I’ve started to post upcoming meetings of importance as applicable at the top of subject headers. Allows me to better track upcoming events for related news. I’ll post those section daily even if they don’t have any more specific event being reported.
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WEF Davos Jan 15-19
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Upcoming events of importance
- 18 January 2023, Atlanta, “Day of the Forest Defender,” protests against the Police training facility being constructed
****
Hundreds of Pro-Hamas protesters and other activists are occupying and have shut down the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California. These protesters have disrupted the Assembly session on opening day, demanding a permanent ceasefire and an end to all U.S. military aid to Israel.
OBSERVATION - Couldn’t happen to a better state IMHO. I expect that this kind of political pressures - sit ins and protests in State/Federal buildings - to increase since they’ve lost the visibility of protesting and disrupting holiday events.
Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to increased lone wolf threats.
Multiple bomb threats targeting state capitol buildings across the United States led to evacuations Wednesday morning. At least six state capitol buildings were impacted by the bomb threats, including Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi and Montana. A representative for Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams said multiple secretaries of state nationwide received threats in a “mass email,” according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
OBSERVATION - The intimidation war is on just three days into 2024. You can expect more of this.
Economy-
Upcoming dates of importance
- The Fed next meets on Jan. 30-31.
***
Xerox announced plans to cut 15% of its workforce as part of a plan to implement a new organizational structure and operating model. The company had about 20,500 employees as of Dec. 31, 2022, per an SEC filing, meaning the layoffs will likely affect more than 3,000 employees. Xerox said it will carry out the cuts this quarter.
OBSERVATION - More cuts by major companies, symptomatic of a (pre) recession economy.
***
U.S. Federal Reserve officials appeared increasingly convinced at their meeting last month that inflation was coming under control, with “upside risks” diminished and growing concern about the damage that “overly restrictive” monetary policy might do to the economy, according to minutes of the central bank’s Dec. 12-13 policy meeting.
As a result “almost all participants indicated that...a lower target range for the federal funds rate would be appropriate by the end of 2024,” the minutes said, with “a number of participants” highlighting increased uncertainty about how long strict monetary policy would need to be maintained given the progress achieved on lowering inflation.
The minutes shed little light on when rate cuts might commence.
Indeed participants also noted “an unusually elevated degree of uncertainty” about the outlook, with further interest rate increases still possible.
OBSERVATION - There is still some uncertainty in the Fed on 2024, but it still looks like they are trying to justify rate reductions to assist biden by goosing the economy into looking better prior to the elections.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Release of the Epstein list finally did come out after a short court hold. The expected participants were named - except Trump who never visited the island or Epstein’s NM ranch where the child abuse occurred. Leftist apologists and the MSM have spent the overnight hours circling the wagons. The aftershocks will be severe.
***
biden released his first ad for the presidential campaign. Basically, half of America is a threat to America and need to be eliminated.
It appears that he is planning to make this the central theme of his campaign and will follow that narrative when he gives his Jan 6 speech from Valley Forge. His projected hate filled rhetoric serves a second purpose of dehumanizing republicans and in specific, Trump supporters - waving the flag for leftist violence in order to protect ‘democracy’. So called ‘white supremacy “ is the codeword.
Illegal Immigration –
Can cross reference the following to Terrorism as well as CW2 -
Border Patrol estimates that the cartels are earning $32 million a week from illegal aliens in the Del Rio, Texas sector alone.
OBSERVATION - This is one of the under the radar issues of the illegal immigration brought into the country by biden. Law enforcement has its hands full dealing the the massive increase in crimes from just the illegals themselves, they find themselves undermanned and under gunned to face the cartels.
China –
Four Filipino navy vessels and the Carl Vinson Strike Group are conducting the patrols in the South China Sea, an area that China claims as its own. Filipino state media and USNI only identify three of the four Filipino vessels. Two of the Filipino vessels are the largest surface warfare class in their fleet. Associated with these maneuvers is a probable resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal this week, according to Chinese media. Previous resupply missions have been harassed by Chinese naval elements, most recently using water cannons to attack and disable Philippine vessels.
