Report for Monday, April 22, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

House approves foreign aid bills, potential TikTok ban

Senate reauthorizes and reforms Section 702

Israel military intelligence chief resigns over Oct. 7 attack

Ukraine downs Russian strategic bomber

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE REPORTING – When U.S.-China Competition Reaches Outer Space.

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Israel military intelligence chief resigns over Oct. 7 attack.  The head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, resigned on Monday over the intelligence failures that led to the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.  He is the first senior Israeli figure to step down over his role in the attack.  “The intelligence directorate under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I carry that black day with me ever since, day after day, night after night. I will carry the horrible pain of the war with me forever,” Haliva wrote in his resignation letter.  Haliva’s departure could set the stage for other senior Israeli military and security leaders to resign.  Experts say major resignations have yet to happen since Israel is still fighting Hamas in Gaza and Lebanese Hezbollah in the north, and tensions with Iran remain high.  Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed off calls for him to step down and hold elections soon.  The Israeli leader said he will answer tough questions about his role in failing to stop the Oct. 7 attack but has not outright acknowledged direct responsibility.  Associated Press 

U.S. expected to sanction IDF unit for human rights violations in West Bank.  The Biden administration is poised to levy sanctions against the Israel Defense Force’s Netzah Yehuda battalion for human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.  The unit, formed for ultra-orthodox soldiers gained notoriety in the U.S. in 2022 when an elderly Palestinian American man died in its custody, his body found bloody and bruised.  The Israeli military disciplined three of the unit’s commanders but declined to file criminal charges. The State Department launched an investigation under the Leahy law, which bars U.S. foreign aid to foreign security force units that have committed gross violations of human rights.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that he had made a decision on investigations of several Israeli military units.  The next day, Axios broke the story that the Netzah Yehuda battalion would be cut off from U.S. aid.  The news set off an uproar in Israel.  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu objected, posting in X: “At a time when our soldiers are fighting terrorist monsters, the intention to sanction a unit in the IDF is the height of absurdity and a moral low.”  Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, said sanctions would set a “dangerous precedent.”   Axios New York Times   Bloomberg Associated Press Haaretz Reuters Al Jazeera 

Netanyahu thanks U.S. for new military aid, vows to escalate in Gaza.  Israeli leaders thanked the U.S. when the House passed a foreign aid bill Saturday that will provide $26.4 billion in military aid and humanitarian assistance to Israel.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X that the measure “demonstrates strong bipartisan support for Israel and defends Western civilization.”  On Sunday, Netanyahu said the military would escalate its tactics against Hamas because the group has “outright rejected” all proposals for a ceasefire and release of hostages.  Washington Post

Hamas may move political headquarters from Qatar.  Hamas’s political leadership is reportedly looking to move from Qatar.  Hamas leaders have lived in Doha, the Qatari capital, since 2012 in an arrangement supported by the U.S.  Qatari negotiators have now threatened to expel Hamas leadership for failing to reach a deal releasing hostages still held in Gaza.  Hamas leaders could potentially relocate to Oman, which has been contacted about the matter, an Arab official said.  Ceasefire negotiations are still stalled.  Wall Street Journal 

Erdogan, Hamas official meet on Gaza.  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh and his delegation, including former Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal, at Istanbul’s historic Dolmabahce palace on Saturday to discuss the need for a permanent cease-fire and accelerated humanitarian aid in Gaza. “It is vital that Palestinians act with unity in this process. The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity,” the Turkish leader said, according to his directorate of communications. Bloomberg

Gaza aid flotilla to challenge Israeli blockade.  A flotilla of ships is preparing to sail from Turkey soon and will try to breach Israel’s naval blockade to highlight the lack of aid reaching Gaza.  The organizers, calling their effort the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, have attempted similar missions for years.  They gained worldwide attention in 2010 after an Israeli raid on a flotilla that included a Turkish ship, the Mavi Marmara, killed 10 people and caused a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Israel.  Washington Post 

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

U.S. House of Representatives approves new Ukraine military aid, sends bill to Senate.  The U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday approved $61 billion in new military aid for Ukraine.  The legislation is expected to quickly pass the Senate and receive President Joe Biden’s signature.  The package includes over $48 billion for the Department of Defense, which is earmarked for weapons procurement, replenishment of U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine, and operations and maintenance support.  Most of the remaining $13 billion goes to the State Department and U.S. Aid for International Development (USAID) for economic and humanitarian assistance.  The aid is crucial for boosting Ukraine’s military, with immediate aid including artillery rounds, precision-guided missiles, and air defenses.  The assistance is also critical for boosting Ukrainian morale and encouraging other nations to increase their support.  While experts say the aid is coming late, with Russian forces advancing and preparing new offensive operations since fall last year, the assistance will help Ukraine reinforce defenses and rebuild its forces.

