MTQ News

  BBC: Ukraine war: Russian oil depot hit in Ukrainian drone attack   Fire has broken out over a large area of an oil storage depot in southern Russia after officials say it was hit by a Ukrainian drone.  Russian media say four oil tanks caught alight and the fire then spread over an area of 1,000 sq m (10,763sq ft). Russian authorities in the Bryansk region say no-one was hurt.  The Bryansk governor said the drone was intercepted near the town of Klintsy and its explosives then fell on the oil depot.  The drone strike is the second on Russian oil facilities in two days.    Read more ....   WNU Editor: Four oil tanks were destroyed. This drone strike is the second on Russian oil facilities in two days.  Ukraine Targeting Russian Oil Plants   Oil Depot Catches Fire After Drone Downed in Russia's Bryansk Region -- Sputnik  Kyiv Claims New Attack on Oil Depot in Russia -- Moscow Times/AFP   Russian oil depot on f...

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) flying over the Nevada Test and Training Range on January 14, 2020 (Photo: AFP)   Trend News Line: American MQ-9 Reaper drone shot down near Migdadiyah in Diyala Province, Iraq   American MQ-9 Reaper drone shot down near Migdadiyah in Diyala Province, Iraq   In a recent incident that has sparked concern and raised questions about regional tensions, an American MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down near the town of Migdadiyah in Diyala Province, located in eastern Iraq. The downing of the drone, which occurred on January 18th, has prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.   The Drone Shot Down: What We Know So Far   According to reports, an MQ-9 Reaper drone, a remotely piloted aircraft used by the United States military for various purposes, was targeted and brought down in Diyala Province. The specific details of the incident, including who was responsible for shooting down t...

North Korean state media published these images of the "underwater nuclear system" when the drones were revealed last April BBC: N Korea conducts 'underwater nuclear weapons system' test - state media   North Korea says it has carried out a test of its "underwater nuclear weapons system" in response to drills by the US, South Korea and Japan this week.  The underwater drone, which supposedly can carry a nuclear weapon, was tested off the east coast, state media said.  There is no other evidence of the tests being conducted and Seoul had earlier said the North's descriptions of the drones' capability were exaggerated.  South Korea called the reported tests a "provocation". It "threatens peace on [the] Korean Peninsula and the world," the South Korea's defence ministry said, adding: "If North Korea directly provokes us, we will respond in an overwhelming manner following the principle of immediate, strong, and term...

An employee works on an electric vehicle assembly line in Ningde, Fujian province, in August. [Photo/Xinhua]   FOX News: 17 retired military officials raise alarm on Biden's electric vehicle push   Biden's EV push is 'clear example of tone-deaf policymaking,' retired military officials write  A coalition of 17 retired military officials — including multiple one-, two-, and three-star officers — are raising the alarm on President Biden's aggressive electric vehicle (EV) push over its national security implications.  In a letter addressed to Biden and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, the officials led by retired U.S. Army Major General James Marks warned that the president's plans for mass EV proliferation will increase reliance on Chinese supply chains.  They wrote that regulatory initiatives aimed at incentivizing EV adoption "intensify America’s vulnerability to political interference by the Chinese Communist Party....

  CNN: Putin’s war must not become ‘frozen,’ Zelensky warns as Ukraine’s troops face shortages of weaponry and aid   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a passionate plea to leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, urging them not to allow Russia’s war in Ukraine to become “frozen.”  Speaking in person at the conference for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly two years ago, Zelensky said Ukraine had defied expectations in repelling Moscow’s forces for so long and that its allies “know what’s needed” to allow “progress on the ground,” which has been in short supply for many months.  At the start of Zelensky’s address, which he delivered in English, he said he understood many in the audience would be asking difficult questions: “When will the war end? Is the third world war possible? Is it time to negotiate with Putin?”   Read more ....  Russia -Ukraine War -- News Updates January 18, 2024 ...

  Newsweek : Ukraine Drone Targets Putin's Home Region for the First Time   A drone has targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin's home region, Leningrad, for the first time since full-scale war in Ukraine began, Russia said on Thursday.  The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that a drone was shot down over the Leningrad region overnight.  Putin was born in Leningrad, which changed its name to St. Petersburg in 1991. However, the region, or oblast, around the city retains its Soviet-era name.   Read more ....   WNU editor : This Ukraine minister is saying the drone that was used to strike St. Petersburg has a 1,250km range .... Minister confirms Ukraine hit 'a target' near St Peterburg with homegrown drone (Kyiv Independent).  For the First Times Since The Start Of The War Russia Downs Drone Over St. Petersburg   Ukrainian drone downed near St. Petersburg – MOD -- RT   In First, Russia Downs Drone Over St. Petersburg -- Mos...