OBSERVATION - Recent treaties/agreements between the US and Philippines cover US support of Philippine territories in the S China Sea region. If US vessels show up, it will be a big show of muscle counter to the Chinese presence and could result in some form of combativeness such as ship ramming and high pressure water cannons directed towards US ships. A nasty game of chicken could result in some degree of combat.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Jan 1, 2024
With the end of the Ukraine summer offensive and the ongoing winter mud season, Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Russia maintains it attacks to take Adviivka, even in the face of huge losses. Russia continues to launch smaller attacks daily across the front lines.
Russian has been shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones with the likelyhood of attempting to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2023. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. In the last half of 2023, Ukraine was able to take out about 20% of the fleet.
While Russia has reportedly about 400K of soldiers in the theater, all evidence indicates that they are poorly trained and equipped. Russian forces are increasingly having to rely on 50’s and 60’s vintage tanks, APCs and other vehicles. Russian large assaults continue to be what are referred to as ‘meat’ attacks - throwing large numbers of lightly armed, foot troops at Ukraine defenses in hopes of overwhelming them. These tactics ‘worked’ at Bakhmut but there Russia still had a superiority in artillery support. Concerted efforts by Ukraine to locate and destroy Russian artillery, combined with wear and tear taking systems out and poor/no ammo has generally caused Russia to lose the edge in artillery firepower.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.
Russia is believed to be trying to muster a force for a winter offensive, once the soils freeze up and permit cross country maneuver. Focus of such an offensive has not solidified but the most likely candidate for one front is the continued attempt to eliminate the salient at Adviivka.
*****
Logistics –
Wall Street Journal: Russia is moving forward with its plans to purchase Iranian ballistic missiles.
These missiles would be the relatively short range variety. Russia has been negotiating for missile/drone systems from Iran for over a year now.
Russian Personnel Issues –-
Unconfirmed reports that Russia is using an increased number of women on the front lines. Allegedly, these women have been recruited from penal/prisions with the same offers of convictions being pardoned as the men.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 20-40 degree F range with on again, off again rain and snow.
Temperatures in Ukraine are expected to drop beginning Jan 6 and onwards, with snow, blizzards and ice. In the northern, central and eastern regions temperature at night are expected to drop to -10 to-15 deg F, and in the northeast down to 18-20 degrees F.
Relatively slow night for Ukraine ADA, shooting down 2 Shahed drones. However, explosions were reported in Kryvyi Rih and Kropivnitsky after suspected ballistic missile launches from occupied Crimea.
Followup on yesterday’s Rumint - Russia apparently did lose anther Su-34. An Su-34 aircraft of Russian Air Forces caught fire at Shagol airfield near Chelyabinsk last night
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Weather continues to dominate action on the ground. Very little other action of any significance.
Outlook —
Weather and mud conditions are continuing to dictate ground operations, which are at a low level due to lack of maneuverability cross country and on dirt roads due to the mud. Increasingly cold temperatures will gradually freeze the ground, but this won’t happen for sometime yet.
The advent of cold weather is one that for the past couple winters has caused Russia serious logistical problems. The soldiers are poorly equipped with warm clothing and warm shelter. This will increase the spread of diseases and lower morale. This will also increase Russian use of buildings to hunker down in large numbers - ripe for Ukrainian targeting.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Israel takes out 4 Hezbollah leaders in overnight airstrikes.
- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah specifically threatening Israel.
- US struck Iranian backed militia leader in Bagdad (see Iraq below)
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israel [says] Hamas has been training children to join their campaign of terror and has even deployed the youngsters to the frontlines to “deliver messages and ammunitions.”
“During the ongoing war, Hamas has positioned children on the frontlines, sending them to deliver messages and ammunition while its operatives hide in shelters.”
They have also been used as scouts, being able to get close to Israeli units and then reporting to Hamas et al elements who attack shortly thereafter.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
IDF forces continue their search and destroy operations, moving progressively southward into central and S Gaza. Heavy fighting reported in Khan Younis.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah spoke on Wednesday evening … Hezbollah leader explicitly threatened Israel, saying, “If the enemy thought of starting a war on Lebanon, then it will be a war without a ceiling, without borders, without rules. He knows what I mean. Our missiles and our ability and our means, it is enough just to mention that because we are not afraid of war. Those who think of fighting with us – the war with us will be very, very expensive. If there is a war on Lebanon, then we will go all the way without rules.
