HEZBOLLAH LEADERS DYING AS FAST AS THEY’RE APPOINTED – The last 3 Hezbollah leaders have all been eliminated by precision military strikes conducted by Israeli Defense Forces, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is letting the world to know that trend will continue as long as Hezbollah exists. Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Massacre that set off the current war, Netanyahu vowed to continue the war until Hezbollah and Hamas are completely destroyed.
Hezbollah Heir Apparent Safieddine Likely Eliminated in IDF Airstrike, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant Says– legalinsurrection.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s likely successor, Hashem Safieddine, may have been killed in a recent Israeli airstrike.
Defence Minister Gallant told senior Israeli military officials that the Iran-backed terrorist group has been rendered “headless” after the elimination of its long-time chief, Nasrallah, and his likely successor, Safieddine, the Israeli media reported Tuesday.
Safieddine, a long-time Hezbollah operative, and Nasrallah’s cousin was targeted in an Israeli airstrike on a terrorist stronghold in southern Beirut. The mainstream media widely regarded the 60-year-old terrorist as a ‘potential successor’ to Hezbollah chief Nasrallah after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike nearly ten days ago.
Netanyahu Vows Victory Against Hamas, Hezbollah on Anniversary of Oct. 7 – RedState– redstate.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the nation would be victorious in the war against its enemies in remarks made just before the one-year anniversary of the start of the war in Gaza against Hamas.
On October 7, 2023, the terrorist group launched a surprise attack on Israel, murdering scores of Israeli civilians. Since then, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been engaged in a military effort to eradicate the terrorist group.
Recently, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist group based in Lebanon, became a larger player in the war after Israel launched an attack to prevent a planned October 7-style assault.
While addressing IDF troops, Netanyahu vowed that Israel “will win” its war against Hamas and Hezbollah. “A year ago, we suffered a terrible blow. Over the past 12 months, we have completely transformed reality,” Netanyahu told troops, according to his office.
The prime minister said the “whole world admires the blows you are delivering to our enemies, and I salute you.”
Russia’s ‘Merchant of Death,’ Released by Biden in Prisoner Exchange, Now Selling Arms to Houthi Terrorists– freebeacon.com Source Link Excerpt:
Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer released by the Biden administration nearly two years ago in exchange for U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, is now selling weapons to Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death,” met with Houthi representatives in Moscow in August under the guise of purchasing pesticides and vehicles to negotiate a $10 million deal for automatic weapons, the Wall Street Journalreported. The Houthis, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, have repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks against Israel and terrorized Israeli commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The Biden administration faced intense scrutiny in December 2022 after agreeing to swap Bout for Griner, a WNBA star who had been arrested in Russia on drug charges. Critics say that the deal favored Moscow by releasing a high-value prisoner while failing to secure the release of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine detained in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges.
Israeli military deploys fourth division in Lebanon ground offensive | Lebanon– www.theguardian.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israel has said it is expanding its ground operation in Lebanon with the deployment of a fourth division after another night of intense airstrikes across the south and east of the country.
The reservist 146th division was sent to southern Lebanon overnight, hours after Israel announced the mobilisation of a third standing division, meaning the number of troops on the ground is now likely to number 15,000.
Launching what it has called Operation Northern Arrows last week, the Israeli army said the ground offensive would involve “limited, localised and targeted raids” to remove Hezbollah infrastructure along the disputed de facto border between the two countries, known as the blue line.
‘My Jake died here…it breaks my heart into a million pieces,’ says mum of victim at vigil a year on from Hamas massacre– www.thesun.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
A BRITISH couple poured out their heartbreak — and fury — as they joined families of October 7 victims at a remembrance vigil in Israel yesterday.
Michael and Lisa Marlowe were the only Britons among victims’ relatives at a gathering marking the first anniversary of the Hamashorror.
Mum Lisa fought back tears as she recalled her 26-year-old son Jake — a happy-go-lucky boy “living his best life” who had everything to look forward to.
“But I had to come here because this is the place where I feel closest to him now — it’s become sacred to me.
Israel considering exiling Hamas leaders in Gaza as part of ceasefire deal– www.mirror.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli officials are considering exiling Gaza’s Hamas leaders including the shadowy boss Yahya Sinwar – and having them sent to Sudan.
The Sudan option, if done with Sinwar’s consent, would be part of a ceasefire deal involving the release of hostages still in the Palestinian Strip. If the swap-for-exile agreement is struck it may mean some of Hamas’ assets frozen in Sudan by its government could be unfrozen, although it is not known where they would go.
Massive Explosions Rock Beirut and Southern Lebanon as Israel Steps Up Bombing Campaign – democracynow.org Source Link Excerpt:
Dozens of massive explosions rocked the Lebanese capital overnight Sunday, marking Israel’s heaviest bombardment on Beirut and the city’s southern suburbs since Israel widened its war on Lebanon two weeks ago. Earlier today, Israeli warplanes bombed a fire station in the town of Baraachit, killing at least eight people. Hezbollah fired rockets at the Israeli port city of Haifa, wounding at least 10 people. Israeli’s assault has now displaced 1.2 million people in Lebanon. After headlines, we’ll go to Beirut for the latest.
October 4, 2024
As the War in Gaza becomes the Middle East war with Israel now invading Lebanon and declaring war on Iran after being hit by ballistic missiles from Iran, the U.S. is announcing plans to send 1,000 or more additional U.S. troops to the region, bringing the total number in the region to as much as 43,000.
