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10:00 AM ET, Monday, September 25, 2023

The Cipher Brief curates open source information from around the world that impacts national security. Here's a look at today's headlines, broken down by region of the world:  

TOP STORIES:

Ukraine Breaks Through Russia’s Defensive Lines Near Verbove.  Ukraine’ military said Saturday that it broke through Russia’s main defensive line on the southern front west of the village of Verbove.  A Ukrainian air assault unit commander on the front said that Ukraine has pushed armored vehicles through the breach of the so-called “Surovikin line,” passing slowly behind its “dragon’s teeth” concrete obstacles.  The commander noted “a lot of equipment was lost there” due to heavy mining and constant counter attacks by Russian troops.  Oleksandr Tarnavsky, the head of Ukrainian forces on the southern front, added that Ukrainian troops continue to advance, and while acknowledging that they are not moving “as fast as it was expected… the main thing is not to lose this initiative.”  Ukraine said in recent weeks that it has made significant progress piercing through Russia’s defense in southern Ukraine, as part of efforts to disconnect Russia’s holdings in the east with Crimea.  Tarnavsky added that a greater breakthrough beyond the “Surovikin line” is if Ukraine can take Tokmak, a strategic railhub south of Verbove.  CNN Wall Street Journal Washington Post

Ukraine Receives U.S.-Made Abrams Tanks.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that U.S.-made Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine.  Zelensky said the tanks “are being prepared to reinforce our brigades” but did not say how many of the tanks Kyiv received.  The U.S. offered 30 of the tanks in January.  President Joe Biden said last week that the first of the Abrams tanks would be delivered to Ukraine this week.  European countries have already sent dozens of German-made Leopards and some British challengers to Ukraine.  Reuters

Taiwan Defense Minister Warns of Increased Risk from China’s Escalated Military Activity.  Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned on Saturday that increased Chinese military activity around the island has raised the risk of an accident that could lead to events “getting out of hand.”  Over the past two weeks, Taiwan has detected dozens of aircraft and warships, including the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, conducting drills near the island, including off Taiwan’s east coast.  Chiu noted that the Shandong and other Chinese forces operated as the “opposing force” during their exercises.  Chiu said Taiwan is “very worried about” an accidental incident from these activities causing a broader conflict, adding that “both sides must pay attention” to avoid this.  The Chinese government did not comment on the drills or Chiu’s remarks.  After Chiu’s remarks, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it was monitoring Chinese air and ground forces holding military drills in Dacheng Bay, in Fujian province.  Reuters

U.S. Hosting Second Pacific Islands Summit this Week.  President Joe Biden is hosting a second summit with Pacific Island leaders this week as part of U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence in the region.  During the three-day gathering, Washington will reportedly announce diplomatic relations with two Pacific islands, Niue and the Cook Islands.  The U.S. will also pledge funds for infrastructure development, including improvement of Internet connection via undersea cables.  The White House said the summit will center on public health, economic growth, the climate crisis, sustainable development, and combating illegal fishing.  Summit participants will also view a Coast Guard cutter in Baltimore’s harbor on Sunday, and be briefed on illegal fishing by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Neither Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman nor Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the summit.  Their absence comes as their countries strengthen security ties with China.  Associated Press Reuters Al Jazeera

China’s Xi Considers Visit to South Korea.  South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on Saturday that Chinese President Xi Jinping is seriously considering visiting South Korea as part of efforts to support peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The same day, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that Xi told South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo that China is willing to work to promote a strategic partnership between the two countries.  Xi held talks with Han in Hangzhou before the opening of the Asian Games on Saturday.  Yonhap added that Xi said China supports dialogue between North and South Korea and will continue efforts for peace and security on the peninsula.  This comes as tensions have risen between the North and South after Kim Jong Un’s trip to Russia.  Reuters Bloomberg

U.S, Vietnam Reportedly in Talks for Arms Deal. The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement that could facilitate the largest ever transfer of arms between the two nations.  Sources say the package could include the sale of American F-16 fighter jets and could come together within a year.  The deal is still in its developmental stages and could fall through, but it was reportedly a major topic of discussion talks between U.S. and Vietnamese officials in Hanoi, New York, and Washington over the past month.  Washington is considering special financing terms for the equipment to help curb Vietnam’s reliance on cheaper Russian-made arms.  A major deal between Washington and Hanoi is likely to anger China.  Tensions between Vietnam and Beijing have been escalating over disputes in the South China Sea.  Reuters

