🇺🇸 🇹🇼 🇨🇳 #UnitedStates Special Forces to be Permanently Stationed in #Taiwan
On February 29th, it was reported by UDN and Taiwan News that a U.S. special forces group would be permanently stationed in Taiwanese territory. Members of the 1st Special Forces Group would be stationed on the Kinmen and Pescadores Islands alongside members of the Taiwanese Marine Corps’ 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion.
The #Kinmen Islands are 6.2 miles from the Chinese coast. The #Pescadores Islands are off the western coast of Taiwan and are around 90 miles from the coast of #China.
Initially, these special forces operators were deployed temporarily until the decision was made to make the deployment permanent.
Via https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/03/02/us-special-forces-to-be-permanently-stationed-in-taiwan/
On February 29th, it was reported by UDN and Taiwan News that a U.S. special forces group would be permanently stationed in Taiwanese territory. Members of the 1st Special Forces Group would be stationed on the Kinmen and Pescadores Islands alongside members of the Taiwanese Marine Corps’ 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion.
The #Kinmen Islands are 6.2 miles from the Chinese coast. The #Pescadores Islands are off the western coast of Taiwan and are around 90 miles from the coast of #China.
Initially, these special forces operators were deployed temporarily until the decision was made to make the deployment permanent.
Via https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/03/02/us-special-forces-to-be-permanently-stationed-in-taiwan/
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🇷🇺 🇺🇦 🇺🇸 First visually confirmed destruction of a US-supplied, #Ukraine operated M142 HIMARS, located near the village of Nikanorovka, #Donetsk.
Strike was carried out by what appears to be a Russian Iskander ballistic missile.
This does not mark the first losses however, as two damaged HIMARS were recently observed returning to the #UnitedStates for repairs at the Harrisburg International Airport. Via theatlasnews.co
Strike was carried out by what appears to be a Russian Iskander ballistic missile.
This does not mark the first losses however, as two damaged HIMARS were recently observed returning to the #UnitedStates for repairs at the Harrisburg International Airport. Via theatlasnews.co
🇺🇸 🇾🇪 🇧🇧 The #UnitedStates Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that three crew were killed and four others were left wounded, three critically, following a #Houthi missile strike against the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned commercial bulk carrier M/V True Confidence in the Red Sea earlier today.
Coalition vessels responded to the scene as the crew abandoned ship after the vessel sustained “significant damage.”
The Houthis released a statement earlier that attacks against vessels will continue “until the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.”
This marks the first fatalities since Houthi forces began attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the region in November. Retaliatory air and missile strikes by #American naval forces are expected to be carried out in the coming hours. Via theatlasnews.co
Coalition vessels responded to the scene as the crew abandoned ship after the vessel sustained “significant damage.”
The Houthis released a statement earlier that attacks against vessels will continue “until the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.”
This marks the first fatalities since Houthi forces began attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the region in November. Retaliatory air and missile strikes by #American naval forces are expected to be carried out in the coming hours. Via theatlasnews.co
🇺🇸 🇷🇺 #UnitedStates State Department Issues Terrorism Alert in #Moscow:
The United States State Department has issued an urgent security alert warning that the American Embassy in #Russia is monitoring potential terrorist attacks in Moscow over the coming days.
They have advised all U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings. Russia is currently classified at a level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory by the State Department.
According to the advisory statement: “The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”
https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/03/07/us-state-department-issues-terrorism-alert-in-moscow/
https://ru.usembassy.gov/security-alert-avoid-large-gatherings-over-the-next-48-hours/
The United States State Department has issued an urgent security alert warning that the American Embassy in #Russia is monitoring potential terrorist attacks in Moscow over the coming days.
They have advised all U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings. Russia is currently classified at a level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory by the State Department.
According to the advisory statement: “The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”
https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/03/07/us-state-department-issues-terrorism-alert-in-moscow/
https://ru.usembassy.gov/security-alert-avoid-large-gatherings-over-the-next-48-hours/
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia
Security Alert: Avoid Large Gatherings over the Next 48 Hours
Location: Moscow, Russia The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts,
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🇺🇸 🇵🇸 #UnitedStates to Construct Aid Port in #Gaza:
US officials have stated that US President Joe Biden will be announcing the construction of an aid port on the Gazan coastline of #Palestine in order to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the strip by sea. The announcement is to come during the State of the Union address today, March 7th.