As the U.S. announced its plans, Iran launched more than 200 ballistic missiles into Israel, with President Biden responding by saying“I’m more aware than you might know (of the missile attacks), and I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a cease-fire now.”
The US is sending a few thousand more troops to the Middle East to boost security – Baltimore Sun Source Link Excerpt:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is sending a “few thousand” troops to the Middle East to bolster security and to defend Israel if necessary, the Pentagon said Monday. The announcement follows word that Israel has already launched limited raids across the border into Lebanon.
The additional forces would raise the total number of troops in the region to as many as 43,000.
The increased presence will involve multiple fighter jet and attack aircraft squadrons, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters. U.S. officials said the total includes small numbers of other troops to augment the presence as well.
U.S. condemns Iran attack on Israel, says there will be consequences– www.cbsnews.com Source Link Excerpt:
The U.S. vows severe consequences for Iran over its attack on Israel, but what those are remain unclear. President Biden has pushed for a cease-fire in Lebanon to avoid a wider war, but he also stressed the U.S. is fully supportive of Israel.
LEBANON
Israel attacks heart of Beirut as Hezbollah pushes back in southern Lebanon | Israel attacks Lebanon News– www.aljazeera.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israel’s military has killed at least six people in an air attack on central Beirut after suffering losses in fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The attack on Lebanon’s capital occurred overnight, hitting an apartment building in the residential district of Bashoura, not far from the parliament. Lebanese health officials said a further seven people were wounded.
The attack is the second one on the Lebanese capital this week, with Hezbollah-aligned al-Manar TV station saying the apartment building was linked to the armed group’s health unit.
Reporting from the scene, Al Jazeera’s Laura Khan said the sound of the explosion “reverberated around the buildings and shocked everyone nearby”.
Meanwhile, missiles also hit Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh, a densely packed residential area that is also a Hezbollah stronghold and where the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed last week.
Israeli military says regular infantry, armored units joining limited ground operation in southern Lebanon– www.foxnews.com Source Link Excerpt:
The Israeli military announced Wednesday that regular infantry and armored units were joining what it described as its limited and localized ground operations in southern Lebanon.
This comes after Israel said Tuesday that commando and paratroop units had crossed the border in a ground operation in Lebanon, according to Reuters.
The military said that special forces units had been conducting ground raids against Hezbollah terror targets across the border for months in which tunnels and weapons were found under homes.
The Israeli military said regular infantry and armored units were joining what it has called its limited and localized ground operations in southern Lebanon. (IDF)
The infantry and armored troops from the 36th Division include the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade and the 6th Infantry Brigade.
As Israel’s decapitation strategy has Hezbollah reeling, Biden administration hopes to avert wider war– www.washingtonexaminer.com Source Link Excerpt:
HEZBOLLAH DEFANGED: Israel’s stunningly effective campaign to decapitate Hezbollah’s leadership with exploding devices and precision airstrikes has left the once fearsome terrorist group rudderless and seemingly in disarray.
The death of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s longtime leader, capped a week in which the group’s entire military chain of command was wiped out, along with several high-ranking Iranian commanders working with Hezbollah.
“Nasrallah … made the fateful decision to join hands with Hamas,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.”
Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who hopes to succeed him, expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself while warning of the risk of escalation.
“I have an unwavering commitment to the security of Israel. I will always support Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis,” Harris said in her statement.
US warns Iran as tensions rise over Israel-Hezbollah conflict – jpost Source Link Excerpt:
US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he would speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – at a time when the two men are at odds over Lebanon and amid a fear of an all-out war regional war.
”I’ll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him,” he told reporters but did not say when the conversation would take place. Asked whether the all-out war in the Middle East could be avoided, he replied: “It has to be. We really have to avoid it.”
Biden’s Latest Response to the Israeli Missile Strikes in Yemen Shows He’s Cooked– townhall.com Source Link Excerpt:
One thing that comes to mind is that if you’re a Democrat, you must be relieved that this man is no longer your 2024 nominee. President Joe Biden spoke to the press about the recent Israeli missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. It did not go well, with Biden seemingly thinking that the two parties were involved in a labor dispute.
“They gotta settle the strike. I’m supporting the collective bargaining effort,” he said.
Holy smokes Biden thought Israeli missile strikes in Yemen were WORKER STRIKES.
“They gotta settle the strike. I’m supporting the collective bargaining effort.”
Kamala worked to cover this decline up for the past 4 years. Never forget that.pic.twitter.com/GjWKj48qyv
IDF meets little resistance in Lebanon after weeks of hitting Hezbollah hotspots, leaders– www.foxnews.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israel has been increasing its strikes for weeks against the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon, as well as with targeted strikes in Beirut.
On Tuesday, the IDF confirmed in a statement shared with Fox News Digital that since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel – after which Hezbollah began striking military posts along Israel’s northern border – the IDF has conducted dozens of “targeted operations” to “dismantle Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities” that pose a threat to civilians in the north.
Israeli Forces Enter Hezbollah’s Underground Tunnels Ahead of Likely Ground Assault– freebeacon.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli forces have been quietly conducting cross-border raids in southern Lebanon, entering Hezbollah’s sophisticated underground tunnel network to prepare for a likely ground assault on the terror group’s remaining strongholds.