Philippines Vows to Remove Chinese Barrier in South China Sea.  The Philippines vowed on Monday to take “all appropriate actions to cause the removal of barriers” placed by China’s coast guard in disputed waters of the South China Sea.  The Philippine coast guard said Chinese coast guard vessels laid a 980-foot-long barrier at the entrance to the lagoon of Scarborough Shoal on Friday, adding that over 50 Philippine fishing boats were outside of the shoal at the time.  Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano said Manila “condemns” the installation of the barrier and that it “violates the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen.”  The Chinese foreign ministry has called the shoal “China’s inherent territory” and said that Philippine fishing boats “trespassed” into the area.  According to Filipino fishermen, China usually installs such barriers when monitoring a large number of fishermen from other countries, then removes them later.  Associated Press Reuters

Five Eyes Intel Informed Canada’s Allegation of Indian Involvement in Sikh Leader’s Killing.  US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen said that intelligence from the Five Eyes nations was involved in helping to inform Canada about the potential involvement of India in the murder of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil earlier this year.  Cohen, in an interview with Canadian media outlet CTV news, says that there “was a lot of communication between Canada and the United States” about the incident.  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week that Ottawa had “credible” intelligence that linked Indian government agents to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Vancouver in June.  Reuters CTV News Associated Press New York Times Reuters

THE UKRAINE UPDATE:

Ukraine Claims Sevastopol Strike Killed ‘Senior’ Russian Naval Commanders.  The Ukrainian military reported that its Friday missile strike on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, located in Sevastopol, Crimea, resulted in "dozens of dead and wounded occupiers, including the top management of the fleet.”  The military said the attack was timed to coincide with a gathering of naval officials but did not offer more details.  Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine’s intelligence, reported that at least nine people were killed, and two Russian commanders severely injured in the missile strike.  He claimed that Alexander Romanchuk, a Russian general commanding forces on the southeastern front, was in a “very serious condition” after the attack.  Moscow on Friday said one serviceman was missing after the assault.  Neither side’s claims could be independently verified.  Ukraine reportedly launched another missile attack on Sevastopol on Saturday.  Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev reported that debris from an intercepted missile fell into the port’s harbor.  Ukraine has been increasingly targeting Russian military units in Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014.  BBC France 24 Associated Press New York Times

Russian Airstrikes Hit Odesa, Kherson Regions.  A Russian airstrike on Ukraine’s southern Odesa region caused “significant damage” to port and grain storage infrastructure on Monday.  Ukrainian officials said that two people were killed in the attack.  Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said the attack hit facilities that held almost 1,000 tons of grain in storage and damaged power grids, cutting off electricity to over 1,000 people in the region.  Ukraine’s southern military command added that the attack damaged other parts of Odesa sea port and caused a fire at a hotel not in use.  Ukraine’s military said air defenses destroyed 19 Iranian-made Shahed drones and 11 cruise missiles launched by Russia overnight, with most targeting the Odesa region.  It also said two Russian hypersonic missiles destroyed the grain storage facilities.  Ukraine’s defense ministry added that the Odesa attack was a “pathetic attempt at retaliation” for recent strikes on Crimea.  Officials have added that debris from an S-300 missile was found in Moldova’s breakaway Transdniestria region, where Russian peacekeepers are deployed, after the Odesa attack.  It was not immediately clear who fired the missile.  Meanwhile, Russian shelling in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region killed two and wounded at least eight on Sunday.  Kherson governor Oleksandr Prodkudin said shelling from the Russian-occupied eastern bank of the Dnipro River killed one man in Beryslav on the Ukrainian-held west side.  In the nearby village of Lvove, shelling killed another man and injured at least five people.  The Kremlin did not comment on the reported attacks.  Reuters Ukrinform CNN

Russia Says Ukraine Launched Drone Attacks on Kursk, Belgorod Regions.  Russian officials say Ukraine launched drone attacks on Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions on Monday.  Local officials said the attack in Kursk damaged several private homes and an administrative building, while two Ukrainian drones were downed over Belgorod.  The reports of the attacks could not be independently verified.  Ukraine did not comment on the matter, in line with its rare claim of responsibility for attacks inside Russia.  Reuters

Ukraine Says Saboteurs Behind Attacks in Moscow, Kaluga Regions.  Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said that “unidentified saboteurs” destroyed equipment at military settlements in Russia's Moscow and Kaluga regions on Sunday.  Klymenko reported that the attacks “expanded the geography of 'bavovna' [explosions] in the aggressor country.”  The attacks destroyed a fuel truck in the military town of the 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division of the 1st Tank Army, as well as four vehicles with trailers at the military town of the 60th arms arsenal.  Ukrinform