Note - Nasrallah spoke from an unlocated underground bunker somewhere in Lebanon.
Within hours after the Nasrallah speech, Israel has conducted another major airstrike on Lebanon, this time against a residential building which housed Hezbollah members.
“Two security sources told the Reuters news agency that four Hezbollah members were killed in the attack on what had been described as a residential building,” Al Jazeera reports. Importantly, “It brings the number of Hezbollah members killed on Wednesday to nine”
OBSERVATION - Israel is upping the ante by increasingly targeting Hezbollah leadership in addition to key operational sites in S Lebanon. Some suggest that Israel is trying to get a response from Hezbollah/Iran that Israel can use to justify a wider attack on Hezbollah.
***
Canada, Germany and Sweden have called on their citizens to immediately leave Lebanon
———WEST BANK——————————-
Multiple engagements between West Bank groups and Israeli security forces.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom released a Joint-Statement today in what is now seen as a “Final Warning” to the Houthi Terrorist Group in Yemen; that if they do not Immediately halt their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and their unlawfully detaining of vessels alongside their crews, then they will bear the responsibility and consequences of their actions.
——— FORECAST ————————-
Israel to continue search and destroy operations across Gaza. They have most of N Gaza cleared and are moving efforts to central and S Gaza.
The latest attacks by Israel targeting high level Hezbollah officers in Lebanon in addition to the Hamas 2d in command has continued to place increasing pressure on Hezbollah and Iran’s supporters to do something big in retaliation. Iran/Hezbollah, angered, do not appear to be ready to bite at that bait as Israel would use it to bring the hammer down on S Lebanon’s Hezbollah network. As long as Hezbollah holds their fire though, Israel will continue to go after key leadership as well as facilities critical to any Hezbollah response to the eventual fight. A very dangerous plan by Israel, but one they have already readied its contingency on.
Israel is most likely getting a lot of help from Lebanese - as Hezbollah has created a lot of enemies among the population. This is making Israel’s current targeting up to date and timely.
The coalition pulled together to oppose Houthi attacks on shipping has reached a critical point of having to either fish or cut bait. Since their announcement there have been no attacks on shipping, but this is likely due to Houthi evaluating the situation and likely dispersing its assets to minimize losses should they be attacked. As it stands, any attack would be essentially limited to the naval assets at hand, perhaps some USAF aircraft who’ve been designated to support US forces in Iraq and Syria thrown in. IMHO if this is the strike package , it is way too small. US strategic bombers should be used as well to create a very big bang - the only language radical islamists seem to understand in the region. The Houthi fought Saudi Arabia to essentially a standstill because SA couldn’t muster the massive strike necessary to put Houthi efforts down. Any ‘standard’ US strike package may well be inefficient and see a Houthi counter attack by its assets shortly after any strike - just to show how weak the attack was. Strength/power is what is recognized in the region.
Iran –
BREAKING - Iran has not officially attributed the twin blasts at Qassam Soleimani memorial site in the southeastern city of Kerman, Iran to any specific group. Reports that the first blast was initiated by a suicide bomber then the second on a timer. Some suspension that ISIS was involved.
Iraq -
Overnight there was an airstrike believed to have been from coalition / US forces on the PMF logistics headquarters, Central Baghdad.
According to Reuters - according to Iraqi police sources: At least two pro-Iranian faction fighters were killed and five others were wounded in Baghdad. Iraqi factions confirm that one of dead was “Abu Taqwa”, commander of the Iranian backed 12th Brigade in the Al-Nujaba Movement. The airstrike targeted a car carrying Mushtaq Talib Al-Saeedi (Abu Taqwa).
The Iraqi Ministerial Council for National Security went into an emergency meeting headed by Al-Sudani following the attack.
Prime Minister of Iraq - The international coalition led by Washington bears responsibility for the “unprovoked” attack on Iraqi security forces. The international coalition led by Washington bears responsibility for the “unprovoked” attack on Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi Prime Minister also stated that targeting a security headquarters in Baghdad today is a dangerous escalation and attack on Iraq
Security forces closes all roads to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and security increased in general around the Green Zone.