The announcement comes after a series of airdrops of aid carried out by the US, #France, #Jordan, and #Egypt over Gaza over the last week, following increased reports of famine throughout Gaza, particularly in the north, where the #UNRWA has halted aid deliveries due to the untenable security situation, as well as a lack of supplies.
Notably, the US is moving ahead with the plan to build the port without waiting for any sort of Israeli approval of the plan. They did specify that no US military personnel would be deployed to Gaza, leaving it unclear at this moment who will be in charge of facilitating the delivery of aid through the port. It is the US’ hope that the operation will move from a military operation to a commercial operation.
“We're not waiting on the Israeli's. This is a moment for U.S leadershp.” -U.S. Officials Statement
Although they are moving ahead regardless of Israeli approval, the US has stated they will coordinate with Israel on security issues for the port. The port is estimated to bring in “hundreds of additional truckloads” of aid per day into Gaza. Regarding aid delivery, the US stated they would coordinate with the UN and other aid groups which “understand the distribution of assistance within Gaza.”
There has been no established timeline for when the port will finish construction and be operational, with the US stating the full plan would “take a number of weeks to plan and execute.”
Aid entering Gaza in February was half of that in January, representing a dire situation for humanitarian operations that were already hanging on by a thread.
Full article: https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/03/07/u-s-to-construct-aid-port-in-gaza/
US officials have stated that US President Joe Biden will be announcing the construction of an aid port on the Gazan coastline of #Palestine in order to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the strip by sea. The announcement is to come during the State of the Union address today, March 7th.
The announcement comes after a series of airdrops of aid carried out by the US, #France, #Jordan, and #Egypt over Gaza over the last week, following increased reports of famine throughout Gaza, particularly in the north, where the #UNRWA has halted aid deliveries due to the untenable security situation, as well as a lack of supplies.
Notably, the US is moving ahead with the plan to build the port without waiting for any sort of Israeli approval of the plan. They did specify that no US military personnel would be deployed to Gaza, leaving it unclear at this moment who will be in charge of facilitating the delivery of aid through the port. It is the US’ hope that the operation will move from a military operation to a commercial operation.
“We're not waiting on the Israeli's. This is a moment for U.S leadershp.” -U.S. Officials Statement
Although they are moving ahead regardless of Israeli approval, the US has stated they will coordinate with Israel on security issues for the port. The port is estimated to bring in “hundreds of additional truckloads” of aid per day into Gaza. Regarding aid delivery, the US stated they would coordinate with the UN and other aid groups which “understand the distribution of assistance within Gaza.”
There has been no established timeline for when the port will finish construction and be operational, with the US stating the full plan would “take a number of weeks to plan and execute.”
Aid entering Gaza in February was half of that in January, representing a dire situation for humanitarian operations that were already hanging on by a thread.
Full article: https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/03/07/u-s-to-construct-aid-port-in-gaza/
🇺🇸 🇾🇪 The #UnitedStates Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that strikes last night targeting #Houthi positions destroyed an unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) and 18 anti-ship ballistic missiles in western #Yemen.
These strikes followed an attack attempt against the Liberian-flagged, Singapore-owned container vessel M/V Pinocchio in the Red Sea just hours prior.
As with most CENTCOM statement on strikes, it stated that the missile sites “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region” and that “these actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.” Via theatlasnews.co
These strikes followed an attack attempt against the Liberian-flagged, Singapore-owned container vessel M/V Pinocchio in the Red Sea just hours prior.
As with most CENTCOM statement on strikes, it stated that the missile sites “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region” and that “these actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.” Via theatlasnews.co
🇺🇦 🇷🇺 🇺🇸 Abram Tank Losses in #Ukraine:
Documentation of #UnitedStates-supplied M1A1 Abrams MBT losses to #Russian attacks while operated by #Ukrainian forces, all of which are centralized around the village of Berdychi, which is along the #Avdiivka front:
1. February 26: Explosive drone attack (48.1925, 37.6589)
2. March 3: Mine, finished off by explosive drone (48.1912, 37.6541)
3. March 5: ATGM strikes (48.1958, 37.6620)
4. March 10: ATGM strikes (No geo yet)
Notably as well losses of the rare M1150 ABV, which is based on the M1 chassis and used for mine clearing operations:
1. February 22: Unknown (48.1927, 27.6740)
2. March 3: Unknown (48.1925, 37.6563)
The United States supplied a total of 31 Abrams to Ukraine. The number of M1150s delivered is a bit unclear as it was never specified in aid packages.