The raids, first reported in the Wall Street Journal, are part of a broader effort to kneecap Hezbollah ahead of a ground assault teased by Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant on Monday. President Joe Biden responded with dismay, saying he would be “comfortable with [Israel] stopping.”
“The elimination of [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah is a very important step, but it is not the final one. We will employ all the capabilities at our disposal,” Gallant told “infantry and tank brigades” positioned near the Lebanese border. “We will use all the means that may be required—your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea and on land.”
Israeli special forces are said to be using the “targeted” raids to collect intelligence as they prepare for the full-blown assault, which would aim to destroy the Radwan Forces, Hezbollah’s own special forces unit, along Israel’s northern border.
Hezbollah’s tunnel system is key to moving militants and arms closer to Israeli territory. By dismantling these networks, Israel is setting the stage for its troops to clear out any remaining Hezbollah outposts that pose a threat to the Jewish state’s northern communities. Upward of 50,000 Israelis have been forced from their homes since Hezbollah began lobbing missiles and drones at towns along the northern border in the wake of Oct. 7.
“If you’re going to tell people it’s safe to come home, it better be safe to come home,” said Richard Goldberg, a former White House National Security Council member and regional analyst. “Getting rid of tunnel infrastructure, clearing out missile stockpiles and ensuring no one ever sees a Hezbollah flag from their window ever again is the only way to give people the confidence to return.”
Israel Begins Ground Operations Against Hezbollah in Lebanon– legalinsurrection.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli military on Monday night began ground operations against the terrorist group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. “Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday,” the Associated Press reported. “Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.”
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), current ground operations are limited to Hezbollah-held border areas of southern Lebanon. “In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” the Israeli military said early morning Tuesday.
After operating in Gaza, where the soldiers of the 98th division gained skills and operational experience, they moved north and are now conducting limited, localized, targeted operations that began last night.
IDF begins ground offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon– www.euronews.com Source Link Excerpt:
The Israeli military said it was carrying out “targeted ground raids” in villages close to the Israeli border.
Israeli raids force 100,000 to flee Lebanon for Syria | Israel-Lebanon attacks News– www.aljazeera.com Source Link Excerpt:
Some 100,000 people have fled to Syria from Lebanon in a bid to escape Israeli air raids, according to the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
“The number of people who have crossed into Syria from Lebanon fleeing Israeli airstrikes – Lebanese and Syrian nationals – has reached 100,000,” Filippo Grandi said on X on Monday. “The outflow continues,” he warned.
The number of displaced people crossing the border has more than doubled over the past two days, according to the UN official’s figures.
UNHCR was “present at four crossing points, alongside local authorities and (the Syrian Red Crescent) to support new arrivals,” Grandi added.
According to UNHCR, the mass displacement of people into war-torn Syria began a week ago, on September 23, as the focus of Israel’s air attacks widened from Gaza to include Lebanon, where it says it is targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group.
Israeli airstrike hits central Beirut for the first time in nearly a year of conflict– www.euronews.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli airstrikes flattened a multi-storey apartment complex in central Beirut, killing at least one and wounding dozens more.
The first apparent Israeli airstrike on central Beirut in nearly a year of conflict levelled an apartment building early on Monday.
The airstrike hit a multi-storey residential building, according to witnesses. Videos show ambulances and a crowd gathered near the building in a mainly Sunni district with a busy thoroughfare lined with shops.
‘Israeli intelligence likely spent years inserting agents into Hezbollah operations’– www.mirror.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
The Mirror’s Defence and Security Editor Chris Hughes shares his analysis of the latest events in the Middle East and says Israeli spies have exploited the mayhem of the Syrian civil war, which may have led to the degrading of the Hezbollah network’s security checks
Another high-ranking Hezbollah commander killed by Israeli airstrike as conflict escalates– www.cbsnews.com Source Link Excerpt:
The Israeli military said Sunday that it killed another high-ranking Hezbollah official in an airstrike as the terrorist group in Lebanon reels from a string of devastating blows and the killing of its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The Israel Defense Forces said it killed Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of Hezbollah’s Central County, in an airstrike on Saturday. Hezbollah confirmed his death, making him the seventh senior Hezbollah leader slain in Israeli strikes in a little over a week. They include founding members who had evaded death or detention for decades.
Kaouk was a veteran member of Hezbollah going back to the 1980s and served as Hezbollah’s military commander in southern Lebanon during the 2006 war with Israel. He often appeared in local media, where he would comment on politics and security developments, and he gave eulogies at the funerals of senior militants. The United States had announced sanctions against him in 2020.
Iranian officials visit Hezbollah office in Tehran to offer condolences over Nasrallah’s martyrdom Source Link Excerpt:
TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the world should recognize that the blood of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and his associates will fuel a strong resistance against tyranny and oppression.
During his visit to Hezbollah’s office in Tehran on Monday, Pezeshkian honored Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader who was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut on September 27, which utilized munitions supplied by the U.S.
Pezeshkian criticized the United States and its allies for their disregard for human rights, stating that those who claim to defend human dignity ironically label those fighting oppression as “terrorists.” He praised Nasrallah for dedicating his life to the liberation of the Palestinian people and assured that Iran would continue to support both the Palestinian and Lebanese causes.
In a cabinet meeting on Sunday, he emphasized the need for Tehran to respond decisively to the Israeli regime’s actions.