OBSERVATION - Potentially dangerous development. Iranian backed militias have been taking increased pot shots at US / Coalition forces in Iraq since the start of the Gaza War. US response has been rather anemic. This strike OTOH is bold.
Heavily Iranian backed PM Al-Sudani announced last month he would see to it that all coalition and in specific US forces are removed from the country - signaling that Iraq will be falling deeper under Iran’s overall influence and control.
Anarchy is the word of the day.
I find it hard to believe that none of these threats can ever be tracked. I suspect that's because most threats are made by liberal groups or are hoaxes. If our side was making threats the FBI and CIA would suddenly become competent - or bend the rules - and find the perps.
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WEF Davos Jan 15-19
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
*****
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Upcoming events of importance
- 18 January 2023, Atlanta, “Day of the Forest Defender,” protests against the Police training facility being constructed
****
Muslim Democrat activists and community organizers are moving forward with an “Abandon Biden” movement. This movement is attempting to leverage the younger and more Marxist elements of the democrat party to either force a policy change against Israel or the removal of biden from the presidential ticket. It is an element of the internal civil war the democrats are experiencing . Growth of this movement requires monitoring as it could develop into an attack element brining in more violent elements ahead of the elections and those associated protests developing into city burning events.
Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to increased lone wolf threats.
Breitbart News sources indicate that 20 Jewish institutions in Los Angeles received bomb threats on Tuesday, causing those Jewish schools that had been scheduled to open on January 2 to remain closed.
OBSERVATION - This, combined with the numerous threats to state capitols strongly suggests that the culprits are affiliated with pro-Hamas elements.
Economy-
Upcoming dates of importance
- The Fed next meets on Jan. 30-31.
*****
According to jobs data, government hiring has been a major driver for U.S. job growth over the past six months. Growth in state and federal government employment has increased an average of 56,000 jobs per month over the past six months, representing about 31% of all nonfarm payroll jobs created.
The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for October was revised down by 45,000, from +150,000 to +105,000, and the change for November was revised down by 26,000, from +199,000 to +173,000. With these revisions, employment in October and November combined is 71,000 lower than previously reported.
OBSERVATION - Numbers, and the data behind them are critical to know. Extract the govt growth and the rest of the economy is seen as clearly struggling.
***
There is a growing potential bond crisis brewing that could devastate the economy. Treasury bond crisis caused major bank failures last spring.
Now corporate bonds are starting come due this year. High-yield corporate bonds have signaled financial trouble brewing before the 2001 and 2008 recessions.
This is just another factor that argues against the fed/regime narrative of a no recession / soft landing scenario.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
A B1 Bomber crashed outside the Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder, South Dakota. Ellsworth Air Force Base Public Affairs has confirmed an incident on the base tonight. Fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, where multiple witnesses reported hearing numerous explosions. Reports indicate that the four crew members successfully ejected and are safe. The incident has been contained to the base, and investigators are currently on the scene. The USAF only has about 60 of the bombers operational.
POLITICAL FRONT –
A second batch of Jeffrey Epstein documents have been released. The MSM is struggling to keep a lid on the first batch. More releases expected.
***
Jack Smith in more court filings warns that the ‘immunity argument’ would allow Trump to use the “State of the Union address to incite his supporters to kill opposing politicians”. Trump has filed contempt motions against smith for his continued filings under the court ordered pause to proceedings.
OBSERVATION - The pattern is appearing folks. biden’s first campaign ad is to call all opponents threats to democracy and ‘white supremcists’, a theme he is expected to repeat during tomorrows political speech. Smith’s declaration is so profoundly absurd on its foundation that without the apparent linkage to biden’t campaign theme would be outrageous. It is designed to demonize Trump and supporters - attempting to legitimize leftist physical attacks on the right. This is how civil wars start.
NOTE - Recent history, only democrats have inspired its followers to actually attempt to kill political opponents.
***
Jonathan Turley on X -
“Dozens of Democratic members have already called for the disqualification of up to 126 Republican colleagues under the same sweeping theory used against Trump. These efforts could easily place this country on a slippery slope to political chaos.”
