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Arson Destroys Bundeswehr Trucks in Suspected Russian Sabotage

Six German military trucks were destroyed in a suspected arson attack at a Bundeswehr logistics site in Erfurt, in what appears to be a Russian-linked sabotage operation. Footage posted Thursday by a pro-Russian Telegram channel shows Rheinmetall MAN trucks bearing Bundeswehr crosses and German license plates engulfed in flames. (Read More)​

Iran Reports ‘Serious’ Damage to Nuclear Sites, Suspends IAEA Cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that nuclear sites sustained “serious” damage during the war with Israel that began on June 13. “A detailed assessment is being carried out by the Atomic Energy Organization,” Araghchi told state TV. He added that compensation is now a key diplomatic demand. "These damages are serious, and expert studies and political decision-making are underway at the same time." (Read More)​

Germany May Reinstate Military Draft if Voluntary Recruitment Falls Short

Germany will reintroduce conscription if voluntary enlistment fails to meet military staffing goals, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said this week. Berlin is eager to strengthen its military and plans to double its army reserves in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. (Read More)​

Ukraine Converts Logistics Drone into Armed Combat Platform

The Ravlyk unmanned ground vehicle, (UGV) developed by Ukrainian Unmanned Technologies, has been transformed into a combat-ready platform through the integration of the Wolly 12.7 combat module, which is armed with a U.S.-made M2 Browning 12.7mm machine gun. The news was announced this week by Ukrainian tech firm DevDroid, creator of Wholly 12.7 combat module. (Read More)​

Maxar Launching AI-Powered ‘Predictive Intelligence’ To Spot Crises Before They Happen | Defense One

Maxar has launched “Sentry,” a new AI-powered platform that combines satellite data from multiple companies to enable predictive global monitoring. The system can coordinate satellite tasking, integrate radar and optical imagery, and detect emerging activity at key sites. Already used by U.S. agencies, Sentry aims to shift satellite intelligence from periodic mapping to real-time crisis detection through collaboration. (Read More)​​

US Navy Pushes Columbia-Class Submarine Delivery to March 2029

The U.S. Navy now expects to receive its first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine in March 2029, a 17-month delay from the original October 2027 schedule. Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James W. Kilby confirmed the revised timeline during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing this week. (Read More)​​

16 Dead, Hundreds Injured in Nationwide Kenya Protests

At least 16 people were killed and over 400 were injured during mass protests across Kenya on Wednesday, according to rights group Amnesty International. The demonstrations, marking the one-year anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax protests, erupted in 23 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisii, Kitengela, Nyeri, and Machakos. (Read More)​​

Former Venezuelan Intelligence Chief Pleads Guilty to US Drug Trafficking Charges

Hugo Carvajal, Venezuela’s former military intelligence chief and a longtime adviser to late President Hugo Chávez, pleaded guilty Wednesday to narcoterrorism and cocaine trafficking charges in U.S. federal court, the Department of Justice announced. Carvajal, 65, admitted to four counts, including conspiracy to import cocaine and weapons offenses. He faces up to life in prison, with sentencing set for October. (Read More)​

Ecuador Recaptures Most Wanted Fugitive Gang Leader ‘Fito’

Ecuadorian police and military forces have recaptured Jose Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” leader of the Los Choneros gang, ending a nearly 18-month manhunt following his escape from prison in January 2024. According to reports, Fito was found in a concealed bunker beneath a luxury home in Manta's Monterrey neighborhood. The underground hideout, accessed through a disguised trap door, was equipped with a bed, air conditioning, and a fridge. (Read More)​