Additionally, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi paid a visit to Hezbollah’s office in Tehran and offered his condolences for the martyrdom of Nasrallah.
Risking escalation everyday American soldiers are on the ground in the middle of the Gaza and Lebanon War, the U.S. decided to double down on this risk in the wake of further escalations of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. The Defense Department announced plans to send dozens more soldiers to the region.
Major General Patrick S. Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said of the decision, “In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region.”
Pentagon to Send More U.S. Troops to Middle East as Tensions Rise – The New York Times Source Link Excerpt:
The Pentagon is sending additional U.S. troops to the Middle East as tensions continue to rise after Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah killed at least 350 people in Lebanon, Defense Department officials said on Monday.
The troops will number in the dozens, one official said, and will head to the region to help protect the thousands of Americans who are stationed there.
Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, declined to say exactly how many troops were deploying, citing operational security.
“In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region,” he said.
The U.S. government has announced plans to ban Chinese software companies from being used in American-sold cars. The move will not only affect China, but it will also affect American vehicle manufacturers like Ford. The government cited national security concerns for the reason behind the decision.
U.S. moves to ban Chinese software, hardware from all vehicles in America– globalnews.ca Source Link Excerpt:
The U.S. government is proposing a ban on key Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns, the White House announced Monday.
The move marks the latest crackdown on China’s automotive industry by the Biden administration and would effectively bar all Chinese cars from entering the U.S. market. It also raises questions about whether Canada will do the same, after matching America’s lead in slapping high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and weighing further restrictions.
The planned regulation by the U.S. Commerce Department, which still needs to be finalized, would also force American and other major automakers in the coming years to remove key Chinese software and hardware from vehicles in the U.S.
A fact sheet from the White House says the proposed rule targets technology and components imported from “countries of concern,” which also includes Russia.
EU’s recognition of González as winner in Venezuela vote historic, opposition leader tells Euronews– www.euronews.com Source Link Excerpt:
The European Parliament’s decision showed Europe is with us, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said in an exclusive interview…
On Thursday, the European Parliament voted in favour of a non-binding resolution stating that González, not Maduro, is the legitimate winner of the presidential election.
The partnerships with Russia, Cuba and Iran, as well as oil, gold and drug trafficking and human rights violations, have put Venezuela among countries antagonist to the interests of the West.
In an exclusive interview, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Maria Corina Machado, told Euronews why Venezuela is crucial for European interests and why the decision in Brussels matters so much to her and her compatriots.
Israel obliterates hundreds of targets in Lebanon after Hezbollah leader vowed revenge for pager blitz that left 37 dead– www.thesun.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
ISRAEL has bombed hundreds of targets just hours after Hezbollah’s leader vowed revenge for the sabotage attack that left 37 dead.
Israel and Hezbollah trade heavy fire as cross-border strikes escalate– www.cbsnews.com Source Link Excerpt:
Israel and Hezbollah continued to trade hundreds of strikes on Sunday as the sides appear to be spiraling toward an all-out war following months of escalating tensions.
The Iran-backed militant group launched more than 100 rockets across a wider and deeper area of northern Israel, with some landing near the city of Haifa. The barrage overnight set off air raid sirens across northern Israel, sending thousands of people scrambling into shelters.
Israel’s military said the rockets were fired “toward civilian areas,” pointing to a possible escalation after previous barrages had mainly been aimed at military targets.
Israel could face further weapon sanctions as war fears escalate, hints Foreign Secretary David Lammy– www.thesun.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hinted Israel could face further weapon sanctions as war fears escalated yesterday.
Labour has blocked some British arms shipments amid concerns over the bloodbath in Gaza, said to have claimed 40,000 Palestinian lives and violence against Arabs in Israel’s West Bank.
Mr Lammy said a full arms embargo on Israel would be a “mistake” – but left the door open to further curbs.
The Labour minister did not comment on the overnight barrage of 150 rockets fired by Hezbollah, but hit out at Israeli violence in the occupied territory.
Speaking at a Labour conference fringe meeting, Mr Lammy said: “I’m deeply, deeply worried by the growing violence and settler violence that we see in the West Bank.
“I’m in discussions with G7 partners, particular European partners on that.
Israel launches ‘Third Lebanon War’ as IDF warplanes pound Hezbollah targets | World | News– www.express.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
Israeli warplanes have begun striking targets in the south and east of Lebanon after the IDF warned locals to evacuate as it steps up its military operation against Hezbollah, with one official referring to it as the “Third Lebanon War.”.
IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee added on X: “Residents of Lebanese villages: The raids will begin in the near future – evacuate the houses where Hezbollah weapons are hidden immediately!
“Hezbollah is lying to you and sacrificing you. Hezbollah says that you are its environment and that you are its audience, but it seems that its missiles and drones are more valuable and important to it than you.”
An Israeli security source told the Hebrew outlet Ynet that Israel expected a massive response from Hezbollah after the attack adding: “There are days ahead of us when the public will have to show composure.” They referred to the conflict as the “Third Lebanon War”.
Following up the Israeli operation against Hezbollah leaders through blowing up rigged electronic devices like pages, Nicolas Maduro, the embattled President of Venezuela, is warning members of his government to avoid accepting any electronics gifts. He stated in a Presidential speech on national tv, “Do not accept electronic gifts… be careful with telephones, cellphones, be careful everyone.”