Ukraine Heavy Artillery Pounding Russian Forces Near Bakhmut.  Ukrainian commanders have said that the use of heavy Western weapons is inflicting significant damage on Russian lines in the battles around Bakhmut. After the capture of the key village of Klishchiiva last week, Ukrainian troops have hailed the 155-millimeter howitzers being provided by the United States and its allies as key equipment in the fight. Unit commander Oleksandr said Ukraine's armed forces "very much rely" on the heavy artillery. “Even one gun can completely turn the situation around. An attack can be stopped with one such gun,” he said. Ukrainian commanders have described the capture of Klischiivka and the nearby village of Andriivka as stepping stones to taking back Bakhmut.  These gains have been some of the most significant in Ukraine’s counteroffensive.  Reuters 

U.S. Army Hospital in Germany Is Treating Americans Hurt Fighting in Ukraine. The Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center has begun admitting Ukrainian Army soldiers who have been wounded in combat, many of them American volunteer fighters.  The number of treated Americans and other fighters is currently 14, but it marks a significant step in the U.S. involvement in the war.  When the war began, hundreds of Americans volunteered to local militias or served under contract to defend Ukraine. Around 20 have been killed so far. The hospital at Landstuhl is authorized by the Defense Department to treat up to 18 wounded members of the Ukraine forces at a time. Marcy Sanchez, a spokesman for the hospital, said that the wounded fighters are currently in good condition. The Biden administration promised at the start of the war that it would not send troops on the ground in Ukraine, and it cautioned Americans about getting involved. Despite this, it now finds itself treating those who were warned to stay away.  New York Times

U.S. Says Wagner Forces Remain in Africa.  A top U.S. defense official said that the U.S. has not seen a retreat of Wagner forces in Africa “in any substantial or meaningful numbers,” following the death of the Russian mercenary group’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, last month.  The official told reporters traveling with the Secretary of Defense to Africa that the number of Wagner units in Africa — mostly concentrated in Mali, the Central African Republic, and Libya — remains “pretty stable.”  The official added that there are indications Wagner forces have been “trying to exploit” the July coup Niger to make further progress there.  More widely, the official said that the mercenaries appear to follow where the money is, frequently going to locations “where there are natural resources, where their leadership are willing to pay the security price – literally, the money – to have their presence.”  The official also said that Washington has not yet seen a “decisive shift” in Wagner’s ties with Moscow, or a major attempt by Russia to absorb the group’s operations in Africa, suggesting Russian leadership is still contemplating what to do with the group.  CNN

North Korea Defends Ties with Russia.  North Korea on Monday condemned South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol for denouncing Pyongyang’s collaboration with Russia after leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that "it is quite natural and normal for neighboring countries to keep close relations with each other."  Yoon told the U.N. General Assembly last week that it would be a “direct provocation” if the two nations aided each other in terms of war and weapons.  North Korea’s KCNA state news agency responded by saying that Yoon was a "loudspeaker" for the U.S. and criticized him for "malignantly" vilifying the North’s relationship with Russia.  Pyongyang said its “friendly and cooperative relations with the close neighbors will continue to grow stronger."  Washington and allies have voiced worries at the close ties between Russia and North Korea, especially amid reports that the two are negotiating an arms deal in which Pyongyang will send weapons to Moscow in exchange for missile or satellite technology.  Reuters

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN:

Australian Think Tank Cites China’s ‘Overwhelming’ Lead in Sensor Research.  A new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) concludes that China is “overwhelmingly ahead” of the AUKUS member states – the U.S., Britain, and Australia – in advanced sensor technologies that are critical for military navigation and targeting.  ASPI assesses that even if AUKUS collaborated with Japan and South Korea, the combined know-how would “not match the Chinese output in high-impact research.”  The latest ASPI Critical Technology Tracker focuses on advanced sensors and lists inertial navigation systems, satellite position and navigation, and sonar and acoustic sensors as among the 10 technology sectors in which China holds a lead.  Overall, ASPI reports that China maintains a lead “in 53 technologies against 11 for the U.S.”  BreakingDefense ASPI