Ukraine expressed relief over the new aid.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that long-range weaponry and air defense systems included in the aid package will help strengthen Ukrainian forces against Russian assaults and “send the Kremlin a powerful signal that (Ukraine) will not be the second Afghanistan.”

Despite the optimism, both Ukrainian and Western leaders say that more aid will be needed.  NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the delay in new U.S. military aid has led to Ukraine being outgunned on the frontlines.  However, he told MSNBC that Ukraine has demonstrated the capability to defend itself and that the new aid could still enable Ukraine to retake the initiative on the battlefield.  Reuters Wall Street Journal Kyiv Independent BloombergAl Jazeera New York TimesWashington Post Politico Associated Press

Warner says long-range ATACMS missiles will go to Ukraine. U.S. Senator Mark Warner,  chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on Sunday that new U.S. military aid for Ukraine, including long-range ATACMS missiles, will be in transit “by the end of the week” if the Senate passes the $61 billion supplemental appropriations bill on Tuesday and U.S. President Joe Biden signs it by Wednesday.  Warner said in an interview with CBS News “Face the Nation” that the administration has been prepared to provide long-range ATACMS to Ukraine, as specified in the bill, for the past several months. “The great news is, this is finally happening. It should have happened six months ago,” Warner said.  CBS News Institute for the Study of War Kyiv Independent

Congress passes bill that could unlock billions in frozen assets for Ukraine. The U.S. House passed a foreign aid package Saturday which includes the REPO Act, which permits the confiscation and transfer of Russian assets in U.S. banks to Ukraine for reconstruction.  Over $6 billion of the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets are in U.S. banks. The act has sparked debate, with concerns about potential long-term impacts on the U.S. economy and the dollar’s global status. However, supporters argue it sends a strong message to authoritarian regimes and is essential for supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.  Russian Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin criticized the move, saying it is provoking the European Union into taking similar action.  He also said Russia is now justified in seizing Western assets in response.  NBC News Reuters

ISW: Ukraine may suffer setbacks in the next few weeks before the aid arrives. The Institute for the Study of War warned on Saturday that “Ukrainian forces are likely to face setbacks” before the $61 billion aid package is approved by the Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden. The aid is not expected to improve the Ukrainian frontline for several weeks, ISW said. “During this time, the situation may worsen as Russian forces may increase attacks before the aid arrives,” its analysts wrote. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is prepared to mobilize munitions, including 155mm artillery shells and air defense missiles from European stores, quickly once Congress approves the aid. Institute for the Study of War Kyiv Independent

Zelensky urges U.S. to send weapons ahead of Chasiv Yar assault.  On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgency of U.S. military support for Ukraine, highlighting that the timely arrival of weapons is crucial to counter an expected Russian offensive aimed at capturing Chasiv Yar by May 9. Zelensky, speaking to NBC’s “Meet the Press,” detailed the disadvantages Ukrainian forces face, including a lack of equipment to combat Russian surveillance drones and insufficient air defenses. Zelensky said his soldiers “lack the equipment they need to fight Russian reconnaissance drones, which essentially guide their artillery.” Zelensky noted that delays have caused setbacks. He refrained from engaging with Donald Trump's opposing views on U.S. assistance to Ukraine while emphasizing the unreliability of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The passage of the aid underscores bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, positioning it as a defense against authoritarianism globally. Washington Post Associated Press Reuters Kyiv Independent

Ukrainian drones strike Russian fuel depot and substations. Ukraine launched a drone attack on eight Russian regions early on Saturday, targeting energy infrastructure, including power substations and a fuel depot. The strike, which was part of Ukrainian attacks targeting Russian military production, resulted in fires and damage to several facilities.  Russia's defense ministry reported shooting down 50 Ukrainian drones, although damage from falling debris ignited additional fires.  Russian officials said two civilians were killed.  This operation was confirmed by both Ukrainian and Russian sources.  Reuters Reuters