Maduro issues Christmas gift warning — RT World News– www.rt.com Source Link Excerpt:
The Venezuelan leader has pointed to recent pager blasts in Lebanon, while urging caution for the upcoming festive period
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has warned members of his government against accepting electronic devices as Christmas presents.
Maduro’s comments at a meeting on Venezuelan culture in Caracas on Friday followed a series of deadly explosions involving communications equipment in Lebanon last week.
”Do not accept electronic gifts… be careful with telephones, cellphones, be careful everyone,” the president said during a speech broadcast on national television.
It appears Elon Musk is ready to back down in his fight against Brazil’s Judicial branch of the government, specifically, his fight against Brazil’s head judge, Alexandre de Moraes. Moraes ordered X to remove certain politicians from its platform, or face being banned. Musk was defiant, so Moraes next moved against Musk’s other venture, Starlink.
The reports from the NY Times claim Musk and X have agreed to comply with the orders of the Brazilian court, but no official statement had been made. In addition to complying with orders, Musk has also agreed to pay all the fines as well.
Elon Musk’s X Backs Down In Fight Against Brazil’s Top Judge – themorningnews.com Source Link Excerpt:
Elon Musk, the owner of the X, has apparently backed down from his months long fight with the Brazilian judiciary.
Mr. Musk has agreed to pay fines and remove accounts the Brazilian top judge Alexandre de Moraes deemed threatening Brazil.
The decision to withdraw from the fight came when X was banned in Brazil for not complying with court orders.
According to the New York Times, X has agreed to implement court orders the platform ignored for months.
X previously failed to appoint a legal representative in the country, failed to block accounts that were threatening Brazil’s democracy and didn’t pay a fine.
While the platform didn’t respond to the court’s orders, the top judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the seizure of X and Starlink linked accounts in Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian top court has said that they have not received proper documentation from the company showing it had appointed his legal representative.
Almost three months after a snap election saw France’s current President Emmanuel Macron’s party get effectively voted out of office, a new government is forming with a new Prime Minister, Michael Barnier, who will lead a center-right coalition parliament.
The appointment of Bruno Retailleau to Interior Minister signals the shift to the right for this government as Retailleau comes from the conservative Republicans Party, a party founded by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Among Macron’s new cabinet, only one leftist politician was represented.
Macron unveils new right-wing French government – BBC Source Link Excerpt:
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his new government almost three months after a snap general election delivered a hung parliament.
The long-awaited new line up, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, marks a decisive shift to the right, even though a left-wing alliance won most parliamentary seats.
Despite the partnership between Macron’s centrist party and those on the right, parliament remains fractured and will rely on the support of other parties to pass legislation.
It comes as the European Union puts France on notice over its spiralling debt, which now far exceeds EU rules.
By a vote of 124-14, the United Nations has passed a non-binding resolution demanding Israel leave Gaza and the West Bank completely within 12 months of the passing of the resolution. 43 nations abstained from voting. The United States was one of 14 nations voting against the resolution.
UN members vote 124-14 Israel must end ‘unlawful’ occupation of Palestinian territories– www.news24.com Source Link Excerpt:
UN member states voted Wednesday to formally demand an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months and sanctions for non-compliance.
The non-binding resolution, which Israel claimed would fuel violence, calling it “distorted” and “cynical,” is based on an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) saying the occupation since 1967 was “unlawful.”
There were 124 votes in favour, 14 against and a notable 43 abstentions, with the Palestinian delegation heralding the adoption as “historic.”
Arab countries called the special session just days before dozens of world leaders meet at UN headquarters to address the kick off of this year’s General Assembly.
The withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Niger was completed Monday, September 16, according to American officials. The withdrawal followed a decision by the junta that had just overthrown the government to order U.S. troops out of the country. While the bases were officially handed over to Niger last month, a handful of soldiers remained behind to help with the administrative transfer. Now, these soldiers have also departed.
US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger – AP Source Link Excerpt:
The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger is complete, an American official said Monday.
A small number of military personnel assigned to guard the U.S. Embassy remain, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters.
Earlier this year, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the West African country. A few months later, officials from both countries said in a joint statement that U.S. troops would complete their withdrawal by the middle of September.
The U.S. handed over its last military bases in Niger to local authorities last month, but about two dozen American soldiers had remained in Niger, largely for administrative duties related to the withdrawal, Singh said.
UK Foreign Minister Lammy Plays Down Putin Threats– www.themoscowtimes.com Source Link Excerpt:
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “bluster” Sunday over his warning that letting Ukraine use long-range weapons to strike inside Russia would put NATO “at war” with Moscow.
US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House to discuss whether to ease rules on Kyiv’s use of western-supplied weapons this week
“I think that what Putin’s doing is throwing dust up into the air,” Lammy told the BBC.
“There’s a lot of bluster. That’s his modus operandi. He threatens about tanks, he threatens about missiles, he threatens about nuclear weapons.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been asking for permission to use long-range weapons such as British Storm Shadow missiles and US-made ATACMS missiles to hit targets deeper inside Russia for months.
Biden and Starmer delayed a decision on the move during their meeting on Friday.
It came after Putin warned that green-lighting use of the weapons “would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia.”
“If that’s the case, then taking into account the change of nature of the conflict, we will take the appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face,” he added.
