. Authorities believe the Sinaloa Cartel, once led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, is behind the construction.
Follow Israel's example of what to do with those kind of tunnels.
He needs to address this usurpation of his authority, and IMO, if any kid get those shots and suffer because of it, those two people responsible for recommending it need to be held fully accountable for it.
LOL - good one Zilla...
Thank You. Always an enlightening read.
Thunderstorm last night has caused internet interruptions in my home area. Fortunate I can use my iPhone for local hot spot to get this out.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - WARNING - up dated June 10, 2025
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) is raising concerns about the growing threat of Somali gangs operating in Minnesota, warning that violent incidents linked to these groups are going largely unreported by local media outlets.
Speaking about a series of violent attacks and rising crime, Emmer said Somali gangs are putting public safety at risk in communities across the state.
“Unfortunately, the failing press in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities, is not,” Emmer said.
“These Somali gangs are incredibly dangerous. We had an attack at a high school basketball game last spring where a Somali gang came in and started beating a kid on a bench with a tire iron.”
Emmer also referenced a shooting tied to a Somali gang that occurred during a graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota. He expressed frustration that the incident received no coverage in the local press.
“We’ve got Somali gangs that are causing these problems,” Emmer said, noting that he has contacted the FBI and federal authorities are now taking steps to address the situation.
OBSERVATION - This is a growing sector in the developing CW2 scenario. These Somalis were deliberately imported into the US and planted in Minnesota. Now in many communities they have grown into such a sizable number they are forcing elections and laws in their favor. They have become an almost untouchable sector. They have refused to assimilate into the broader American culture, holding to the same brutal tribal antics they supposedly fled Somalia to escape. Import the third world, become the third world.
This degeneration is most vividly portrayed by Omar Fateh, a Somali-American state senator, that has been endorsed as the Democratic candidate for mayor of Minneapolis. He is a democratic socialist .
***
It has been just shy of ten weeks since a mob of anti-Israel activists stormed the campus library at Columbia University.
Yesterday, the school took more permanent action, handing out longer suspensions and even some expulsions.
More than 70 students are set to be punished for their involvement in the hugely disruptive Butler Library chaos that unfolded on May 7, as well as the encampment that popped up on the Morningside Heights campus in spring 2024, sources familiar with the disciplinary action said.
Roughly two-thirds of those will be hit with suspensions between one and three years, with the majority being hit with two-year suspensions, the sources said.
Those involved were informed of their punishments on Monday following a probe by the elite school’s University Judicial Board.
OBSERVATION - Article outlines how the campus police successfully isolated the ‘protestors’ inside the library and were able to ID those participants - some getting immediate suspensions. Good read, and accountability for the pampered children at Columbia.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
“An American C-17 transport plane visited RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Thursday, making a transatlantic journey from Kirtland Air Force base in New Mexico, where the US Air Force (USAF) stores nuclear bombs,” The Telegraph writes Tuesday.
“Analysts said it was likely that the flight contained nuclear bombs, which were last stationed in the UK in 2008, before being removed under the Obama administration,” the report continues.
OBSERVATION - Personally, I’d be more comfortable if our nuclear stockpile in Turkey got reduced and redeployed to a more reliable and stable nation. This deployment is likely a warning to Putin’s continued threats to nuke European countries.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday said the New Jersey federal prosecutor, who just hours earlier was named as the replacement for interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, has been removed.
Desiree Leigh Grace was named by Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb as Habba’s successor under a statute that permits district court judges to name a prosecutor if the president’s nominee has not been confirmed by the Senate after 120 days. Tuesday was the 120th day since President Donald Trump had named Habba, his former defense attorney and one-time White House counselor, to the acting role.
OBSERVATION - In a rare display of savvy, waiting for these justices to anoint a favored (read attorney to counter trump) as the new New Jersey federal prosecutor was a lightening stroke. This whole nonsense though puts the failure of the congress - who’s just recessed for another 5 weeks - in the cross hairs for failing to get Trump’s nominee approved. Not sure if the current ‘recess’ is a full one or not. In the past, congress has maintained a pseudo-active status to thwart presidential recess appointment.
***
Barack Obama’s team is in full damage control mode after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified and released evidence that Obama and his top officials in his administration knowingly fabricated intelligence to push the false narrative that Trump was compromised by Russia—an operation designed to delegitimize his election and kneecap his ability to govern.
. . . . . But, Gabbard isn’t backing down.