  WNU Editor : Not a good day for Ukraine. Russian advancements are being reported at numerous sections along the frontlines. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/L1TjrqU via IFTTT

  WNU Editor: A lot of updates today. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/fZCVlMH via IFTTT

  CNBC : Biden designates Houthis terrorist group, as U.S. ramps up Red Sea counterstrikes   * The U.S. has designated the Yemen-based Houthis as specially designated global terrorists.  * The State Department revoked the Houthis’ foreign terrorist organization label in 2021, in response to humanitarian groups that claimed it was accelerating a famine in Yemen.  * The Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea have threatened global trade over the past months.  The U.S. State Department on Wednesday designated the Iranian-backed, Yemen-based Houthi rebels as specially designated global terrorists, or SDGTs, in an effort to deter further attacks against commercial ships traversing the Red Sea.  The SDGT designation triggers an asset freeze aimed at cutting off Houthi financing, but will not take effect until mid-February. The SDGT sanctions specifically do not apply to food, medicine, fuel and other humanitarian assistance going to the Yemeni...

  Middle East Eye: War on Gaza: Israel pummels Khan Younis, damaging field hospital and razing cemetery   Israeli jets and tanks kill several Palestinians near Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza after night of 'terrifying' attacks   The Jordanian army on Wednesday accused Israel of a "flagrant breach of international law" after its field hospital in southern Gaza's Khan Younis was badly damaged by Israeli overnight shelling. This came after Israeli forces heavily shelled and bombed the vicinity of Nasser Hospital, the main medical facility in Khan Younis, on Tuesday night, killing at least 23 people.   Read more ....   Live Updates Live Updates: The latest on Israel's war in Gaza -- CNN   Live - Israel-Hamas war: International law being ignored — Guterres -- DW   Israel’s war on Gaza live: US designates Yemen’s Houthis ‘terrorist group’ -- Al Jazeera Israel’s war on Gaza live: Israeli forces kills 11 in West Bank attacks -- Al Jaz...

  CNN: US carries out additional strikes against Houthis in Yemen   The US military launched new strikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen on Tuesday, targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles controlled by the Iran-backed rebel group, a two US defense officials told CNN on Tuesday. US forces struck and destroyed four Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles that were preparing to launch from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the officials said, adding that they presented an imminent threat to merchant and US Navy vessels in the area.  A few hours later, however, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea, hitting the M/V Zografia, a Maltese flagged bulk carrier, the officials said. The ship did not suffer significant damage and was able to continue its journey.   Read more ....   Update #1 : The US strikes the Yemen-based Houthis again, hitting anti-ship missiles, a US official says -- AP ...

  Reuters: Israel carries out intense strikes on Hezbollah in south Lebanon   JERUSALEM/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Israel unleashed an intense barrage of air strikes on a valley in south Lebanon, Lebanese security sources and the Israeli military said, after a rare Israeli acknowledgment of a special forces operation on the border.  Lebanese security sources told Reuters there were at least 16 airstrikes in quick succession on the Suluki Valley, describing them as the "densest bombardment of a single location" since border-area hostilities began three months ago.  The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia has been trading fire across Lebanon's southern border with Israeli forces in support of Palestinian ally Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Hamas militants rampaged across the Gaza border into Israel on Oct. 7, prompting an Israeli invasion of the enclave backed by heavy air strikes.   Read more ....  Israel Launches Intense Strikes On Hezbollah In South Lebanon   ...

  WNU Editor: A lot of updates today.  The deployment of German forces to Poland. German reports that Russia will invade the Baltics after the Ukraine war. A UK - Ukraine security agreement. The expectation of a second Russian invasion of northern Ukraine in 2024. Laying the groundwork for a massive arms package to Ukraine in the coming months. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/OcMbjmf via IFTTT

Image from Wikipedia, anecdotes by Mish   Euractiv: Germany wrestles with calls to ban AfD – again   Revelations that members of Germany’s far-right AfD party secretly met with extremist neo-Nazis and businessmen in a hotel in November have sparked fresh calls for the party to be thrown out of parliament at a time it is polling higher than any of the governing parties at 22%.  The revelation was published by independent and investigative not-for-profit newsroom Correctiv, which cites a secretive meeting attended by high-ranking politicians from the AfD, neo-Nazis and influential businessmen in a hotel near Potsdam at the end of November.  But while the revelation has rattled the German political scene, with high level politicians expressing favour for the ban, the Federal Government appears to be treading lightly.   Read more ....   WNU Editor : So much for democracy in Germany.  Germany's Government Is Pondering To Ban The Country's Second M...