Geo locations via giK1893 and lost_warinua on X, creamy_caprice on TG. Via theatlasnews.co
Documentation of #UnitedStates-supplied M1A1 Abrams MBT losses to #Russian attacks while operated by #Ukrainian forces, all of which are centralized around the village of Berdychi, which is along the #Avdiivka front:
1. February 26: Explosive drone attack (48.1925, 37.6589)
2. March 3: Mine, finished off by explosive drone (48.1912, 37.6541)
3. March 5: ATGM strikes (48.1958, 37.6620)
4. March 10: ATGM strikes (No geo yet)
Notably as well losses of the rare M1150 ABV, which is based on the M1 chassis and used for mine clearing operations:
1. February 22: Unknown (48.1927, 27.6740)
2. March 3: Unknown (48.1925, 37.6563)
The United States supplied a total of 31 Abrams to Ukraine. The number of M1150s delivered is a bit unclear as it was never specified in aid packages.
Geo locations via giK1893 and lost_warinua on X, creamy_caprice on TG. Via theatlasnews.co
🇳🇪 🇺🇸 🇷🇺 #Niger Cuts Military Ties with #UnitedStates:
On Saturday, Niger’s military junta announced it would immediately sever military cooperation with the UnitedStates and ordered the removal of #American forces stationed in the country for counter-terrorism operations, signaling another shift away from western powers as the junta seeks greater support from #Russia.
A Nigerien military spokesman, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, announced during a press conference on March 17th his country’s intention to cut military ties with the United States with ‘immediate effect.’ In a televised address, Abdramane stated that the U.S. delegation failed to follow diplomatic protocol and did not inform the Nigerien government of its agenda: “The Nigerien government, taking into account the aspirations and interests of its people, decides in any case to denounce with immediate effect the agreement relating to the status of U.S. military personnel and civilian employees of the US Department of Defense on the territory of the Republic of Niger. A diplomatic correspondence will be addressed to the US party to this effect.” “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people,” said Abdramane.
The announcement comes just days after AFRICOM Commander Michael Langley and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Junta leadership.
Despite the decision, AFRICOM confirmed to Stars and Stripes that American forces are still in country, largely located at the Air Base 201 near Agadez, which has been a hub for counter-terrorism drone operations in the Sahel, which has been a growing hotbed for jihadism in recent years.
Following a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, which deposed Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, the U.S. military, which previously had around 1,100 personnel in the country, reduced its force to an estimated 648. These remaining forces were concentrated Airbase 201, which cost around $100 million to build, although operations were significantly reduced after Tchiani took power. Both MQ-9 Reaper armed drones and C-17 Globemaster III transport planes operate out of the airbase.
Since taking power during a coup in July 2023, the junta has ended military cooperation with #France as junta officials continue to meet with Russia for greater military and economic cooperation. Via theatlasnews.co
On Saturday, Niger’s military junta announced it would immediately sever military cooperation with the UnitedStates and ordered the removal of #American forces stationed in the country for counter-terrorism operations, signaling another shift away from western powers as the junta seeks greater support from #Russia.
A Nigerien military spokesman, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, announced during a press conference on March 17th his country’s intention to cut military ties with the United States with ‘immediate effect.’ In a televised address, Abdramane stated that the U.S. delegation failed to follow diplomatic protocol and did not inform the Nigerien government of its agenda: “The Nigerien government, taking into account the aspirations and interests of its people, decides in any case to denounce with immediate effect the agreement relating to the status of U.S. military personnel and civilian employees of the US Department of Defense on the territory of the Republic of Niger. A diplomatic correspondence will be addressed to the US party to this effect.” “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people,” said Abdramane.
The announcement comes just days after AFRICOM Commander Michael Langley and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Junta leadership.
Despite the decision, AFRICOM confirmed to Stars and Stripes that American forces are still in country, largely located at the Air Base 201 near Agadez, which has been a hub for counter-terrorism drone operations in the Sahel, which has been a growing hotbed for jihadism in recent years.