Amazon Investing Up to $4 Billion in AI Startup Anthropic.  Amazon announced Monday that it is investing up to $4 billion in the artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic.  Under the deal, Amazon employees and cloud customers will gain early access to technology developed by Anthropic, which will rely primarily on Amazon’s cloud services and train future AI models on proprietary chips bought from Amazon.  CEOs of Amazon’s cloud division and Anthropic said the immediate investment from Amazon will be $1.25 billion, with either party having the authority to trigger another $2.75 billion in funding.  The development marks Amazon’s biggest move to counter Microsoft and Alphabet’s Google in AI development and adds to the trend of cloud companies partnering with AI startups.  Notably, Anthropic is continuing an agreement it made with Google in February to use Google’s custom chips and make its technology available on Google Cloud.  Reuters 

UK Official Cites ‘Bracing Test’ for AI Governance, Defends China Invitation to Summit.  Leading British government officials defended the decision to invite China to the global AI Safety summit to be held at Bletchley Park in November. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said,“I don’t think we can have meaningful multilateralism without engaging with China” while UK Foreign Secretary noted while attending the UN General Assembly session that “we can’t pretend China is not going to be active in these issues.”  Dowden said Britain still is “working through” the exact nature of China’s participation in the November summit.  He added during his General Assembly speech Friday that capitalizing on AI while preventing the technology’s potential harms requires “a new form of multilateralism” because of the “country-sized influence” wielded by some technology companies and non-state actors.  He described the AI revolution as a ”bracing test” for the international order and a priority equal to other large-scale threats such as pandemics and nuclear war.”  Financial Times

Bermuda Leader Says Russia-Based Hackers Behind Attack on Government Systems.  The island of Bermuda and another Caribbean government have been impacted by a cyberattack that damaged Internet and telephone infrastructure, according to Bermuda Premier David Burt.  Burt confirmed that threat actors based in Russia were behind the attack that disrupted Internet, email, and telephone services in all of the government’s departments.  Financial services, in particular, were affected by the attacks as the government reported that efforts were under way to restore payroll and vendor payments and “cashiers are accepting cash and checks only at this time.”  Burt added that “we now know of other jurisdictions in the Caribbean” had been affected.  The premier said there is no evidence of data theft, but the government was forced to postpone a session of the House of Assembly.  The Record

Chinese Newspaper Reports Successful Drone Test of ‘Explosion-Powered’ Engine.  A Chinese provincial newspaper has reported a successful test of a “rotating detonation engine” aboard a drone aircraft that promises the potential to achieve unparalleled speeds.  The FB-1 Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) is a joint project of Chongqing University and a Shenzhen company, Thrust-to-Weight Ratio Engine (TWR).  Images of the engine test showed ignition during the taxiing phase of the drone, which the Chongqing Morning News said was also the drone’s first flight.  The newspaper reported the aircraft uses kerosene and “features rapid ignition” capable of acceleration from zero-speed to several times the speed of sound.”  The RDE uses a ring-shaped combustion chamber, where controlled explosions generate shock waves causing complete combustion of fuel and air.  Reportedly, the RDE has the potential to revolutionize supersonic flight while consuming less fuel.  South China Morning Post

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD:

Taiwan Launching First Indigenous Submarine Prototype.  Taiwan will start testing its first domestically built submarine prototype this week.  Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is set to launch the submarine on Thursday.  Officials say it will join sea trials in October before delivery to the navy by the end of 2024.  The submarine will be part of a wider fleet of indigenous submarines to be deployed through 2027.  Admiral Huang Shu-kuang, security adviser to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, said that the first submarine, which costs $1.54 billion, is armed with a Lockheed Martin combat system and carry U.S.-built MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes.  Subsequent models will be upgraded with anti-ship missiles, based on U.S. production capacity.  Huang added that the submarines are a “strategic deterrent” against China and will be used to prevent Chinese forces from encircling Taiwan and accessing waters beyond the First Island Chain.  According to a Reuters investigation, Taiwan sourced talent, components, and technology from at least seven countries to aid in the creation of the new submarines.  The Chinese defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment.  Reuters Taiwan News Focus Taiwan

China, East Timor Upgrade Bilateral Ties.  China and East Timor upgraded their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership on Saturday.  The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the agreement came after China’s President Xi Jinping met with East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Hangzhou ahead of the Asian Games.  Under these newly upgraded bilateral ties, China and East Timor have agreed to further infrastructure cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, increase high-level military interactions, consider joint exploration for oil and gas, and expand bilateral investment.  Last year, East Timor’s then-president Jose Ramos-Horta, pledged closer ties with China, especially in the areas of energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.  However, Ramos-Horta added at the time that he would continue to foster relations with the U.S. and that East Timor would not be implicated in any rivalry between Beijing and Washington.  East Timor is looking to start producing natural gas from its offshore Greater Sunrise fields after its Bayu Undan oil and gas field stopped producing gas earlier this year.  Reuters

