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.
Jack Smith is an idiot. Maybe he should ask the FBI to hand over statistics on lives lost in BLM and Antifa Riots compared to Jan 6th - the holy grail of useful idiots.
what about the monster who tried to kill our congressmen at a baseball practice? Get the numbers Jack - then get real. (of course this assumes FBI boys are capable of being honest in their reporting of factual data - which is a big 'if'...)
Thanks Godzilla. Especially for the yearly INVASION numbers.
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WEF Davos Jan 15-19
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
*****
Massive multi-way protests by German farmers brought Berlin to a complete halt, forcing the Government backed down on several taxation & net zero policy impacting food production.
OBSERVATION - The WEF / globalist plan to shut down food production isn’t going down without a fight. Germans backed the farmers, in part because the general citizenry is fed up with the exponential price increases and economic problems caused by the govt pushing the globalist ‘climate change’ agenda. Multiple countries have farmers / citizens fighting back on efforts to eliminate vast numbers of farms and livestock herds - including here in the US.
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
****
See biden below - his J6 speech laying groundwork for violence directed at republicans or any other who do not support his candidacy.
***
The latest report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) on Wednesday revealed what many law-abiding gun owners already know: Americans are exercising their Second Amendment right to purchase, keep, and bear arms at record rates.
After adjusting the nearly 30 million background checks reported by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System for 2023 for duplicates and for reasons other than for purchasing a firearm, the NSSF declared that Americans bought “at least” 15.8 million firearms last year. This is the highest since Covid and the George Floyd insurrections in 2020.
That number is likely far too conservative, as many states still don’t require background checks for private firearm transactions, while still others allow previously permitted gun owners to add to their collections without going through the background check system.
https://thenewamerican.com/us/americans-continue-to-arm-themselves-at-record-rates/
OBSERVATION - Uncertainty that the 2024 elections will be violence free and that the vote will not be corrupted in any measure is driving much of this. Further, increasing concerns over the govt’s intentions towards citizens who are contrary to the official narrative and policies. 2024 is growing quickly into a very dangerous year and citizens are preparing for the worst.
Economy-
Upcoming dates of importance
- The Fed next meets on Jan. 30-31.
*****
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Friday the U.S. economy is achieving a “soft landing” as inflation continues to ease without showing signs of a significant economic downturn.
“What we’re seeing now I think we can describe as a soft landing, and my hope is that it will continue,” Yellen said in an interview on CNN.
OBSERVATION - Her credibility is next to nil. The ‘soft landing’ mantra is that of the regime, trying to keep a happy face on the economy.
***
Multinational investment bank Morgan Stanley downgraded the outlook for the U.S. dollar from ‘Bullish’ to ‘Neutral’ on Friday. The global bank cited that the Federal Reserve initiating interest rate cuts led to the decline of U.S. Treasury yields
OBSERVATION - Govt monetary practices are not getting a pass.
***
A survey that was just conducted by Resume Builder discovered that a whopping 38 percent of U.S. companies anticipate that they will conduct layoffs in 2024…
- 38% of companies say they are likely to have layoffs in 2024
- 52% are likely to implement a hiring freeze in 2024
- Half say anticipation of a recession is a reason for potential layoffs
- 4 in 10 say layoffs are due to replacing workers with artificial intelligence (AI)
- 3 in 10 companies reducing or eliminating holiday bonuses this year
https://www.resumebuilder.com/4-in-10-companies-anticipate-layoffs-in-2024/
OBSERVATION - I have no data to indicate how reliable “Resume Builder” is or the parameters of its survey, so hold its reports at arms length for now. If their methodology is sound, this is a warning klaxon for an inbound recession - not a ‘soft’ landing. Other economic sources do report parallel plans for major layoffs in 2024.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is in the Atlantic and on its way home after transiting the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday, U.S. 6th Fleet announced.
USS Eisenhower CSG has been moved into the Red Sea.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics – HEIGHTENED ALERT STATUS
Mask mandates have returned to New York City hospitals after a 17% uptick in COVID -19 hospital admissions, the New York Daily News has reported.
Los Angeles County healthcare facilities issued similar requirements last week after the county entered the “medium” level of COVID-19 hospital admissions as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York reached a “high” level of respiratory illness activity (COVID, RSV, and the flu) on Dec. 29, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
OBSERVATION - Am I worried? Not at all. Mindless health authorities returning to requirements that have be demonstrated to fail in preventing the infection and spread of wuhan.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Dates of importance
January 19 - funding for federal transportation programs, housing and food plans and other resources will expire.
