China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, the first of its Zhou-class line, sank pierside in the spring, with the Chinese Navy attempting to conceal the incident, according to U.S. defense officials. The submarine, recognized by its X-shaped stern, disappeared from satellite images after March. The loss was first noticed due to unusual crane activity at the shipyard. China prioritizes the modernization of its navy, aiming to rival … Continue reading China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year, US officials say

The U.S. announced an agreement with Iraq to end its military mission against ISIS by 2025, with American troops leaving some long-held bases. Although details on troop numbers were not provided, U.S. forces will relocate to Erbil in northern Iraq during a two-phase transition. The Biden administration emphasized the shift to a bilateral security relationship by 2026, though some troops may remain at the request … Continue reading Wrapping up mission, US troops leaving longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

The U.S. Coast Guard has observed increased Chinese and Russian naval activity around Alaska and the northern Pacific, according to Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson. While Russian and Chinese vessels sometimes enter the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, interactions have remained professional, with the Coast Guard monitoring and communicating with them. Tiongson noted the growing cooperation between the two navies in the region, NBC News has … Continue reading Coast Guard watching uptick in Russian, Chinese navy activity near Alaska

Saudi Arabia is expanding its cloud-seeding program to boost rainfall in its arid regions, according to Deputy Environment Minister Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Faqeeha said recent advances in AI, meteorology, and remote sensing have improved the program, which initially struggled in the early 2000s. The initiative aims to increase water supply and combat desertification, though cloud-seeding remains controversial due to … Continue reading Saudi Arabia to expand controversial cloud seeding program

The IDF targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on the group’s headquarters in Beirut. Multiple explosions were heard, and extensive damage was reported. Israeli officials believe it is unlikely Nasrallah survived the strike, though Hezbollah sources claim he is alive. Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the attack, consulting with senior defense officials beforehand. Following the strike, Israel emphasized its readiness for further operations. Hezbollah … Continue reading Israel strike targets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut

Hurricane John has strengthened again, bringing heavy rain to Mexico’s southwestern coast, affecting ports and tourist areas already soaked by the slow-moving storm. Since Monday, John has caused significant disruptions, including airport closures and mudslides that claimed at least five lives. Meteorologists describe John as a “zombie” storm, reviving after weakening. With 75 mph winds, the storm is stationary near the coast, threatening further flash … Continue reading ‘Zombie’ storm Hurricane John regains strength as it returns to coastal Mexico

The Japanese destroyer Sazanami passed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time on Wednesday, marking a significant move amid rising tensions with China, which opposes foreign warships in the area. The transit, ahead of multinational naval drills, aligns Japan with the U.S. and its allies in asserting that the strait is international waters with freedom of navigation. Japan’s action reflects its growing military assertiveness in response … Continue reading Japan flexes in Taiwan Strait, sending warship through disputed waters

Sudan’s army launched a major offensive in Khartoum to regain territory from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with air raids and artillery targeting RSF positions. The army has retaken key bridges and advanced toward the presidential palace, but heavy fighting continues. At least four people were killed in RSF shelling. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF … Continue reading Sudan’s army launches major offensive on Khartoum

Taiwanese prosecutors have questioned four people, including current and former employees, in their investigation of a Taiwanese company linked to pagers used in deadly explosions in Lebanon, allegedly targeting Hezbollah. Israel is suspected of being behind the attack, though it has not confirmed this. Taiwan-based Gold Apollo denies manufacturing the devices, which were traced to a Hungary-based company. The investigation is ongoing, with Taiwan working … Continue reading Taiwan prosecutors say 4 questioned so far over exploding pagers linked to Hezbollah

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, aiming to deter Western support for Ukrainian attacks on Russia. The revisions imply that any conventional attack on Russia backed by a nuclear power would be considered a joint strike, potentially lowering the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons. The U.S. and EU condemned Putin’s statements as “irresponsible.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken … Continue reading Kremlin says changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine are intended as a warning to the West