Free Republic

A massive explosion has ripped through a region in China. Bright flames and black smoke were seen from what is thought to be a chemical factory this evening. The explosion was seen and heard in the industrial zone of Lijin, Dongying City of Shandong, just before 11.30pm local time. It is not yet known if there are any injuries or fatalities. The explosion was reported by the People's Daily newspaper - the Communist Party-owned publication. No further details have yet been released. The blast comes just a fortnight after another huge explosion in the country killed dozens and injured hundreds.

Yemen-based Ansar Allah, widely known as the Houthis, continues to have a profound impact on global security. The group’s ongoing operations in the Red Sea affected an estimated US $1 trillion worth of maritime cargo between October 2023 and May 2024, and despite periodic kinetic attacks, its operations show no signs of abating. Moreover, evidence suggests the Houthis enjoy the financial and military backing of Russia and China, in addition to their established ties with Iran. This Insight explores the Houthis’ financing mechanisms, including leveraging technology to evade sanctions and the involvement of foreign facilitators with demonstrable and plausible ties...