A U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment peers through the scope of a Smartshooter SMASH 2000L attached to an M4A1 carbine rifle (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elijah Magaña)
US Orders Evacuation from Iraq Embassy as Iran Threatens Regional Bases
The United States is evacuating personnel from its embassy in Baghdad in response to Iran’s threats to target U.S. military bases in the Middle East, the State Department confirmed to Al-Monitor on Wednesday. According to reports, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also ordered the voluntary departure of military family members from locations across the Middle East. (Read More)
Russian Cruise Missile Strike Hits Ukrainian-Controlled Oil Platform in Black Sea
A Russian cruise missile struck a Ukrainian-controlled oil platform in the Black Sea, according to multiple sources. Pro-Russian sources reported that Monday’s strike targeted the Tavrida drilling rig near Zmiinyi (Snake) Island, a location of strategic importance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. (Read More)
Russian Su-24M Bomber Spotted in Mali Amid Wagner Group's Withdrawal
A Russian Su-24M tactical bomber has been spotted at Bamako airport, marking the first known deployment of this type of aircraft in Mali. Satellite imagery published by The France 24 Observers, confirms the presence of the bomber as early as April 14. The deployment coincides with the withdrawal of the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary force that had operated in Mali since 2022. (Read More)
China Deploys Two Aircraft Carriers in Pacific for First Time
China has sent two aircraft carriers into the Pacific Ocean for the first time, according to Japanese officials. On Saturday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier CNS Shandong, accompanied by the cruiser CNS Zunyi, frigates CNS Yuncheng and CNS Hengshui, and the fleet oiler CNS Chaganhu, was spotted sailing southeast of Miyako Island, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office. (Read More)
Georgia National Guard Activates Army’s First Electromagnetic Warfare Company
The Georgia Army National Guard has activated the 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, the first unit of its kind in the U.S. Army. According to a National Guard press release, the activation ceremony was held at Fort Gillem Enclave on June 7. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Luke Gurley, commander of the 221st Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion named Capt. Caleb Rogers commander of the new unit. (Read More)
AI-Powered Combat Capabilities Tested on Saab Gripen Jets
Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab has completed the first test flights of its Gripen E fighter jet controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) pilot Centaur, developed by German defense tech company Helsing. The trial flights took place over the Baltic Sea from May 28 to June 3. While a human pilot was on board for safety, the aircraft was fully operated by Centaur during the tests. (Read More)
The U.S. Army has reportedly begun testing the SMASH 2000L, a smart rifle scope designed to help soldiers accurately target small aerial threats. During a live-fire exercise on June 6 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, a soldier from the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment demonstrated the scope’s capabilities, as part of Project Flytrap, a multinational training event. (Read More)
Pakistani Man Extradited to US for Alleged ISIS-Linked Plot to Attack New York Jewish Center
A Pakistani man living in Canada has been extradited to the United States to face terrorism charges for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York City. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday. (Read More)
Gold from Legendary 1708 Shipwreck Holding Billions of Dollars in Treasure is Seen in New Images | CBS News
Researchers have confirmed gold coins found near the 1708 San José shipwreck off Colombia, identifying them by Spanish royal symbols and the motto “Plus Ultra.” The wreck, holding treasure worth billions, is now a protected site and the focus of international legal disputes as Colombia plans careful recovery. (Read More)
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. Israeli Air Force F-16 planes fly in formation over the Mediterranean Sea (LeonP / Shutterstock.com) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities and Command Centers Israel announced that it had launched coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities early Friday, in a major operation aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons....
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. (AllyE / Shutterstock.com) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Israeli Navy Strikes Yemen’s Houthi-Controlled Hodeidah Port Israel’s navy launched missile strikes on the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Tuesday, marking the first time it has taken part in attacks against Houthi rebels. The Israeli military said long-range strikes were carried out using advanced Sa’ar 6-class missile ships, which...
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. The SU-35 Russian Fighter Jet (Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Ukraine Downs Russian Su-35 Fighter Jet Over Kursk Region Ukraine’s military announced that it shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet on Saturday morning. In a brief statement on Telegram, Ukraine’s Air Force said the aircraft was downed “as a result of a successful Air Force operation in the...