Following a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, which deposed Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, the U.S. military, which previously had around 1,100 personnel in the country, reduced its force to an estimated 648. These remaining forces were concentrated Airbase 201, which cost around $100 million to build, although operations were significantly reduced after Tchiani took power. Both MQ-9 Reaper armed drones and C-17 Globemaster III transport planes operate out of the airbase.
Since taking power during a coup in July 2023, the junta has ended military cooperation with #France as junta officials continue to meet with Russia for greater military and economic cooperation. Via theatlasnews.co
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🇮🇷 🇺🇸 Continued Threat of Iranian Retaliation Against Homeland Over Soleimani Killing, FBI Warns: https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/03/20/continued-threat-of-iranian-retaliatory-against-homeland-over-soleimani-killing-fbi-warns/
While speaking to the House Committee on Homeland Security, the assistant director for the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Robert Wells, warned that “#Iran continues to plot attacks against former government officials in retaliation for the death of IRGC-QF Commander Qassem Soleimani,” adding that Iran has the capability to conduct cyber attacks and targeted assassinations inside the #UnitedStates.
Back in January 2022, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed “revenge” if former President Donald Trump was not criminally tried in court over the assassination of Soleimani.
While speaking during during commemorations on the two year anniversary of Soelimani’s death, Raisi stated “If Trump and [former Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo are not tried in a fair court for the criminal act of assassinating General Soleimani, Muslims will take our martyr’s revenge,” adding “The aggressor, murderer and main culprit – the then president of the United States – must be tried and judged under the law of retribution, and God’s ruling must be carried out against him.”
This was followed by the release of an animated video threatening to drone strike Trump at Mar-A-Lago, stating “revenge is definite.”
The National Counterterrorism Center reported at the time that “Since January 2021, Tehran has publicly expressed a willingness to conduct lethal operations inside the United States and has consistently identified former President Donald Trump, former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, and former CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth McKenzie as among its priority targets for retribution.”
“Iran would probably view the killing or prosecution of a US official it considers equivalent in rank and stature to Soleimani or responsible for his death as successful retaliatory actions,” the report added. – Atlas News
While speaking to the House Committee on Homeland Security, the assistant director for the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Robert Wells, warned that “#Iran continues to plot attacks against former government officials in retaliation for the death of IRGC-QF Commander Qassem Soleimani,” adding that Iran has the capability to conduct cyber attacks and targeted assassinations inside the #UnitedStates.
Back in January 2022, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed “revenge” if former President Donald Trump was not criminally tried in court over the assassination of Soleimani.
While speaking during during commemorations on the two year anniversary of Soelimani’s death, Raisi stated “If Trump and [former Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo are not tried in a fair court for the criminal act of assassinating General Soleimani, Muslims will take our martyr’s revenge,” adding “The aggressor, murderer and main culprit – the then president of the United States – must be tried and judged under the law of retribution, and God’s ruling must be carried out against him.”
This was followed by the release of an animated video threatening to drone strike Trump at Mar-A-Lago, stating “revenge is definite.”
The National Counterterrorism Center reported at the time that “Since January 2021, Tehran has publicly expressed a willingness to conduct lethal operations inside the United States and has consistently identified former President Donald Trump, former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, and former CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth McKenzie as among its priority targets for retribution.”
“Iran would probably view the killing or prosecution of a US official it considers equivalent in rank and stature to Soleimani or responsible for his death as successful retaliatory actions,” the report added. – Atlas News
🇺🇸🇯🇵🇵🇭🇨🇳 #UnitedStates, #Japan, #Philippines to Engage in Joint South #China Sea Naval Patrols: https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/03/30/u-s-japan-philippines-to-engage-in-joint-south-china-sea-naval-patrols/
Atlas News
🇮🇷 🇸🇾 🇮🇱 #BREAKING Three #IRGC Generals Killed in #Damascus Air Strike: #Iran state media have confirmed that the following IRGC officials were killed in the suspected #Israeli airstrike that targeted a diplomatic annex next to the Iranian Embassy in Damascus…
SITREP: Damascus Airstrike
IRGC commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi, one of the most senior leaders in the Quds Force, was killed today during an Israeli airstrike in #Damascus, #Syria, that targeted a consular annex directly next to the Iranian embassy, along with two other generals and other unidentified casualties.
Zahedi’s death comes as one of the most significant assassinations against the IRGC since the killing of Qassam Soleimani in 2020 by the #UnitedStates and marks a major escalation in tensions between #Israel and #Iran.