February 2 - funding for Departments of Health and Human Services, Commerce, Labor, State and Defense will expire
****
A third batch of Jeffrey Epstein documents have been released.
***
U.S. Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of the Colorado case in which he was kicked off the ballot in that state. The Court has ordered an expedited briefing schedule that may allow it to rule in time to preserve the integrity of the primary process. The case will be heard in February and the ruling will apply nationwide.
OBSERVATION - Current composition of the court indicates that a plurality would support Trump. What is needed is a 9-0 decision to shut down cries of an illegitimate court ruling. There is the potential to obtain that solid decision - but watch the leftists put the full court press on the liberal justices.
Biden / Harris Watch –
As expected, biden raged at republicans in his speech commentating J6. biden called Donald Trump ‘sick’ and a ‘loser’ in his first campaign speech of 2024 saying ‘we nearly lost America’ on January 6.
biden launched an incensed attack on his predecessor and potential 2024 general election rival at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, where George Washington organized an army to fight the British in 1777.
Biden condemned the Republican frontrunner for his ‘lies’ and for making his White House campaign about ‘himself’ in the remarks marking the third anniversary of the Capitol Riot.
At his first public event since a Caribbean vacation, Biden said ‘democracy is on the ballot’ as states around the country launch bids to kick Trump off.
He said Trump invoked Nazi Germany when he referred to his enemies as ‘vermin’ and compared him to a dictator who could destroy the U.S. if re-elected in November.
When he was through, Jill had to come and lead him off the platform as he was apparently disoriented. He turned and shouted “I know how to use power” before leaving.
OBSERVATION - This is the democrat theme for 2024 - most of America is a threat to democracy (more likely threat to democrats) and must be stopped at all costs. This is a direct call to his radical supporters that the leash is going to be released and they can commence violent actions against his opponents IMHO. In spite of efforts to keep the J6 lie hot for the election year, it is not high on the public’s radar screen, ranking well below economy, illegals and war threats. As his first campaign speech, he didn’t speak to any of the issues of real concern to Americans.
Illegal Immigration –
Growing support from republicans in the house to shut down the govt unless the tsunami at the border is stopped. See “Political Front “ above for funding deadlines.
China –
Important dates of notice -
13 January 2024 - Taiwan general election
*****
Foreign investors fled China in December at the fastest rate in 2023 as funds diversified away from the country’s struggling economy, according to Morgan Stanley.
Active long-only investment managers collectively pulled $3.8 billion from Chinese and Hong Kong equities in the month, the third-worst outflow in the country’s recorded history, according to a report from Morgan Stanley and obtained by Reuters. Investors have been continually pessimistic about China’s economy as it fails to show progress in its long recovery from losses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, most recently failing to meet expectations for growth in the retail sector, increasing sales by 10.1% year-over-year instead of the expected 12.9%
https://dailycaller.com/2024/01/03/foreign-investors-fled-china-december-ailing-economy/
OBSERVATION - Another symptom of the ailing Chinese economy. Depressed Chinese economic output has contributed to the lowered demand for oil - resulting in lower gasoline prices here in the US. But what is worse is the outflow of capital China’s industry needs. Combined with the Country Garden and Evergrande implosions, investors are properly worried about their investments.
***
China has increased use of spy balloons to surveil Taiwan. Three such balloons made an unusual transit over the middle of Taiwan Island on Monday and Tuesday, coming close to a Taiwanese airbase. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry merely stated it would “closely monitor” the balloons, and all other objects that enter Taiwanese airspace.
Observers note that even if ‘harmless’ meteorological balloons, the increased presence is still one of intimidation - likely directed at adjusting attitudes towards a more China-friendly govt.
North/South Korea –
NK and SK are still hissing at each over the yestersday’s artillery incident.
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.
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.
RUMINT – Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and first deputy defense minister, was allegedly killed in a Ukrainian missile attack in occupied Crimea.
The strike in question did take out senior Russian leaders, but Gerasimov’s presence is not certain.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Weather continues to dominate action on the ground.
Slow night with Ukrainian air defense shooting down 2 Shahed drones overnight
Russia pressing attacks along the front from Adviivka southward towards Novobakhmutivka
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.
Expect continued ‘deep game’ action - missiles and drone attacks by both sides on what they consider to be critical targets.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Heavy Hezbollah rocket attacks overnight
——— GENERAL ——————————-
The Gaza War is entering its 4th month, since the initial terror attacks by Hamas et al on Oct 7th.