OBSERVATION - Slippery slope indeed. This is banana republic level stuff. This will apply more pressure on the USSC to rule on this ‘insurrection’ clause, else things will have a strong probability of turning violent.
Biden / Harris Watch –
Important dates to remember
Jan 6 - political speech from Valley Forge
*****
Illegal Immigration –
Illegal numbers over the past years denote a very scary trend -
2023: 3,201,144
2022: 2,766,582
2021: 1,956,519
2020: 405,036
2019: 859,501
2018: 404,142
2017: 310,531
2016: 415,816
2015: 337,117
2014: 486,651
2013: 420,789
2012: 364,768
2011: 340,252
2010: 463,382
Three biden years = 7,924,245
TEN years preceding = 4,807,989
This is a deliberate act to bring in illegals folks - a waging of war against America by the democrat left and the regime.
North/South Korea –
The North Korean Military reportedly fired over 200 artillery shells off its west coast overnight near the South Korean Islands of Baeknyeong and Yeonpyeong; SK military sources say none of the shells struck the islands.
The South Korean Military responded with a Live-Fire Drill off their Western Coast of its own
Statement from South Korea’s military after North Korea fires artillery near Yeonpyeong Island.
“We sternly warn that North Korea is solely responsible for this escalating crisis, and strongly urge it to stop immediately.”
S. Korea ordered civilians on Yeonpyeong Island to evacuate amid apparent N.K. provocation. South Korea also ordered residents on second island, Baengnyeongdo, to seek shelter.
OBSERVATION - This island is located off the west coast of the Korean peninsula very close to the line of demarcation. This is not the first instance of NK shelling in that region as the sea to the north is routinely used for an artillery impact zone. A bunch of years ago, a similar situation developed where NK rounds actually hit the island, almost kicking off the renewal of the war. Observers note the NK provocation likely due to a US - SK exercise and live fire training event in the region.
***
Kim has ordered increased production of missile launchers in preparation for a military confrontation with Washington and Seoul.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Jan 1, 2024
With the end of the Ukraine summer offensive and the ongoing winter mud season, Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Russia maintains it attacks to take Adviivka, even in the face of huge losses. Russia continues to launch smaller attacks daily across the front lines.
Russian has been shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones with the likelyhood of attempting to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2023. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. In the last half of 2023, Ukraine was able to take out about 20% of the fleet.
While Russia has reportedly about 400K of soldiers in the theater, all evidence indicates that they are poorly trained and equipped. Russian forces are increasingly having to rely on 50’s and 60’s vintage tanks, APCs and other vehicles. Russian large assaults continue to be what are referred to as ‘meat’ attacks - throwing large numbers of lightly armed, foot troops at Ukraine defenses in hopes of overwhelming them. These tactics ‘worked’ at Bakhmut but there Russia still had a superiority in artillery support. Concerted efforts by Ukraine to locate and destroy Russian artillery, combined with wear and tear taking systems out and poor/no ammo has generally caused Russia to lose the edge in artillery firepower.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.
Russia is believed to be trying to muster a force for a winter offensive, once the soils freeze up and permit cross country maneuver. Focus of such an offensive has not solidified but the most likely candidate for one front is the continued attempt to eliminate the salient at Adviivka.
*****
Logistics –
U.S. Intelligence Officials stated today that since December it is believed that the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation have begun to utilize Short-Range Ballistic Missiles recently acquired from North Korea against Ukrainian targets in the east, likely including the City of Kharkiv, and that Russia has “stepped-Up” its attempts to also acquire Ballistic Missiles from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
North Korea sold Russia their KN-23 which closely resembles the Iskander-M SRBM. In return, it is expected that North Korea will get some sort of military assistance like surface-to-air missiles, aircraft, munition production equipment and/or other advanced technologies.
NOTE - there are questions about the quality and reliability of these missiles. NK artillery shells are notorious at being poorly made and actually dangerous to the Russian artillery crews. These missiles also have at least a 495 Km range - possible longer.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 20-40 degree F range with on again, off again rain and snow.
