SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

U.S. to Deploy Forces in Damascus to Support Israel-Syria Security Pact

The United States is preparing to deploy forces to an airbase in Damascus to monitor a potential security pact being brokered by President Donald Trump between Israel and Syria, according to a Reuters report.

While the exact location was not provided, the report says the base sits at the gateway to southern Syria, a region expected to become a demilitarized zone under the agreement. It is unclear how many U.S. troops would be involved or when they could arrive.
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The deployment signals a strategic realignment between Syria and the U.S. following last year’s fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Monday, in a historic first visit by a Syrian head of state. (Read More) ​

Suspected Somali Pirates Board Malta-Flagged Tanker in Indian Ocean

Attackers boarded the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite about 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia, in the Indian Ocean early Thursday, according to Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management.

Armed assailants approached the vessel in a small craft and fired small arms and RPGs before boarding the ship. All 24 crew members locked themselves in the ship’s citadel and remained safe and unharmed, according to maritime security firm Diaplous. The UK Maritime Trade Operations issued an alert to ships in the area following the attack.

According to reports, the assault is likely the latest attack by resurgent Somali pirates. A series of recent piracy attempts had already put shippers on edge before Thursday’s seizure, which marks the first successful hijacking of a commercial vessel off Somalia in over a year. (Read More) ​

Israel Launches Wave of Strikes on Hezbollah Depots

The Israeli military launched a wave of airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting infrastructure and weapon depots belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force in an effort to prevent the group from rearming.

Warplanes struck the towns of Kfar Dounine, Tayr Debba, and Zawtar al-Sharqiya after issuing evacuation warnings to residents. The Lebanese health ministry said one person was wounded in the afternoon bombing after another was killed in strikes earlier in the day.

The strikes came despite a ceasefire deal signed nearly a year ago that ended 13 months of fighting and required Hezbollah to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory. Israel, which still holds five positions in Lebanon, has recently warned it would intensify attacks unless the militant group disarms. (Read More)​