The Russian leader has long warned western countries that they risk provoking a nuclear war over their support for Ukraine.
“We cannot be blown off course by an imperialist fascist, effectively, that wants to move into countries willy nilly,” said Lammy.
“If we let him with Ukraine, believe me, he will not stop there.”
Lammy said that talks between Starmer, Biden and Zelensky over the use of the missiles would continue at the United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York later this month.
Elsewhere, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again ruled out sending long-range precision weapons to Ukraine on Saturday, regardless of decisions made by NATO allies.
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As NATO members privately discuss and publicly comment on the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use long-range western weapons into the heart of Russia, Putin is warning such moves would be an act of war.
Canada has already signaled approval while Britain’s foreign minister is downplaying Putin’s rhetoric. So far, it seems the west is intent on going forward with plants that could, if you believe Putin, require NATO troops to be actively engaging in attacking Russia. The U.S. expanded sanctions against Russia’s medias companies as Russia launched a major drone assault on Kiev.
Putin Warns Russia at War with NATO if Ukraine Allowed to Fire Long-Range Missiles; Biden Dismisses Threat– www.cbn.com Source Link Excerpt:
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning to NATO leaders that approval for Ukraine to use long-range Western-made missiles that could penetrate deep into Russia “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.”
When asked by reporters about the Putin threat, President Joe Biden essentially dismissed his warning, saying after a meeting Friday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.” Biden said he wanted to make clear that “Putin does not prevail in this war.”
Dmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, asserted Saturday that a pending decision by the U.S. and NATO nations to approve Ukraine’s deployment of the missiles would possibly prompt Russia to use nuclear weapons, and he cautioned that Kyiv could be turned into a “gray melted spot.”
For much of this month, there have been indications that the U.S. and NATO might change the policy and allow Ukraine’s request to use the missiles. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at such a change on a visit to Kyiv earlier in September.
The head of NATO’s military committee, Admiral Rob Bauer from The Netherlands, indicated Saturday that Ukraine would be legally and militarily justified in launching the weapons.
“Every nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself. And that right doesn’t stop at the border of your own nation,” Bauer declared.
Trudeau says Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with NATO arms, Putin hints at war– ctv news Source Link Excerpt:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ukraine should be allowed to strike deep inside Russia, despite Moscow threatening that this would draw Canada and its allies into direct war.
“Canada fully supports Ukraine using long-range weaponry to prevent and interdict Russia’s continued ability to degrade Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, and mostly to kill innocent civilians in their unjust war,” Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que., on Friday.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the NATO military alliance allowing Ukraine to use weapons it has provided for long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.”
UK Foreign Minister Lammy Plays Down Putin Threats– www.themoscowtimes.com Source Link Excerpt:
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “bluster” Sunday over his warning that letting Ukraine use long-range weapons to strike inside Russia would put NATO “at war” with Moscow.
US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House to discuss whether to ease rules on Kyiv’s use of western-supplied weapons this week
“I think that what Putin’s doing is throwing dust up into the air,” Lammy told the BBC.
“There’s a lot of bluster. That’s his modus operandi. He threatens about tanks, he threatens about missiles, he threatens about nuclear weapons.”
U.S. hits Russian state media with sanctions for raising money for Moscow’s troops in Ukraine – LA Times Source Link Excerpt:
The U.S. State Department has announced new sanctions on Russian state media, accusing a Kremlin news outlet of working hand in hand with the Russian military and running fundraising campaigns to pay for sniper rifles, body armor and other equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
While the outlet, RT, has previously been sanctioned for its work to spread Kremlin propaganda and disinformation, the new allegations suggest its role goes far beyond influence operations. Instead, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday, RT is a key part of Russia’s war machine and its efforts to undermine its democratic adversaries.
“RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to remain hidden,” Blinken told reporters. “Our most powerful antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth. It’s shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness.”
Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s military says – MSN Source Link Excerpt:
Russia launched its eighth air attack in September on Kyiv overnight, with air defence units destroying nearly 20 drones that were heading towards the country’s capital, Ukrainian military said on Monday.
“Russian attack drones were heading to Kyiv from different directions and in different groups,” Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said on Telegram.
“According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage in Kyiv.”
The scale of the attack, which kept Kyiv under air raid alerts for about 3.5 hours, will only be known later on Monday, he added on the messaging app.
Reuters’ witnesses reported a series of loud explosions in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Russia says that it targets only Ukrainian infrastructure that is key to its war efforts in its air attacks.
Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s military says – MSN Source Link Excerpt:
Russia launched its eighth air attack in September on Kyiv overnight, with air defence units destroying nearly 20 drones that were heading towards the country’s capital, Ukrainian military said on Monday.
“Russian attack drones were heading to Kyiv from different directions and in different groups,” Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said on Telegram.
“According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage in Kyiv.”
The scale of the attack, which kept Kyiv under air raid alerts for about 3.5 hours, will only be known later on Monday, he added on the messaging app.
Reuters’ witnesses reported a series of loud explosions in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Russia says that it targets only Ukrainian infrastructure that is key to its war efforts in its air attacks.
Trudeau says Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with NATO arms, Putin hints at war– ctv news Source Link Excerpt:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ukraine should be allowed to strike deep inside Russia, despite Moscow threatening that this would draw Canada and its allies into direct war.