China, Syria Announce ‘Strategic Partnership.’  China and Syria formed a strategic partnership on Friday during Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.  The two leaders met in Hangzhou ahead of the Asian games.  Xi said at their meeting that Beijing is “willing to work with Syria to firmly support each other” and pledged China’s support in Syria’s reconstruction.  Assad said he hoped the meeting would lead to “wide-ranging and long-term strategic cooperation in all fields.”  Assad’s trip was reportedly aimed at getting China’s economic assistance as part of his efforts to end the international isolation of Syria amid the country’s civil war.  Associated Press Deutsche Welle

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Sends Letter to China’s Xi Promoting Cooperation.  North Korea’s KCNA state news agency reported Sunday that North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping promoting cooperative relations between Pyongyang and Beijing.  The letter was sent in response to a letter Xi sent earlier this month congratulating Kim for North Korea’s founding anniversary.  Xi reportedly expressed in his letter a willingness to strengthen strategic communication and cooperation.  Kim replied in his letter that he believes “ DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations would steadily develop in conformity with the requirements of the new era and the desire of the two peoples in the future.”  Reuters

Italy Says It is Equal Partner in Fighter Jet Project with UK, Japan.  Italy announced on Saturday that it will be an equal partner in the next-generation fighter jet program with the United Kingdom and Japan.  In December, the three countries established the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) after Britain and Japan agreed to combine their fighter jet efforts.  Talks on the project are still underway, including on where to base the headquarters.  Reuters reported that Japan and the U.K. are likely going to dominate the design and manufacturing of the aircraft and that the headquarters are likely going to be based in Britain.  Italy did not confirm this decision but noted that “the three Ministries of Defence are currently conducting a study on the most suitable governance to achieve the capability goal by 2035…All other information amounts to pure speculation.”  Reuters  

Lebanon, Israel Exchange Tear Gas, Smoke Bombs at Border.  The Lebanese military said that it fired tear gas at Israeli forces on its border Saturday in response to smoke bombs fired at its troops.  However, Israel claims that Lebanon initiated the clash.   UNFIL, the U.N. peacekeeping force in the area confirmed that there was a confrontation on Saturday.  A spokesperson for the force said it is working to prevent an escalation of hostilities from misunderstandings.  Tensions have recently risen along the Israeli-Lebanese border.  Rockets have been fired at Israel from Lebanon during flare ups of Israeli-Palestinian violence, and members of the militant group Hezbollah have faced off with Israeli forces along the border.  Reuters

Ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh Begin Leaving for Armenia.  Ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region are beginning to leave en masse for Armenia following Azerbaijan’s seizure of the territory.  The Armenian leaders of the region said Nagorno-Karabakh’s 120,000 Armenians did not want to live under Azerbaijani rule, doubting Baku’s guarantee for their rights and fearing persecution and ethnic cleansing.  The Armenian leaders added that those made homeless by Azerbaijan’s seizure of Karabakh will be escorted to Armenia by Russian peacekeepers.  Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has faced calls to resign for failing to prevent Azerbaijan’s takeover of Karabakh, said it was likely Armenians of the region would see mass exodus as the “only way to save their lives and identity.”  Reuters

Serb Gunmen Battle Northern Kosovo Police, Killing Four People.  Ethnic Serb gunmen in armored vehicles stormed the northern Kosovo village of Banjska on Sunday.  The gunmen barricaded themselves in a Serbian Orthodox monastery near the village in a battle with police.  Authorities say one police officer and three attackers were killed in the incident.  The fighting marked a resurgence of violence in Kosovo’s restive north, where ethnic Albanians are the majority.  Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the gunmen, who left the monastery by night, was a rebellion against Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti, though he condemned the killing of the police officer and called for restraint from ethnic Serbs.  Kosovo border police closed two crossings with Serbia after the fighting.  The U.N. and E.U. expressed concern over the incident, and Russia said it is “closely monitoring” the situation.  BBC Reuters Politico