Iran has vowed a “harsh” response against Israel, which remains to be seen.
Two likely response measures are expected, however, such as Iranian missile strikes against Iraqi #Kurdistan or increased attacks against #American forces in the region by Iran-backed militia forces.
Iran has previously launched missiles against what it claims are “Israeli spy centers” in #Erbil in response to Israeli airstrikes targeting IRGC leadership. Kurdish officials have denied that Israeli intelligence operates in the city.
Likewise, Iran-backed militia forces have historically increased attacks against American forces in the region in response to Israeli military activity in Syria. Via theatlasnews.co
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Iranian Ambassador Hossein Akbari condemned Israel and said as many as seven people were killed, but first responders were still searching for any other bodies under the rubble. He said two police officers who guard the building were wounded.
Akbari vowed revenge for the strike “at the same magnitude and harshness.”
In comments to the media after meeting Akbari, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said “several” people were killed. Mekdad in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, condemned Israel over the attack.
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.
IRGC commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi, one of the most senior leaders in the Quds Force, was killed today during an Israeli airstrike in #Damascus, #Syria, that targeted a consular annex directly next to the Iranian embassy, along with two other generals and other unidentified casualties.
Zahedi’s death comes as one of the most significant assassinations against the IRGC since the killing of Qassam Soleimani in 2020 by the #UnitedStates and marks a major escalation in tensions between #Israel and #Iran.
Iran has vowed a “harsh” response against Israel, which remains to be seen.
Two likely response measures are expected, however, such as Iranian missile strikes against Iraqi #Kurdistan or increased attacks against #American forces in the region by Iran-backed militia forces.
Iran has previously launched missiles against what it claims are “Israeli spy centers” in #Erbil in response to Israeli airstrikes targeting IRGC leadership. Kurdish officials have denied that Israeli intelligence operates in the city.
Likewise, Iran-backed militia forces have historically increased attacks against American forces in the region in response to Israeli military activity in Syria. Via theatlasnews.co
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Iranian Ambassador Hossein Akbari condemned Israel and said as many as seven people were killed, but first responders were still searching for any other bodies under the rubble. He said two police officers who guard the building were wounded.
Akbari vowed revenge for the strike “at the same magnitude and harshness.”
In comments to the media after meeting Akbari, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said “several” people were killed. Mekdad in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, condemned Israel over the attack.
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.
🇸🇾 🇺🇸 Reports of Drone Attack Against #UnitedStates Al-Tanf Garrison in #Syria: https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/04/01/reports-of-drone-attack-against-al-tanf-garrison-in-syria/
Atlas News
🇸🇾 🇺🇸 Reports of Drone Attack Against #UnitedStates Al-Tanf Garrison in #Syria: https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/04/01/reports-of-drone-attack-against-al-tanf-garrison-in-syria/
🇺🇸🇮🇷🇸🇾 #UnitedStates officials have confirmed to Politico that #American forces intercepted an explosive drone targeting the al-Tanf base in #Syria earlier today, marking the first attack by #Iran-backed Shia militias against American forces in the region since February 4.
From October 2023 to February 2024, Katai'b Hezbolloh and elements of the Islamic Resistance carried out over 150 rocket and drone attacks against American forces in #Iraq and Syria, including the deadly drone strikes on the T-22 outpost in #Jordan on January 28, which left three American soldiers dead, and on al-Omar oilfield in Syria on February 4, which left seven #Kurdish fighters dead.
The timing of the attack comes just hours after seven IRGC officers, including key Quds Force leadership, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in #Damascus targeting a consular annex next to the Iranian Embassy.
As Atlas had assessed earlier, Iran-backed militia elements would likely resume attacks against American forces following the strike, as Iranian proxy forces have historically increased attacks against American forces in retaliation for Israeli military activity against Iran. Via theatlasnews.co
From October 2023 to February 2024, Katai'b Hezbolloh and elements of the Islamic Resistance carried out over 150 rocket and drone attacks against American forces in #Iraq and Syria, including the deadly drone strikes on the T-22 outpost in #Jordan on January 28, which left three American soldiers dead, and on al-Omar oilfield in Syria on February 4, which left seven #Kurdish fighters dead.
The timing of the attack comes just hours after seven IRGC officers, including key Quds Force leadership, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in #Damascus targeting a consular annex next to the Iranian Embassy.