——— 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.
Continued heavy fighting in Khan Younis.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Confusion overnight as a large drone infiltration alert was given and then reports of a rocket barrage of 30-40 rockets. It appears that these rockets have fallen into oOpen areas. IDF quickly responded with artillery and air strikes.
Hezbollah claims to have launched 62 rockets towards Israel as an ‘initial response to [the Deputy Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Saleh] al-Arouri’s assassination’
The IDF says it carried out an airstrike on a Hezbollah command center in the southern Lebanese village of Blida in response to attacks on the border yesterday.
It also says tanks and artillery shelled a number of areas along the border, apparently to foil planned Hezbollah attacks.
Following rocket fire on Kiryat Shmona earlier, the IDF says it is striking the launch sites.
———WEST BANK——————————-
Multiple engagements between West Bank groups and Israeli security forces.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility tonight for a two-pronged attack using suicide drones against 2 U.S. bases in Syria, targeting the Al-Tanf operations base in Southern Syria near the border with Iraq and Jordan as well as the Al-Shaddadi Base in eastern Syria. No casualties reported.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, entered the Red Sea as a part of the US effort to prevent Houthis’ attacks on merchant ships - US Naval Institute
——— 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.
Hezbollah kicked things up a notch overnight with a large rocket assault. This gave Israel reason to hit more significant targets in S Lebanon.
IDF estimate reportedly indicates that Hezbollah can no longer launch assault on Israel without early warning, as the IDF pounds extensive terror infrastructure on Lebanon border. Hezbollah’s plans are likely outdated given new Israeli military posture. I would generally agree. Israel’s response has been very aggressive and well planned. Hamas’ plans crumbled in the face of the Israeli operational plan and dogged assaults on strong points - in spite of those strong holds in many, many cases burrowed (literally) within ‘safe’ zones such as hospitals and schools. Hamas FAFO’d.
Hezbollah has to be seeing this very aggressive Israeli posture and rethinking - fast - its tactical and strategic plans. Though reportedly having underground complexes far more extensive than Hamas, such is dangerously exposed to IAF strikes as static positions. IDF intel is likely been enhanced over the years by the enemies Hezbollah has created over the years from their iron handed rule of Lebanon and specifically S Lebanon. Secondly, Israel has been pushing the red line in their attacks on these Hezbollah facilities - battle field shaping for when the hammer finally falls.
Nor does it seem that Iran is ready to come out slugging either. They have basically written off Hamas and are almost viewing Hezbollah as expendable. As much as Israel wants to nail Hezbollah once and for all - they really want a reason to nail Iran largely to the growing nuclear threat they pose.
This latest Hezbollah barrage - 60-70 rockets - is one of the larger ones since the Gaza War commenced. However, they have an estimated 150,000 rockets available and can launch even larger barrages than Hamas could . Onset of the war with Hezbollah will be intensely bloody and viciously fought. But this is one where Israel has learned from its earlier mistakes in the 2008 lebanon war while Hezbollah appears to have doubled down on its more static defense on the ground / massive rocket attack plans. Israel has shown it is fighting the next war, while Hezbollah the last.
Clock is ticking down for Hezbollah - their choices are being narrowed down and not to their advantage.
Syria -
ISIS launched this morning/night coordinated attacks in area of Palmyra, east Syria. Looks like serious as Russia & SyAF are currently carrying out airstrikes to repel the attack. Government reinforcements also reportedly on their way
Black Swans -
Southern California Weather Force has issued an Earthquake Watch effective now through the weekend into Monday for the chance of a stronger earthquake occurring on the San Andreas Fault.
At 10:55am Pacific Time on January 5th, 2024, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred along the junction point of the San Andreas and San Jacinto Fault zones. This area last shook with a foreshock in the 1970s, which is what this might be.
OBSERVATION - As a geologist and having lived in Kalifornia for a combined period of about 27 years, I monitored prediction sites like this for many of those years. And one after another, these predictions fail. While there are such things as foreshocks, the problem is whether or not that particular quake was actually a foreshock. Note that they claim a foreshock event occurred “in the 1970’s”- with no primary follow on quake designated it was the foreshock for.
I still pay attention to these sites as seismological knowledge has grown over the years. But I wouldn’t base my preps on ‘foreshock’ warnings as the whole of the San Andreas system doesn’t need foreshocks to rip wide open. If you live in a zone of high seismological risk, you better base your preps on that.