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New Executive Order Targets Procurement Rules
Published 8 days ago • 4 min read
Alert Line
Looks like defense acquisition reform might finally be on the way, after decades of talk and no real action from anyone. I won’t hold my breath, but it’ll be interesting to watch.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Simplify Federal Procurement Rules
President Donald J. Trump signed a new executive order Monday aimed at overhauling the way the federal government buys goods and services. The directive, titled “Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement,” orders officials to cut down the thousands of rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and make the entire system easier and faster. (Read More)
At Least 40 Dead in Nigerian Christian Farming Community After Palm Sunday Militia Attack
At Least 40 people were killed in a late-night assault on the Christian farming village of Zike in Nigeria’s Plateau State, President Bola Tinubu confirmed Monday. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, was reportedly carried out by armed Muslim gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders. Human rights group Open Doors reports that since the end of March, at least 113 people have been killed in a wave of coordinated assaults across eight communities. (Read More)
Israel to Keep Troops in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria ‘Indefinitely’
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday that Israeli troops will remain in “security zones” established in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, regardless of any ceasefire or peace agreements. According to Israeli officials, the military has now converted approximately 30% of Gaza into what it terms an “operational security perimeter.” Israel has also refused to withdraw from territory in southern Syria, where it established new military posts. (Read More)
PentagonDefense Digital Service to Shut Down as Entire Staff Resigns
The Pentagon’s Defense Digital Service (DDS) will shut down by May 1, following the resignation of nearly all 14 staff members. The office, launched in 2015 to bring Silicon Valley-style tech innovation into the Department of Defense, will cease operations after its leadership and team opted to leave due to administrative pressures. (Read More)
Russia Is Looking for a New Military Base for Long Range Aircraft in Eastern Indonesia
Australia is seeking answers from Indonesia after reports confirmed that Russia has asked to base military aircraft at an air force facility in eastern Indonesia, near the Australian mainland. The request was submitted by Russia’s government to Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence following a February meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary and Indonesian Defence Minister. (Read More)
North Korea Sent Russia Over 15,000 Containers of Munitions: Analysis | Newsweek
A new analysis by the Open Source Centre and Reuters found that North Korea sent over 15,800 containers of munitions to Russia between August 2023 and March 2025. The shipments, likely containing up to 5.8 million rounds, were delivered via at least 64 documented cargo transfers involving four Russian-flagged vessels. The scale of support highlights Pyongyang’s growing role in sustaining Moscow’s war effort as peace negotiations continue. (Read More)
SAS Soldier’s Survival: Skydiving Accident to Thriving Family Life | New Zealand Herald
Former SAS soldier Jono Magee survived a catastrophic skydiving accident in rural Auckland thanks to the rapid “chain of survival” medical response—from bystander CPR to a rescue helicopter and emergency surgery. Practicing a high-speed maneuver known as canopy piloting, Magee hit the ground at an estimated 50–100 km/h, suffering multiple fractures, internal injuries, and a traumatic brain injury. (Read More)
Europol-Led Operation Takes Down Drug Networks in Europe and Turkey
Law enforcement agencies across Europe and Türkiye have dismantled four major drug trafficking networks in a multi-national operation coordinated by Europol. The investigation, called Operation Bulut, led to the arrest of 232 people and the seizure of over 21 tonnes of drugs, including 3.3 million MDMA tablets. Raids took place on April 15 in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and 20 provinces in Türkiye. (Read More)
US Missionary Kidnapped in South Africa Rescued in 'High-intensity Shootout': Police | ABC
Josh Sullivan, a U.S. missionary from Tennessee was rescued unharmed following a high-risk operation by South African police. He was abducted at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell, near Gqeberha, on April 10. Authorities tracked him to a safe house where a shootout occurred, resulting in the deaths of three suspects. Sullivan was found in the suspects’ vehicle and is in good condition. (Read More)
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