Ukraine downs Russian strategic bomber after airstrike kills eight.  Ukraine on Friday shot down a Russian strategic bomber involved in a deadly airstrike that killed eight people, including two children, in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The Russian attack damaged homes and infrastructure in Dnipro. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said Ukrainian forces had shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber from a distance of over 300 kilometers (180 miles), which he described as “quite far away."  Russia denied targeting civilians and claims the bomber crashed due to a technical fault.  Reuters 

Ukraine says it damaged Russian rescue ship in Crimea.  Ukraine's military said Sunday that it struck and damaged the Russian rescue vessel Kommuna in Sevastopol Bay, Crimea. The attack incapacitated the ship, which had been operational since 1913 and played a significant role in Russian naval operations, including a rescue mission for the flagship Moskva in 2022. This strike is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to weaken Russia's Black Sea Fleet, with about a third reportedly taken out of action since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.  Reuters

US weighs sending additional military advisers to Ukraine as Russia gains momentum.  The U.S. is considering deploying additional military advisers to its embassy in Kyiv, underscoring its ongoing commitment to Ukraine as Russia makes gains in its war.  These advisers will not engage in combat but will provide advisory support to the Ukrainian government and military on logistics, oversight, and weapons maintenance. The move aims to bolster Ukraine's capabilities in addition to new U.S. military aid for Kyiv.  Politico 

Russia’s Lavrov describes Kharkiv as key target. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday that Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, is a strategic target that is critical to Russia’s rule over Ukraine.  He said that Russia seeks to create a demilitarized “sanitary zone” around Kharkiv to protect nearby Russian territories from Ukrainian attacks.  More widely, he said the Kremlin wants a Ukraine "that is truly Russian, that wants to be part of the Russian world, that wants to speak Russian and educate its children."  Business Insider DPA 

Russia says US facing humiliation in Ukraine like in Vietnam. On Sunday, Russia criticized the U.S.'s decision to provide an additional $60.84 billion in aid to Ukraine, interpreting it as deepening involvement in a hybrid war that Moscow predicts will end in humiliation for the U.S., comparable to its experiences in Vietnam and Afghanistan.  After the approval of the new aid, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the U.S. of pushing Ukraine to continue fighting "to the last Ukrainian” and encouraging attacks on Russian territory and civilians. She warned of a "resolute response" from Russia and characterized the U.S. strategy as a likely failure, similar to past military debacles.  Reuters Associated Press

The Americas

Senate reauthorizes Section 702.  The Senate early Saturday approved a bill to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for two years, just after a midnight deadline.  The Senate voted 60-34 for the reauthorization, after several amendments failed.  The legislation, which passed the House last week and was signed by President Joe Biden later on Saturday, faced a last-minute lobbying effort by progressive and conservative senators to derail it, partially due to concerns that a vaguely written House amendment could grant U.S. intelligence agencies the authority to compel ordinary Americans to aid in government surveillance. The Biden administration and the measure's authors rejected these claims, saying that the bill contained dozens of reforms and safeguards that would enhance privacy protections for Americans.  Wall Street Journal CNN The Hill

House approves legislation targeting TikTok.  The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that could lead to a U.S. ban on TikTok.  In a bipartisan vote of 360-58, the House attached the TikTok bill to Ukraine and Israel aid.  The measure would give TikTok 270 days to be divested from Chinese parent company Bytedance or face a ban.  The timeline is longer than the roughly six months considered in previous versions of the legislation, and the bill also allows the White House to extend the divestment deadline by 90 days if there is progress towards a sale.  TikTok has opposed the measure and hinted it could take legal action to block the legislation.  CNN Washington Post

ANALYSIS — How Mike Johnson got to ‘Yes’ on aid to Ukraine.  House Speaker Mike Johnson risked his speakership by pushing the $95 billion foreign aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific allies through the House on Saturday, marking a remarkable personal and political transformation.  Johnson had largely opposed efforts to fund Kyiv's war effort and declared early in his speakership that he would never allow the matter to come to a vote until his party's border demands were met.  Johnson later made clear his intention to band together with Democrats to push through the aid package, despite objections from many in his party, saying that “history judges us for what we do” and that providing aid to Ukraine is “critically important.” Johnson attributed his change in stance partly to the intelligence briefings he received.  New York Times