As Atlas had assessed earlier, Iran-backed militia elements would likely resume attacks against American forces following the strike, as Iranian proxy forces have historically increased attacks against American forces in retaliation for Israeli military activity against Iran. Via theatlasnews.co
🇮🇷🇮🇱🇺🇸 #Iran Has Asked the #UnitedStates to “Step Aside”, Attack on #Israel Expected Soon:
On April 6, the President of Iran’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs, Mohammad Jamshidi, wrote on X that Iran had delivered a message to the #American government that asked them to “step aside” and that had “warned the U.S. not to get dragged into Netanyahu’s trap”, according to Bloomberg.
According to Jamshidi, the U.S. responded by asking Iran to “not hit American targets”. When asked about Jamshidi’s post, a spokesperson for the State Department told CNN, “We responded by warning Iran not to use this as a pretext to attack US personnel and facilities. We did not ‘ask.’”
A senior administration official described the US’ warning to Iran as: “Don’t think about coming after us.”
The Iranian government pledged to punish Israel for the recent killing of seven senior officers of the Islamic Republican Guard Corps at the Iranian consulate in Syria.
According to a senior U.S. government official, the U.S. is on high alert and is actively preparing for a “significant” attack that could come as soon as “within a week”, as reported by CNN. Via theatlasnews.co
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Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a rally in Tehran on April 5, 2024, marking Quds Day and the funeral of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who were killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Photo by Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via Reuters
On April 6, the President of Iran’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs, Mohammad Jamshidi, wrote on X that Iran had delivered a message to the #American government that asked them to “step aside” and that had “warned the U.S. not to get dragged into Netanyahu’s trap”, according to Bloomberg.
According to Jamshidi, the U.S. responded by asking Iran to “not hit American targets”. When asked about Jamshidi’s post, a spokesperson for the State Department told CNN, “We responded by warning Iran not to use this as a pretext to attack US personnel and facilities. We did not ‘ask.’”
A senior administration official described the US’ warning to Iran as: “Don’t think about coming after us.”
The Iranian government pledged to punish Israel for the recent killing of seven senior officers of the Islamic Republican Guard Corps at the Iranian consulate in Syria.
According to a senior U.S. government official, the U.S. is on high alert and is actively preparing for a “significant” attack that could come as soon as “within a week”, as reported by CNN. Via theatlasnews.co
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Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a rally in Tehran on April 5, 2024, marking Quds Day and the funeral of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who were killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Photo by Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via Reuters
🇰🇷🇺🇸 #SouthKorea Launched 2nd Spy Satellite From #UnitedStates:
South Korea launched their second domestically built military spy satellite from a SpaceX 9 rocket taking off from the JFK Space Center in Florida on April 7th.
The rocket took off at 7:17 p.m. local time, with the first and second sections separating around 2 minutes and 18 seconds after launch.
This is the second satellite launched this year as South Korea plans to build five total by 2025, to monitor North Korea.
The satellite is equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) which can capture images regardless of weather. All five will be equipped with SAR.
Additional electro-optical and infrared sensors can take detailed images of the Earth.
When all five satellites are launched and active, they will be able to provide continuous coverage at two-hour intervals. https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/04/08/south-korea-launched-2nd-spy-satellite-from-u-s/
South Korea launched their second domestically built military spy satellite from a SpaceX 9 rocket taking off from the JFK Space Center in Florida on April 7th.
The rocket took off at 7:17 p.m. local time, with the first and second sections separating around 2 minutes and 18 seconds after launch.
This is the second satellite launched this year as South Korea plans to build five total by 2025, to monitor North Korea.
The satellite is equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) which can capture images regardless of weather. All five will be equipped with SAR.
Additional electro-optical and infrared sensors can take detailed images of the Earth.
When all five satellites are launched and active, they will be able to provide continuous coverage at two-hour intervals. https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2024/04/08/south-korea-launched-2nd-spy-satellite-from-u-s/
🇵🇱 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 🇩🇪 🇺🇸 #NEW According to the #Polish government, a Polish citizen has been arrested for providing intelligence to the #Russian government on #Ukrainian and foreign activity near the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in Eastern Poland. This airport is near the Polish-Ukrainian border and has been an influx point for Western aid entering Western Ukraine.