Temperatures in Ukraine are expected to drop beginning Jan 6 and onwards, with snow, blizzards and ice. In the northern, central and eastern regions temperature at night are expected to drop to -10 to-15 deg F, and in the northeast down to 18-20 degrees F.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Weather continues to dominate action on the ground.
Ukrainian air defense shot down 21 of 29 Shahed drones overnight. Main focus of the attack appears to have been Kryvyi Rih.
Several Ukrainian missiles hit Kreyda district in Belgorod.
Russian forces launched renewed attacks in the Adviivka region - with little to no success but heavy losses.
Apparent missile attack against Sevastopol, Special Military Operation Zone, overnight. Russian sources mention several missiles. It appears that the Russian military’s radar station in Evpatoria may have been hit. Historically, when Ukraine blows-up Russian radar, a bigger attack follows, and in this case the pattern held as there are now reports that the Russian command post in Sevastopol, Crimea was hit.
Russia has started to obtain new sources of missiles to bolster its limited production capabilities - this time N Korean sourced (See Russia above) On Thursday, White House spokesman John Kirby unveiled a map showing where Russia launched the North Korean missiles into Ukraine (near Zaporizhzhia). “We anticipate that Russia will use additional North Korean missiles to target Ukraine civilian infrastructure,” Kirby said
Outlook —
Weather and mud conditions are continuing to dictate ground operations, which are at a low level due to lack of maneuverability cross country and on dirt roads due to the mud. Increasingly cold temperatures will gradually freeze the ground, but this won’t happen for sometime yet.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Hamas managed to fire a few rockets towards Israel from strongholds in Khan Yunus
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
IDF forces continue their search and destroy operations, moving progressively southward into central and S Gaza. Search and clear operations in Gaza City have uncovered additional, previously unknown substantial tunnel networks beneath the city’s high rises.
Fighting intensified in Khan Yunis overnight with additional airstrikes by the IAF. Hamas did launch a very limited rocket attack from firing bases in Khan Yunis.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Continued harassment fire from Hezbollah and return artillery and air strikes by Israel. Addition Hezbollah facilities and bases hit deeper into S Lebanon.
RUMINT - Hezbollah pulling its main forces back 2 km from the border. Thoughts are that this would provide for them an initial buffer and time in the event of an Israeli ground assault.
———WEST BANK——————————-
Multiple engagements between West Bank groups and Israeli security forces.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
NBC News: “In a new tactic, Yemen’s Houthis used an unmanned surface vessel loaded with explosives during an attempted attack in the Red Sea today, according to a senior American military official”
This is not new. The Houthi did this to the Saudi Navy in 2019.
Ambrey Limited, a British Maritime Risk Company has stated that they have received reports of Missiles Launches by the Houthi Terrorist Group in Yemen towards Commercial Shipping Vessels near the Bab al-Mandab Strait within the Red Sea.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Argentina on Wednesday announced the arrest of three foreign nationals, specifically citizens of Syria and Lebanon, who were suspected of planning a “terrorist act” at the Pan-American Maccabi Games.
——— FORECAST ————————-
Israel to continue search and destroy operations across Gaza. They have most of N Gaza cleared and are moving efforts to central and S Gaza.
The escalation cycle appears to have hit a pause, with Hamas and Hezbollah busy burying senior leaders Israel took out in recent days. Hezbollah / Iran show initial hesitancy in launching retaliatory actions, likely concerned about giving Israel justification to pull the trigger and launch a full out assault on S Lebanon.
Houthi’s sea borne drone attack following the warning by coalition forces drives home the sense of a lack of fear of western power. So far it has been all talk by the west and talk doesn’t deter.
Iran –
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing yesterday on the memorial rRoute for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani within the City of Kerman, Iran which resulted in the death of close to 200 Iranians. ISIS in a statement claimed the bombing was carried out by terror speratives, Umar al-Muwahid and Sayf Allah al-Mujahid.
Syria -
Aircraft of the Royal Jordanian Air Force have reportedly just conducted at least two waves of airstrikes on warehouses and facilities linked to Iranian and Assad-backed drug smugglers near the town of al-Ghariyah al-Gharbiyah in southwestern Syria.