US Air Force stages dogfights with AI-flown fighter jet.  An experimental fighter jet, the X-62A VISTA, engaged in the first-ever artificial intelligence-powered dogfights against an F-16, according to the Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The successful effort to have the X-62A VISTA participate in aerial combat practice could help the Air Force further refine its plans for autonomous drone wingmen, known as collaborative combat aircraft. VISTA, a heavily modified F-16 used to test cutting-edge aerospace technology and autonomous flight capabilities. DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program has been working for the last four years to refine how the military can use AI for air warfare.  Defense News

Haiti's capital under gang attacks ahead of government transition.  Armed gangs launched fresh attacks in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, ahead of the installation of a transitional council for a new government. Reports indicate arson and heavy gunfire in the city center, with clashes between police and gangs in Lower Delmas. Voice recordings attributed to gang leader Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier circulated on social media, allegedly ordering the burning of houses in the area. Gangs also looted the State University of Haiti's medical facility, and attacks occurred in the Petion-Ville suburb. The attacks coincide with preparations for the council's installation, aimed at replacing Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Haiti's gangs, under the alliance "Viv Ansanm" (Living Together), have intensified attacks since Henry's pledge to step down. The country faces challenges in establishing a security support force, with delays exacerbated by political instability and gang violence. Reuters Associated Press 

Asia and Oceania

House approves aid for Indo-Pacific region.  In addition to aid for Israel and Ukraine, the House passed the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental bill to bolster the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region.  The aid includes $8.1 billion to counter China’s influence in the region, $3.3 billion for the development of submarine infrastructure, $2 billion for foreign military financing for Taiwan and other allies, and $1.9 billion to replace U.S. military equipment sent to Taiwan and other regional partners.  CNN Axios

Blinken to warn China over military support for Russia.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China this week, hoping to convey U.S. concerns about Chinese companies' support for Russia's war effort while working to prevent further deterioration of U.S.-Chinese relations.  During his trip to Shanghai and Beijing from April 24th to 26th, Blinken will affirm that Washington and its allies stand united against China's role in providing components for Russian cruise missiles, drones, and other military technology that has enabled Moscow to escalate defense production in its invasion of Ukraine.  The aid allows China to not cross the U.S. red line of providing lethal assistance in the form of weapons or munitions.  Bloomberg

Philippines, U.S. troops begin annual combat drills.  Nearly 17,000 Filipino and American troops began their annual three-week “Balikatan” military drills in the Philippines on Monday.  This year’s exercises include maritime drills in the South China Sea, including in areas outside Philippine territorial waters for the first time.  France and Australia will also join the exercises.  Officials say the drills aim to boost interoperability and are not directed at an external aggressor, though they come amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over maritime disputes in the region.  Reuters  

Philippines disowns alleged deal with China over maritime disputes.  Philippines National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said that any secret deal between China and the previous government before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration regarding the disputed South China Sea would be against the national interest and is no longer valid.  He said the current administration is unaware of any secret or “gentleman's agreement,” and if such an agreement was made under a previous administration, it has been rescinded.  Ano also warned against falling into a trap that seeks to sow division in the country and weaken its resolve in asserting sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, Manila's term for parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone.  Bloomberg

China says committed to using dialogue to resolve regional maritime disputes.  Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, said on Monday that Beijing remains committed to resolving maritime disputes with other countries through dialogue, though he added that China will not be “abused.”  Speaking at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, he added that the region should not be a place for countries to flex “gunboat muscles” and that “those who make deliberate provocations, stoke tensions, or support one side against another for selfish gains will ultimately only hurt themselves.”  He also said "carrying out maritime containment, encirclement and island blockades will only plunge the world into a vortex of division and turbulence."  His comments come amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.  The symposium is a rare chance for opposing regional interests to exchange views.  Participants will hold closed-door talks on topics like updating the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, and they will vote on the creation of a new China-coordinated working group on unmanned systems, according to the forum agenda.  Reuters

Chinese foreign minister arrives in Cambodia, Beijing’s closest Southeast Asian ally. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Cambodia on Sunday for a three-day official visit, the last stop on his three-nation regional tour that also included Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Wang's visit, aimed at reaffirming ties with Beijing's closest ally in Southeast Asia, comes amid foreign concerns about two major Chinese-funded projects in Cambodia: a planned canal and a naval base, which critics allege could aid Beijing's strategic military interests in the regions  China has a strong influence on Cambodia’s economy, with numerous Chinese-funded infrastructure projects and private investments and more than 40% of Cambodia's $10 billion in foreign debt owed to China.  Stars and Stripes Associated Press 