“Canada fully supports Ukraine using long-range weaponry to prevent and interdict Russia’s continued ability to degrade Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, and mostly to kill innocent civilians in their unjust war,” Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que., on Friday.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the NATO military alliance allowing Ukraine to use weapons it has provided for long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.”
Putin Warns Russia at War with NATO if Ukraine Allowed to Fire Long-Range Missiles; Biden Dismisses Threat– www.cbn.com Source Link Excerpt:
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning to NATO leaders that approval for Ukraine to use long-range Western-made missiles that could penetrate deep into Russia “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.”
When asked by reporters about the Putin threat, President Joe Biden essentially dismissed his warning, saying after a meeting Friday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.” Biden said he wanted to make clear that “Putin does not prevail in this war.”
Dmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, asserted Saturday that a pending decision by the U.S. and NATO nations to approve Ukraine’s deployment of the missiles would possibly prompt Russia to use nuclear weapons, and he cautioned that Kyiv could be turned into a “gray melted spot.”
For much of this month, there have been indications that the U.S. and NATO might change the policy and allow Ukraine’s request to use the missiles. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at such a change on a visit to Kyiv earlier in September.
The head of NATO’s military committee, Admiral Rob Bauer from The Netherlands, indicated Saturday that Ukraine would be legally and militarily justified in launching the weapons.
“Every nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself. And that right doesn’t stop at the border of your own nation,” Bauer declared.
U.S. hits Russian state media with sanctions for raising money for Moscow’s troops in Ukraine – LA Times Source Link Excerpt:
The U.S. State Department has announced new sanctions on Russian state media, accusing a Kremlin news outlet of working hand in hand with the Russian military and running fundraising campaigns to pay for sniper rifles, body armor and other equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
While the outlet, RT, has previously been sanctioned for its work to spread Kremlin propaganda and disinformation, the new allegations suggest its role goes far beyond influence operations. Instead, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday, RT is a key part of Russia’s war machine and its efforts to undermine its democratic adversaries.
“RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to remain hidden,” Blinken told reporters. “Our most powerful antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth. It’s shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness.”
Flooding death toll climbs after delayed warning from Myanmar junta – myanmar-now Source Link Excerpt:
More than 60 have died this week in floods caused by Typhoon Yagi in various parts of Myanmar, with most of the confirmed deaths occurring between Mandalay and the junta’s administrative capital of Naypyitaw, according to rescue workers.
Heavy rains started in and near Tachileik, eastern Shan State on Monday, causing floods by the next day. Flooding also occurred in Myawaddy, Karen State and in southern Shan State over the next few days.
Since Thursday, flooding has impacted Mandalay Region’s Kyaukse, Myittha, Pyawbwe, Thazi and Yamethin townships along the road from Mandalay to Naypyitaw, as well as Pyinmana, Tatkon, and Zayathiri townships in the Naypyitaw Union Territory, rescue workers said.
10 people have died in the floods in Yamethin Township, according to the rescue workers, with as many as 200 missing and feared dead after dozens were carried off in floodwaters in rural villages. In Pyawbwe Township, 15 people are reported missing and three bodies have been recovered, they said.
Israel seeking to close down Unrwa, says agency’s chief after school bombing | United Nations– www.theguardian.com Source Link Excerpt:
A campaign is under way to drive the UN relief agency for Palestinians, Unrwa, out of existence, its commissioner general has said, days after 18 people were killed when Israeli jets bombed an Unrwa school in Gaza.
Philippe Lazzarini said in an interview that the Israeli government was seeking to close down the agency, having failed to persuade western donors to stop funding it on the grounds of allegations about links between Unrwa staff and Hamas.
“This deliberate attempt to eliminate Unrwa and prevent it from operating would have devastating consequences for the multilateral system, the UN and the cause of a Palestinian transition to self-determination,” Lazzarini said.
Vance says Trump’s plan to end the war would likely force Ukraine to give up land, NATO aspirations– www.washingtonexaminer.com Source Link Excerpt:
VANCE’S VISION OF UKRAINE PEACE: Former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), has laid out a vision of how he expects Trump’s plan to bring the war in Ukraine to a quick end will play out, and it’s pretty much everything Russian President Vladimir Putin could have hoped for.
Trump has repeatedly refused to say he wants Ukraine to win but has promised to end the war as soon as he wins the November election — before he actually takes office. “I will get that settled and fast, and I’ll get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended,” Trump said at this week’s debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. “If I’m president-elect, I’ll get it done before even becoming president.”
“I think what this looks like is, Trump sits down, he says to the Russians, the Ukrainians, the Europeans, you guys need to figure out, ‘what does a peaceful settlement look like?’” Vance said in a podcast interview Thursday with former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan.
“And what it probably looks like is something like the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine — that becomes like a demilitarized zone, it’s heavily fortified so the Russians don’t invade again,” Vance said. “Ukraine retains its independent sovereignty. Russia gets the guarantee of neutrality from Ukraine, it doesn’t join NATO, it doesn’t join you know some of these sort of allied institutions. And I think that’s ultimately what this looks like.”
U.S. moves USS Theodore Roosevelt from Middle East, leaving USS Abraham Lincoln as sole carrier in vicinity – 13 News Now Source Link Excerpt:
WASHINGTON — The United States has reduced the number of aircraft carriers it has stationed in the Middle East,
The Pentagon announced Thursday that it has moved USS Theodore Roosevelt from the region. That decision leaves the U.S. with just one carrier in the vicinity: USS Abraham Lincoln.