France Withdrawing Troops, Ambassador from Niger.  French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France is pulling out its ambassador from Niger and withdrawing its military forces from the country, with all troops leaving “by the end of the year.”  He added that all French military cooperation with Niger is “over,” noting that France’s deployment of around 1,500 troops to the country was in response to a request from Niger’s government at the time.  Macron also reaffirmed that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum is Niger’s “sole legitimate authority” and that he is being held “hostage” by coup leaders.  Niger’s military junta welcomed France’s pullout, saying it was a “step towards sovereignty.”  The Niger junta had demanded France to withdraw its ambassador in August, which the French government refused to comply with.  It is unclear what the French withdrawal will mean for U.S. forces in Niger, but it solidifies the junta’s control.  A military intervention by ECOWAS to restore democracy in Niger is also unlikely without French support.  Al Jazeera BBC CNN France 24

Somalia Truck Bomb Kills 10.  At least 10 people are dead and several buildings are destroyed after a truck bomb exploded at a checkpoint in the Somali town of Beledweyne on Saturday, according to a police officer from the centrally located town. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Al Shabaab Islamist group has carried on a number of attacks in the country previously. According to the police officer, soldiers and civilians are among the dead and injured. Beledweyne is located in the Hiran region which has recently experienced fighting between the Somali military and Al Shabab militants.  Reuters 

Uganda Air Strike Kills Islamic State-Allied Rebels in Congo. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Saturday that an airstrike by the Ugandan military had killed members of an Islamic State affiliated group responsible for bombings in Uganda’s capital. The strike was carried out in Uganda’s neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 16th. Intelligence gathered after the strike confirmed the identities of the members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) that had been killed. President Museveni said on the matter, "A lot of terrorists were killed, including the notorious Meddie Nkalubo, who has been the author of the bombs in Kampala," referring to Uganda’s capital. It’s unclear how many were killed in the airstrike. The ADF is responsible for two suicide bombings in 2021, leaving seven people dead. In June of this year, 42 people were killed at a school in Western Uganda, an attack Uganda blamed on the ADF. Reuters

Weekend Long Reads

60 Minutes Goes to Ukraine.  60 Minutes recently traveled to Ukraine and has produced a new segment called “What U.S. taxpayers are getting for their money in Ukraine”.  It’s a question that is on the minds of many Americans these days as we approach a new presidential campaign season, and as the issue of U.S. support for Ukraine becomes a more partisan topic.  Some far-right republicans are calling for the U.S. to stop supporting Ukraine, a call that others, including many Cipher Brief experts say would lead directly to increased risk to Europe and the U.S.  The 60 Minutes team visited positions near the front lines to talk with Ukrainian soldiers who were fighting with U.S. supplied Bradley fighting vehicles, one of whom showed the team evidence of a Bradley vehicle surviving a recent land mine blast before offering his assessment of the vehicle. The team also spoke with Lt. Gen (Ret) Ben Hodges, former US Army Europe Commander who shared his views on what he believes the future risk to Europe and the U.S. would be if Russia is victorious in Ukraine.  Senator Lindsey Graham was also interviewed for the piece. Graham, who has previously said that U.S. money spent in Ukraine was the best money the U.S. has ever spent, was asked again if he still believed it, which he answered and offered a stark historical comparison.  The team also looks at the hot button issue of accountability of U.S. provided weapons and equipment, along with ongoing efforts to stem corruption in Ukraine.  If you are interested in an in-depth look at the major issues on the minds of many in the U.S. related to our involvement in this war, the latest 60 minutes investigation is highly recommended.  CBS 

Analysis: Nord Stream Attacks One Year Anniversary Approaches, What You Need to Know.  Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines.  Al Jazaeera is out with a new piece that summarizes the evidence, the ongoing investigations and the leading theories that have developed on who could be responsible for the attack, and their motives.  Al Jazeera  

Henry Kissinger Warns US-China Decoupling Would Harm Both Countries.  Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger participated virtually in a Shanghai-based financial event recently where he warned that a “decoupling” of the U.S. and Chinese economies would ultimately harm both countries and reduce the standard of living of Chinese and Americans.  Kissinger also advocated for cooperation between Washigton and Beijing on regulating artificial intelligence (AI), and says that the two sides, who are economically dependent on each other, should avoid a competition for dominance in AI.  South China Morning Post 

Gen. Mark Milley Set Retire This Month. A look back at his controversial tenure.   U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley is set to retire this month.  The Washington Post is out with a lengthy analysis of his tenure as Chairman, which some analysts say could go down in history as one of the most polarizing in history.  Supporters of Milley say he helped protect U.S. democracy while critics say he went too far into the political fray, something the most senior U.S. military officer should never do.  Regardless of the particular view point readers may have on General Milley, the piece offers an in-depth view on Milley’s tenure during a period of some of the most politically combustive days the U.S. has ever seen.  Washington Post 

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