In an appearance on “Rob Schmitt Tonight” on Newsmax Tuesday, she announced that her team will be releasing documents that directly contradict Barack Obama’s latest attempt to rewrite the history of the Russia collusion hoax.
“We will be releasing further documents tomorrow that will refute that statement,” Gabbard said, dismissing the statement outright as part of pattern of misinformation pushed by top Democrats and their allies in the media ever since the release of what she called the “manufactured intelligence document” in January 2017.
She didn’t stop there. “We will be pulling a whole host of statements that were made by the Obama administration, by Hillary Clinton, by senior Democrat officials, by their friends in the media,” she said. “They state over and over again after this January 2017 manufactured intelligence document was created that repeat the narrative.”
With more documents expected to drop soon, Gabbard is making it clear she intends to expose the Obama-era narrative for what it was—an orchestrated political operation designed to undercut the legitimacy of a duly elected president.
OBSERVATION - They should have never put her on the do not fly list. This is going to be hard for 0bama to defend and the MSM is currently in damage control mode trying to keep these reports off the main news. Should 0bama and his henchmen get arrested, expect this to blow up bigly. The left has no justification for the prevention and arrest of 0bama given their bogus attacks on Trump and his legal wrangling over the previous 4 years. Question is - is Bondi going to pull the trigger? Will 0bama’s underlings take the fall to protect him? This whole scandal could create a whole new constitutional crisis as well as seeing the left turn loose the brownshirts.
FOLLOW-UP She’s released messages where 0bama unmistakably order the operation
TRUMP Watch –
Trump declares that Obama is guilty of treason on Fox News. This is a crossing of the Rubicon moment, a direct challenge to the one who was and still is undercutting the nation with deep state support.
This currently spans Political and CW2 categories.
Cyber attacks/warfare – Threat Level - WATCH as of Jun 14, 2025
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the US agency overseeing the nation’s nuclear arsenal, was among those affected by a recent cyberattack targeting Microsoft’s SharePoint software, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to Bloomberg on Tuesday.
The Energy Department acknowledged a breach beginning July 18 due to a zero-day vulnerability in SharePoint but described the impact as minimal, affecting only a small number of systems. “The department was minimally impacted due to its widespread use of the Microsoft M365 cloud and very capable cybersecurity systems,” a spokesperson said, as quoted by Bloomberg.
Microsoft attributed the campaign to Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups, including Linen Typhoon, Violet Typhoon, and Storm-2603, which exploited SharePoint vulnerabilities to infiltrate various global and US government networks. The Education Department and local government entities in Florida and Rhode Island were also targeted.
The NNSA’s core responsibilities include nuclear weapons security, nuclear-powered Navy reactors, and radiological emergency response. Officials stressed that no classified data was compromised.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/412100
OBSERVATION - The depth to which Chinese related cyber attack actions are proceeding IMHO are under reported due to their extensiveness and overall threat, don’t want to generate fear among the people.
Illegal Immigration –
The poll, commissioned from McLaughlin & Associates and exclusively shared with Breitbart News, finds that about 77 percent of likely American voters believe “it is neither fair nor right” for the federal government to give amnesty to a particular subset of illegal aliens, including 55 percent who say they strongly believe amnesty is unfair.
OBSERVATION - Little wonder the illegal supporting democrats now see their polling numbers dropping below 20%
Japan –
President Donald Trump announced that he has sealed the “largest deal ever” with Japan, adding that the U.S. will “receive 90% of the Profits.”
On Tuesday, Trump announced that Japan plans to invest $550 billion in the United States, stating that it involves “reciprocal” tariffs of 15% on the country’s exports to the U.S.
The GOP president also announced that Japan will “open their Country to Trade, including Cars and Trucks, Rice and certain other Agricultural Products, and other things.” The agreement will result in “Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs,” Trump maintained.
https://www.oann.com/newsroom/trump-announces-largest-deal-ever-with-japan-investing-550b/
OBSERVATION - How this will impact the Japanese economy remains to be seen, however, it certainly is better than getting hit with 25% tariffs
Russia -
Threat Level WATCH, Ongoing - into the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
RUMINT-
Russia is preparing its largest military buildup since the fall of the Soviet Union, according to Ukraine’s intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. The Kremlin is mobilizing its entire political system, economy, and society for a potential large-scale war, with $1.1 trillion allocated for rearmament through 2036. Two new military districts—Moscow and Leningrad—have been established, and the formation of new divisions and units is already underway.
https://x.com/NOELreports/status/1947595142392607159
OBSERVATION - Careful caveat, this report is from Ukraine intelligence and there may well be a healthy dose of skewing in order to bolster its ongoing calls for more western help. This report also has to be balanced by analysis showing that Russia is already entering the economic red zone due to lack of workers in the manufacturing sector, due to war demands, losses and over a million fleeing Russia to avoid conscription. Its military sector is struggling to sustain the current ground operations, let alone equip new divisions in new military districts.