North Korea fires ballistic missiles.  North Korea fired “several” short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Monday.  A Japanese government alert and its coast guard said North Korea fired at least one missile, which Japanese broadcaster NHK said landed outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone.  South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from near Pyongyang and flew around 186 miles before landing in the sea.  The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Monday that it was aware of the launches, which it assessed posed no immediate threat to U.S. forces or allies.  Reports of the launch came as South Korea’s top military officer, Admiral Kim Myung-soo, hosted Gen. Stephen Whiting, the commander of U.S. Space Command, to discuss North Korea’s reconnaissance satellite development and military cooperation with Russia.  Reuters 

One dead, seven missing after Japanese Navy helicopters crash.  Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters crashed in the Pacific Ocean during a night-time anti-submarine training exercise on Saturday off the coast of Torishima island, 370 miles south of Tokyo. One crew member is confirmed dead and a search for seven other crew members is ongoing.  Data flight recorders were recovered.  They showed no sign of mechanical problems, indicating likely human error.  Investigations are continuing.  Associated Press Bloomberg Reuters Al Jazeera BBC   

India signals its largest-ever order for fighter jets.Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian state-owned aerospace company, has received a request from the Ministry of Defence for 97 Tejas aircraft, also known as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), potentially the largest-ever order for the light fighters.  The Tejas warplanes are crucial for the Indian Air Force, which currently has only 31 fighter squadrons compared to the mandated level of 42.  HAL currently operates two Tejas production lines in Bangalore, each capable of producing eight aircraft annually.  A third production line in Nashik, Maharashtra, is set to open in October, potentially increasing the company's annual output to 24 LCAs by 2025 or 2026.  Defense News

Europe

E.U. ministers to discuss air defense for Ukraine, Iran sanctions. European Union foreign ministers meet in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses and expanding sanctions on Iran. While the ministers will also discuss the war in Sudan, most of their focus will be on the conflicts raging on the 27-member bloc’s eastern and southern doorsteps – in Ukraine and the Middle East. Reuters

Finland on new frontline with Russia.  Finland has fortified NATO’s newest and longest border with Russia, deploying guards on skis, helicopters, and drones, and constructing a 13-foot high fence with barbed wire and electronic surveillance. This escalation in border security reflects Finland's response to apparent hybrid warfare tactics from Russia, including the alleged directing of migrant waves to destabilize the Finnish border and alleged involvement in cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage. “We have thought about peacetime and wartime as separate for decades,” said Jarno Limnell, a Finnish parliamentarian who has long warned about Russia’s threat to Finland. “The edges of those concepts are slowly becoming blurred with shades of gray between peace and war. This is the new normal in living with Russia.”  Wall Street Journal

Moldova’s Pro-Russia Parties Gather in Moscow to Plot Strategy. A branch of Moldova's pro-Russian opposition met in Moscow on Sunday to create a new anti-European political bloc called “Victory,” affiliated with fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, which aims to derail the nation's planned European Union accession process.  The bloc seeks to challenge President Maia Sandu and her pro-European government in upcoming elections.  Shor, the coordinator and financier of the participating parties, is subject to a 15-year prison term in Moldova for masterminding a $1 billion scam in the country's banking system.  He is currently based in Israel and frequently travels to Moscow.  Moldova faces three crucial votes in just over a year: a presidential election on October 20th, where Sandu will face a pro-Russian candidate, a pro-EU. constitutional referendum on the same day, and parliamentary elections in the summer of 2025.  Bloomberg Kyiv Independent  RFE/RL 

Chisinau airport evacuated following bomb threat. Chisinau International Airport in Moldova was evacuated Sunday due to a bomb threat, with all passengers and staff removed and on-site checks conducted by the Interior Ministry.  The airport had been evacuated a day earlier due to a similar bomb threat, which ended up being a false alarm. Tensions in the region are high, with concerns about potential destabilization by Russia, particularly regarding the breakaway region of Transnistria, ahead of upcoming elections.  Kyiv Independent

Middle East

Iran’s Supreme leader tacitly acknowledges that Iran’s attack on Israel fizzled.  Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, on Sunday acknowledged that Tehran failed to inflict serious damage on Israel with its April 13 missile and drone attack.  He dismissed the disappointing outcome as irrelevant, inferring that the message behind the attack was more important.  “Debates by the other party about how many missiles were fired, how many of them hit the target and how many didn’t, these are of secondary importance,” Khamenei said in a meeting attended by senior officers in the military, police and paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.  “The main issue is the emergence of the Iranian nation and the Iranian military’s will in an important international arena. This is what matters.” Khamenei added in a post on X, “In Operation True Promise, the armed forces showed a good image of their capabilities and power and an admirable image of the Iranian nation. They also proved the emergence of the power of the Iranian nation's determination at the international level”  Associated Press Bloomberg Bloomberg X/Khamenei Al Jazeera