The purpose of collecting this intelligence was, according to the suspect’s testimony, to assassinate President #Zelensky during a visit to #Poland. The announcement from the Polish National Public Prosecutor’s Office reads below:
“According to the findings of the investigation, the suspect Pavel K. declared his readiness to act for the benefit of the military intelligence of the Russian Federation and established contacts with citizens of the Russian Federation directly involved in the war in Ukraine. One of his tasks was to collect and provide the military intelligence of the Russian Federation with information on the security of the Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport. This was supposed to help Russian special services plan a possible attempt on the life of the head of a foreign state, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.”
This revelation comes the same day as several Russian agents were arrested in #Germany after plotting to sabotage #UnitedStates military infrastructure in that country.
This is the first arrest of an individual working accused with Russian security services of actively planning to assassinate the Ukrainian head of state, albeit rumors have persisted that the GRU and FSB have been looking for opportunities. Via theatlasnews.co
The purpose of collecting this intelligence was, according to the suspect’s testimony, to assassinate President #Zelensky during a visit to #Poland. The announcement from the Polish National Public Prosecutor’s Office reads below:
“According to the findings of the investigation, the suspect Pavel K. declared his readiness to act for the benefit of the military intelligence of the Russian Federation and established contacts with citizens of the Russian Federation directly involved in the war in Ukraine. One of his tasks was to collect and provide the military intelligence of the Russian Federation with information on the security of the Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport. This was supposed to help Russian special services plan a possible attempt on the life of the head of a foreign state, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.”
This revelation comes the same day as several Russian agents were arrested in #Germany after plotting to sabotage #UnitedStates military infrastructure in that country.
This is the first arrest of an individual working accused with Russian security services of actively planning to assassinate the Ukrainian head of state, albeit rumors have persisted that the GRU and FSB have been looking for opportunities. Via theatlasnews.co
🇹🇩 🇺🇸 #Chad Military Orders #UnitedStates Troops Off of Key Air Force Base: https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/04/19/chadian-military-orders-u-s-troops-off-of-key-air-force-base/
theatlasnews.co
Chadian Military Orders U.S. Troops Off of Key Air Force Base | Atlas News
🇺🇸🇵🇸🇬🇧 #UnitedStates Begins Construction of #Gaza Pier, #Palestine, American Troops to Live on RFA Cardigan Bay: https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/04/26/u-s-begins-construction-of-gaza-pier-troops-to-live-on-rfa-cardigan-bay/
theatlasnews.co
U.S. Begins Construction of Gaza Pier, Troops to Live on RFA Cardigan Bay | Atlas News
🇮🇱 🇵🇸 #Israeli Invasion of #Rafah Imminent:
The #IDF has began dropping leaflets on eastern areas of Rafah, #Palestine, and published maps online ordering civilians within the area to evacuate. The map shows red zones within Rafah, and areas within Gaza that civilians are to evacuate to in order to escape an impending invasion.
Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, reportedly held an overnight phone conversation with the #UnitedStates Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, in which he stated that #Israel had “no choice” but to invade Rafah. The US has stated on multiple occasions that they are opposed to the invasion. US and Israeli officials have clashed on the issue on multiple occasions.
There is no definitive time that the invasion will begin, however Israeli strikes on areas in and around Rafah have been increasing lately, and with evacuations beginning, it is likely to be soon. Several weeks ago Netanyahu stated he had set a date for the invasion.
The Israeli ground invasion of Rafah has been on the horizon for many weeks now. While Israel has remained insistent that it is a necessity, many different nations, including many traditional Israeli allies, have condemned the prospect.
Rafah, which lies in the very south of Gaza, was previously established earlier in the war by Israel to be a safe zone. As such, it has become host to approximately 1.4 million people; over half of Gaza’s population.
Additionally, Rafah is a key basing ground for humanitarian operations in Gaza. It is situated on the Egypt/Gaza border, and is the primary entry point for trucks entering Gaza. It is further host to a number of UNRWA camps. The UNRWA, as well as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, have stated an Israeli operation in Rafah would be the “nail in the coffin” for humanitarian operations in Gaza, which were already severely harmed.
Israel has stated that the operation is necessary in order to destroy Hamas’ last remaining battalions. Netanyahu has claimed there are approximately four battalions left in Gaza, numbering thousands of militants. Furthermore, Israel believes many of the remaining approximately 130 hostages (of which, over 30 are believed to have died) are being held within Rafah.