  BBC: 100 days since Hamas attacked Israel, triggering war in Gaza   One hundred days ago, the previously unthinkable happened in Israel.  A state, born out of adversity and war only 75 years ago, woke up to what some have since described as a threat to its very existence.  On Saturday night, in Tel Aviv, the events of 7 October were commemorated by thousands of people.  Uppermost on the minds of everyone were the around 130 hostages abducted by Hamas and still being held in Gaza, although some of them may not still be alive.  Just after dawn 100 days ago, thousands of heavily armed Hamas fighters stormed through and over the Gaza border fence in several different places. Read more ....  Live Updates   Live: Hamas-Israel war enters its 100th day, families of hostages held in Gaza protest -- France 24   Live Updates - Israel-Hamas war: Hostage families hold 24-hour rally -- DW   Middle East crisis live: maritime navigatio...

Since the war beginning in February 2022, the Biden government has sent more than $75 billion in cash and equipment to Ukraine for defense. Jan. 11, 2024. Photo: X/@PlanetReportHQ   The New Voice of Ukraine : U.S. suspends military aid to Ukraine - White House  In what must sound like music to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s ears, the military aid that the U.S. had been providing to Ukraine has currently been halted, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said during a press briefing on Jan. 11. Further assistance depends on the decision of Congress, which must support an additional request for national security to receive more funding.  “The assistance that we provided has now ground to a halt,” Kirby said. “The attacks that the Russians are conducting are only increasing. And now, as I talked about earlier this week, they’re using North Korean ballistic missiles to do their dirty work. So, the — the need is acute right now, particularly in t...

  Daily Mail : Biden faces fury from the left for launching airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen without going to Congress: Democrats rage at the 'unacceptable violation of the constitution' as Turkey accuses US and UK of turning Red Sea into a 'bloodbath'   * Airstrikes in Yemen against several Houthi military targets on Thursday night  * US joined forces with UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands to carry out the blitz  President Joe Biden is facing rage from the left for launching overnight airstrikes in Yemen without congressional approval.  It came as Turkey accused the US and UK of turning the Red Sea into a 'bloodbath' and there were growing fears of widespread escalating violence in the Middle East.  Democrats on Capitol Hill claim it was 'unconstitutional' for the president to order US fighter jets, destroyers and submarines to hit targets used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: The US a...

  CBS: Israel faces accusation of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in case brought by South Africa at U.N. court   Israel went on trial Thursday at the United Nations' International Court of Justice, accused by South Africa of committing the crime of genocide with its ongoing military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.  On December 29, South Africa became the first country to file a suit against Israel alleging that its operations in Gaza constitute genocide.  During Thursday's opening session, South Africa laid out its allegations and asked the court to order an immediate halt to Israel's military operations in Gaza.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: Israel has responded .... Netanyahu condemns ICJ genocide case; Gazans return to wasteland in north (Reuters).   Update: The U.S. is in an uncomfortable position .... In Genocide Case Against Israel at The Hague, the U.S. Is the Unnamed Co-Conspirator (The Intercept).   Upda...

  ABC News Australia: Violent riots in PNG leave 16 people dead, as PM declares state of emergency for 14 days   Prime Minister James Marape has declared a state of emergency in Papua New Guinea after 16 people died in violent riots sparked by a police strike on Wednesday.   The prime minister announced the measure would last for 14 days, with 1,000 defence personnel on standby to react to any escalation in violence.  Nine people have died in the country's capital of Port Moresby while a further seven were killed in Lae, PNG's second largest city, according to an update from Lae Metro Command on Thursday.   Read more ....  Papua New Guinea Declares State Of Emergency After At Least 16 People Are Killed In Violent Riots   Riots in Papua New Guinea’s 2 biggest cities reportedly leave 15 dead -- AP   Papua New Guinea: PM declares state of emergency in capital -- DW   Papua New Guinea: At least 15 dead after major rioting and loot...

A map showing the region around the Gulf of Oman where the oil tanker St Nikolas was seized by the Iranian navy © Kevin TRUBLET, Anibal MAIZ CACERES / AFP    CNBC: Iran seizes oil tanker involved in U.S. dispute off coast of Oman   * Iran has captured an oil tanker previously involved in a Washington-Tehran dispute over carrying U.S.-sanctioned crude, state media said.   * Earlier on Thursday, the U.K. Marine Trade Operations said an unnamed tanker was boarded by armed individuals near the Gulf of Oman and appeared to change course toward Iranian waters.  * The tanker is embroiled in a dispute between Iran and the U.S. and previously surrendered Iranian crude to U.S. authorities following allegations of sanctions violations.  Iran on Thursday captured an oil tanker previously involved in a Washington-Tehran dispute over carrying U.S.-sanctioned crude, Iranian state media said.  The Iranian navy seized the vessel St. Nikolas in the Gulf o...