Five rockets fired from Iraq towards U.S. military base in Syria.  On Sunday, five rockets were launched from Iraq’s town of Zummar at a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria’s Rumalyn.  No U.S. casualties were reported, and the rockets did not significantly impact the base.  In response, U.S.-led coalition forces conducted a retaliatory strike against the rocket launcher.  This attack, disclosed by Iraqi security sources and a U.S. official, marks the first such incident since early February following a hiatus in attacks by Iranian-backed Iraqi groups.  The strike occurred shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's U.S. visit to the U.S., which included a meeting with President Joe Biden.  Reuters

Kurdish separatists and water issues loom large in long-awaited Erdogan visit to Iraq.  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Iraq on Monday for the first time in over a decade, aiming to enhance cooperation in the fight against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a Kurdish militant group active in northern Iraq. Erdogan announced plans for a summer operation against the PKK to "permanently" eliminate the threat posed by the group.  The visit also addressed critical issues like halted oil and gas exports to Turkey and shared water resources.  Associated Press 

Africa

Niger’s eviction of US commandos, drones derails America’s counterterror strategy. Niger has expelled U.S. counterterrorism forces, including 1,000 commandos and drone operations, delivering a blow to America's strategy against Islamist insurgencies in Western Africa. This move follows Niger's military coup and increased cooperation with Russia, marked by anti-U.S. protests and the arrival of Russian military instructors.  In response, the U.S. is planning to reposition its military support to a defensive perimeter around other West African countries to prevent militant infiltration. These adjustments are part of broader efforts to manage regional security amid shifting allegiances and the ongoing presence of groups like al Qaeda and Islamic State in the Sahel region.  Wall Street Journal New York Times Washington Post Associated Press

Nigeria expects first batch of Leonardo M-346 fighter jets this year.  Nigeria will receive the first six of 24 Italian M-346 light fighter-trainer aircraft it ordered by the end of the year, according to the country's Air Force. The jets, made by Italy’s Leonardo, will be used for close air support, air interdiction, tactical reconnaissance, and advanced pilot training. The 24 aircraft will be delivered in four batches of six.  The contract includes 25 years of logistic support.  Defense News 

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN

U.S. water facilities vulnerable to cyberattacks.  The U.S. government and industry are warning of increasing cybersecurity threats towards the water sector.  Challenges include outdated equipment, budget constraints, and insufficient training in cybersecurity.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the White House are urging governors to develop plans to address cybersecurity risks in water systems by June 28, and proposed legislation aims to establish cybersecurity mandates for the water sector.  The EPA has yet to enforce binding cybersecurity requirements for water industry after it withdrew previous guidelines due to concerns about cost burdens on facilities.  The threat remains pervasive, demonstrated in hacks of U.S. water facilities by Iranian, Russian and other hackers.  Wall Street Journal 

U.K. cyber agency announces new CEO.  Richard Horne is set to become the next CEO of Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).  Horne, who currently heads PwC UK's cybersecurity practice and has a background in cryptography, will be the agency's first leader with formal academic training in cybersecurity.  Horne’s appointment reflects the British government’s success in recruiting tech industry talent.  Horne will succeed Felicity Oswald, the interim CEO.  He is expected to further advance the NCSC's efforts in increasing societal resilience against cyber threats.  The Record 

U.S. commerce secretary downplays chip in Huawei phone.  U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo downplayed the chip powering Huawei's Mate 60 Pro phone, saying that it is not as advanced as American chips, which indicates the effectiveness of U.S. restrictions on shipments to Huawei.  Huawei has been targeted in U.S. efforts to limit China’s access to advanced semiconductors over concerns that they could be used to strengthen Chinese military capabilities.  However, some suppliers, including Intel, have received licenses to continue selling to Huawei.  Reuters

Report Info

The data cutoff for this product was 7:00 a.m. E.T.

Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Elaine Shannon, Allison Brown, Ken Hughes, Brian Bonner, Katharine Campbell, and Leighton Durham contributed to this report.

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