Both carriers have been in place since August 23 to provide presence, as Israel continues its war with Hamas.
“Following a period of dual carrier coverage by the Theodore Roosevelt CSG and the Abraham Lincoln CSG in the CENTCOM region, the Theodore Rosevelt has departed and begun its transit into the Indo-Pacific area of operations,” said Major General Pat Ryder, Department of Defense Press Secretary.
China raising its retirement age may be unpopular but it’s much needed, analysts say– www.cnbc.com Source Link Excerpt:
China’s top legislative body passed an official plan Friday to begin incrementally raising the nation’s statutory retirement age from Jan. 1 of next year and concluding in 2040, according to Chinese state media.
The final goal of the roughly 15-year plan is to raise the retirement age by three years for men to 63 years old, five years for women that work in factories from 50 to 55 and three years for women that work in white-collar jobs from 55 to 58.
The reforms are “overdue and very much welcome,” Erica Tay, director of macro research at Maybank Investment Banking Group, told CNBC.
China has been grappling with a shrinking workforce and looming pension budget shortfalls that could significantly damage the economy.
Viktor Orban praises Germany for leading the EU in major migrant crackdown | World | News– www.express.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
Hungary’s Viktor Orban praised his liberal German counterpart Olaf Scholz for cracking down on migrants. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stunned his pro-EU allies after unveiling strict border rules which will allow for a “massive step-up in rejections” of asylum seekers.
Mr Orban whose anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions has sparked huge rows with Brussels, sent a message of support to Mr Scholz: “Germany has decided to impose strict border controls to stop illegal migration. Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration.”
EU officials have warned that Mr Scholz’s new policy threatens to unravel the entire European bloc, as one leading German politician remarked: “Border controls would be the beginning of the end for the EU.”
Unveiling the plan on Monday, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) said: “Until we achieve stronger border protection with the joint European asylum system, we must further protect our national borders.”
China to train thousands of overseas law enforcement officers to create ‘more fair’ world order – The Guardian Source Link Excerpt:
China will train thousands of foreign law enforcement officers so as to see the world order “develop in a more fair, reasonable and efficient direction”, its minister for public security has said.
“We will [also] send police consultants to countries in need to conduct training to help them quickly and effectively improve their law enforcement capabilities,” minister Wang Xiaohong told an annual global security forum.
Wang Xiaohong made the announcement in the eastern city of Lianyungang on Monday in front of law enforcement representatives from 122 countries, regions and international organisations such as Interpol.
The forum is part of ongoing efforts by China’s ruling Communist party to position itself as a global security leader. In 2022 China’s leader, Xi Jinping, launched the Global Security Initiative (GSI), which centres China as a facilitator to “improve global security governance … and promote durable peace”.
Mali’s Colonel Assimi Goïta reflects on visit to China – APAnews Source Link Excerpt:
In an interview with Malian television, he described the visit as a decisive advancement in Mali-China relations.
Colonel Goïta noted, “Currently, China and Mali enjoy fraternal ties that have lasted for over 60 years,” emphasizing that these relations span several sectors, including defense and security, education, agriculture, and energy.
A significant outcome of the visit was the announcement that Mali and China would elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. “At the request of President Xi Jinping, we have decided to enhance our partnership to a strategic level,” the head of Mali’s transition stated. This development underscores the importance of Sino-Malian cooperation and will be formalized during an upcoming state visit.
Aspects of China’s global economic coercion strategy – Mizzima News Source Link Excerpt:
The US has adopted a two-pronged strategy towards China. One, is pursuing the path of dialogue, the other is confrontation. Both go hand in hand as can be seen by recent developments. While Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State travelled to Beijing for talks, back home administration officials criticised China for its coercive behaviour worldwide.
The nature of Chinese coercion is evident on all fronts and its ramifications across several fronts including economic, defence and other areas, is also a focus area for the Biden administration. Such actions are normally visible as Beijing uses tools like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Security Initiative to penetrate and pressurize nations. Just one recent example of the heft China carries can be cited, this time in a cultural context. In Paris at a cultural event on China, the French Museum which hosted the event was ‘forced’ to title Tibet as ‘Xizang’, the latest effort by China to show that Tibet has always been a part of China. Thus, the world should be aware of various aspects of China’s coercive tactics.
China’s military coercion has been very visible in the South China Sea and its current actions clearly threaten the security of the Philippines. Nicholas Burns, the US Ambassador to China, recently pointed that the “very ill-advised efforts by the government of China to intimidate the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal, at Sabina Shoal, in an incident at Scarborough Shoal, just to name three incidents over the last month or so”. Diplomatic messaging is certainly one way to signal intent and the US has been consistently doing it. Apart from the Ambassador in Beijing, Secretary Antony Blinken has conveyed US concerns to China as did US NSA Jake Sullivan, who told the Chinese leadership “very directly” that Washington had an ironclad commitment to defend the Philippines.
The move marks the latest crackdown on China’s automotive industry by the Biden administration and would effectively bar all Chinese cars from entering the U.S. market. It also raises questions about whether Canada will do the same, after matching America’s lead in slapping high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and weighing further restrictions.
As NATO members privately discuss and publicly comment on the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use long-range western weapons into the heart of Russia, Putin is warning such moves would be an act of war.