The operation has been controversial due to the extremely high civilian presence within Gaza, as well as the effect an operation is sure to have upon humanitarian operations. The US, among others, have claimed that the operation would be too costly in civilian lives.
It is unclear how effective evacuations will be in getting civilians out of harms way. Previously, in other evacuations, some civilians chose not to evacuate due to attacks and bombings ongoing on supposed evacuation routes, as well as within ‘safe zones’.
The invasion also notably comes after Israel refused to send a delegation to ongoing hostage/ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, Egypt. Israel had initially refused to send a delegation until Hamas gave an answer concerning a temporary ceasefire proposal they had made.
A Hamas official reportedly stated that they were “close” to reaching a hostage deal, however the evacuation, and impending invasion, would cause hostage deal negotiations to cease.
It is unlikely that the two were close to securing a deal, however. Israel and Hamas have presented a series of absolutes in their negotiations, absolutes which the other side has determined unacceptable.
Most prominently, Hamas is seeking a permanent ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, is seeking only a temporary ceasefire, after which they will continue the war in order to “destroy Hamas.”
Negotiations have been ongoing for many weeks, without any meaningful ground being made.
At least 34,735 Palestinians have been killed and 78,108 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza, the enclave's health ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Via theatlasnews.co
The #IDF has began dropping leaflets on eastern areas of Rafah, #Palestine, and published maps online ordering civilians within the area to evacuate. The map shows red zones within Rafah, and areas within Gaza that civilians are to evacuate to in order to escape an impending invasion.
Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, reportedly held an overnight phone conversation with the #UnitedStates Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, in which he stated that #Israel had “no choice” but to invade Rafah. The US has stated on multiple occasions that they are opposed to the invasion. US and Israeli officials have clashed on the issue on multiple occasions.
There is no definitive time that the invasion will begin, however Israeli strikes on areas in and around Rafah have been increasing lately, and with evacuations beginning, it is likely to be soon. Several weeks ago Netanyahu stated he had set a date for the invasion.
The Israeli ground invasion of Rafah has been on the horizon for many weeks now. While Israel has remained insistent that it is a necessity, many different nations, including many traditional Israeli allies, have condemned the prospect.
Rafah, which lies in the very south of Gaza, was previously established earlier in the war by Israel to be a safe zone. As such, it has become host to approximately 1.4 million people; over half of Gaza’s population.
Additionally, Rafah is a key basing ground for humanitarian operations in Gaza. It is situated on the Egypt/Gaza border, and is the primary entry point for trucks entering Gaza. It is further host to a number of UNRWA camps. The UNRWA, as well as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, have stated an Israeli operation in Rafah would be the “nail in the coffin” for humanitarian operations in Gaza, which were already severely harmed.
Israel has stated that the operation is necessary in order to destroy Hamas’ last remaining battalions. Netanyahu has claimed there are approximately four battalions left in Gaza, numbering thousands of militants. Furthermore, Israel believes many of the remaining approximately 130 hostages (of which, over 30 are believed to have died) are being held within Rafah.
The operation has been controversial due to the extremely high civilian presence within Gaza, as well as the effect an operation is sure to have upon humanitarian operations. The US, among others, have claimed that the operation would be too costly in civilian lives.
It is unclear how effective evacuations will be in getting civilians out of harms way. Previously, in other evacuations, some civilians chose not to evacuate due to attacks and bombings ongoing on supposed evacuation routes, as well as within ‘safe zones’.
The invasion also notably comes after Israel refused to send a delegation to ongoing hostage/ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, Egypt. Israel had initially refused to send a delegation until Hamas gave an answer concerning a temporary ceasefire proposal they had made.
A Hamas official reportedly stated that they were “close” to reaching a hostage deal, however the evacuation, and impending invasion, would cause hostage deal negotiations to cease.
It is unlikely that the two were close to securing a deal, however. Israel and Hamas have presented a series of absolutes in their negotiations, absolutes which the other side has determined unacceptable.
Most prominently, Hamas is seeking a permanent ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, is seeking only a temporary ceasefire, after which they will continue the war in order to “destroy Hamas.”
Negotiations have been ongoing for many weeks, without any meaningful ground being made.
At least 34,735 Palestinians have been killed and 78,108 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza, the enclave's health ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Via theatlasnews.co