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 60-80 range, mostly sunny but with scattered thunderstorms..
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Protests have erupted tonight in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as well as several other major cities across Ukraine, after the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) passed and President Zelensky signed into a law a bill which would shift the control and oversight of anti-corruption cases from independent agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), to the Office of the Prosecutor General under the President.
***
Russia launched 71 Shahed-type and decoy drones overnight from Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defense shot down or suppressed 27, with another 18 neutralized by electronic warfare.
Russian losses per 23/07/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+970 men
+3 tanks
+2 AFVs
+42 artillery
+1 MLRS
Overnight, Ukrainian drones struck a key railway hub in Novocherkassk, Rostov region, disrupting logistics deep in Russian territory.
Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) - New Main Effort
Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups reportedly recently advanced into southern Pokrovsk as Russian forces continue to pursue their operational objective of enveloping the town.
Summary —
Mission creep by Russia is now threatening to finally break the defenses at Pokrovsk. A surge by Russians of several kilometers on the north flank has allowed forces to push in from the south. This has created a significant pocket and one where Ukraine’s vital supply lines for defense are in threat of being cut off. The pocket contains several significantly sized towns, but without resupply are in danger of falling as well. This could result in the largest gain by Russia since the incursion into Kherson region last year.
Drone war has tapered off, as per the current cycle. Expect another series of massive missile drone attacks in the next few days.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Gaza operations continue to press Hamas strongholds
- Situation still tense against S Syria.
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
The Washington Post:
Hamas is hitting a wall. Revenues are drying up, the military wing cannot meet payroll for its fighters, and the Gaza administration it has controlled for years is slashing services and cutting pay for police and ministry staff. A Gazan who knows the system said Hamxs profited “especially off the aid that had cost them nothing but whose prices they hike up.”
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The Saudi military launched a targeted operation against Houthi targets on the Saudi-Yemen border. Nature and extent not announced.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
International claims joining Hamas propaganda over ‘millions’ starving in Gaza. Evidence shows otherwise, but the anti-Israel coalition doesn’t care about reality.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Gaza continues to go bad for Hamas, but hasn’t been the walk over by Israel as some expected. Now entering core Hamas areas, the underground is rife with tunnels and bunkers under nearly every building. This requires painstakingly methodical work by Israel to clear these areas out. Also means more and more Gazan building being rubbled as a result.
Situation still tense in Syria as the Jolani govt works to separate the so called ‘tribes’ from druze / christian sectors of S Syria. IAF open presence over the region a reminder of Israel’s readiness to resume airstrikes in support of the Druze.
Conflict with Iran has resumed to the exchange of words stage. However, the 12 day war proves that Israel is more than capable of backing up its words vs Iran.
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Israeli defence minister says there is a possibility of a renewed campaign against Iran
***
Officials in Iran & a European official suspect Israel as behind some of the mysterious explosions across Iran. The closest parallel is what happened during the summer of 2020 with a series of incidents then. But today they are much greater in number.
Lebanon -
Hezbollah reportedly informed Lebanese parliament Speaker Nabih Berry that they will not disarm even if Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon. Saudi Al-Arabiya cited unnamed sources stating that Hezbollah “is prepared to confront the Lebanese state if it chooses to”
Syria -
Threat Level - WATCH July 21, 2025
Upgraded due to IDF involvement in defense of Druze in S Syria.
Axios, citing a US official, reports that Israeli, Syrian, and US officials will meet Thursday to discuss security understandings in southern Syria.
***
After the attacks on the Druze minority in As-Suwayda, the spokesperson for the Kurdish SDF organization (located in northern Syria) declares that under the current circumstances, handing over the Kurds’ weapons to the Syrian regime is not possible.
OBSERVATION - Jolani’s government has shown a lot of deference to sunni terror groups over minorities in the nation. Kurds see this coming their way eventually - especially with Turkish prodding.
You're right... someone needs to look into this and that person should be President Trump.
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