S2 Underground

//The Wire//1700Z November 21, 2024//

//PRIORITY//

//BLUF: RUSSIA LAUNCHES POSSIBLE ICBM IN UKRAINE IN LIKELY RETALIATORY STRIKE FOR UKRAINE’S PRIOR ATACMS TARGETING.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Europe: Overnight Russia conducted a possible ICBM (or MRBM) attack in the Ukrainian district of Dnipropetrovsk. The exact target of the strike is unknown (nor likely matters much) as multiple munitions were observed to be striking the area from many miles away, possibly indicating the use of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). As such, it’s very likely that this strike was more about sending a message rather than its targeting effectiveness in the battlespace. The exact missile used remains unconfirmed, however the payload of each warhead was obviously a conventional munition or an inert training warhead.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: Some sources (mostly of Ukrainian origin) claim Russia launched an RS-26 RUBEZH ICBM from Astrakhan, which in the absence of any quasi-reliable information is just as good a theory as any. Other theories suggest it may have been a new experimental Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) so as to have an increased payload capacity. Various unnamed “western sources” have claimed that Russia did not launch an ICBM, and that the strike was carried out by some other experimental weapons platform.

If confirmed to be an ICBM strike, this would mark the first use of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles in combat. Considering this potential, and this new development being outside the scope of normalcy, American officials might do well to change their perspective and re-examine their decisions. It doesn’t make it right, or even moral. But if Russia is willing to use an ICBM in Ukraine, even a conventional one, perhaps a reexamining of the situation might be worthwhile. Generally speaking, when a man uses an ICBM one might be inclined to think he is rather serious. Right now, bureaucrats in Washington are surely reading reports written by some junior analyst, and scoffing at the attack being conducted with conventional (or even training) warheads…completely oblivious to the fact that if this was an ICBM (or even some new MRBM), and one that that had been outfitted with its standard payload, they might not be alive to read that report in the first place.

Speaking more strategically from a prepared citizen perspective, much can be learned from the first non-training use of an ICBM launch. We now have a wealth of data to consider, and the early-warning indicators that this launch was about to take place.

Multiple indicators were present, and observable by the public, over the past 24 hours. Though at the time, none were definitive proof of what was about to happen. American strategic radio traffic on the High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) increased significantly in the hours before the launch, with many radio messages being sent yesterday evening. Seeing as absolutely zero E-4B NIGHTWATCH or E-6 MERCURY aircraft were observed on flight tracking websites…this absence was probably a clue. HFGCS radio chatter usually involves these aircraft, so no aircraft showing up on flight tracking sites could indicates that aircraft were indeed airborne…but flying with their transponders turned off as they would do in a time of war. These airframes are critical components of America’s strategic force, with the main mission of coordinating communications in the event of a nuclear war.

On the other side of the wire, Russian strategic aircraft were also observed to be making slightly abnormal flights. Again, not enough out of the ordinary to be worthy of mention on their own, but in hindsight Russia’s version of their “doomsday” planes were absolutely conducting operations in support of this launch.

All of this points to the challenges of predicting major world events. Cleary, the U.S.

//The Wire//2300Z November 20, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: USA EMBASSY IN KIEV CLOSES DUE TO IMMINENT AIR ATTACK. USA DECIDES TO BEGIN USE OF ANTI-PERSONNEL LANDMINES IN UKRAINE.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Europe: This morning, the U.S. Embassy in Kiev reported that they will be closed for the day as employees shelter in place due to “a potential significant air attack”. AC: No further information was given on the Embassy’s website, however in the context of recent developing events, retaliatory strikes by Russia are to be expected at this time, probably to include strikes in Kiev.

This morning Ukraine reportedly used British Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russia for the first time, drawing the United Kingdom into the recent escalation of tensions along with the United States. No statement has been released by the British MoD confirming or denying such targeting efforts.

-HomeFront-

Washington D.C. - Yesterday afternoon the Biden regime announced a change in the military doctrine regarding the use of Anti-Personnel Landmines (APLs). In a shift of long-standing policy, APLs will now be authorized for use outside of the Korean Peninsula, specifically in Ukraine. This comes as initial reporting indicates the White House is preparing another $275 million aid package for Ukraine.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: The history of the use of Anti-Personnel landmines by the United States is long and tenuous. Quite literally, the study of the history of terrain denial tools (such as landmines) spans many centuries and involves everyone from Julius Caesar to Princess Diana. Up until Donald Trump’s first term, the United States had forbade the use of APLs outside of the Korean Peninsula (where they obviously form a major component of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)). Trump rescinded this policy, and allowed for more free use of APLs around the world. For the most part, this policy wasn’t actually used in practice as there was no conflict during Trump’s term that would have benefited from the use of landmines on the battlefield. Biden, upon arriving in office, reverted back to the previous doctrine restricting their use to only Korea. Now, Biden has rescinded his own policy, and directly begun supplying Ukraine with APLs in addition to the tens of thousands of Anti-Tank (AT) landmines already in extremely widespread use on all sides.

In terms of what escalation this development will cause, the truth is that this move probably won’t escalate much in terms of effects on the battlefield (but probably will escalate the diplomatic situation to some degree). Russian doctrine on landmines has traditionally been nowhere near as stringent as the United States…the Russians have planted landmines like potatoes in virtually every conflict they have ever been in. Russia has likely sewn hundreds of thousands of landmines throughout the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, to include all kinds of strange and horrific forms of Anti-Personnel landmine. Ukraine has done so as well, largely taking from the stockpiles of domestic Soviet-era munitions they had before the war. Make no mistake, Russia has regularly used munitions that the United States has banned herself, so militarily Russia has indeed used “worse” weapons throughout this conflict. As has Ukraine, when her pre-war weapons stockpiles have allowed. The distinction being Russia has not claimed to abide by various domestic policies (and some international weapons agreements/arms-limitation/non-proliferation treaties) that restrict their use of landmines. Both sides fighting as dirty as possible is to be expected in this war, but the United States pretending to be squeaky-clean in this conflict is a sentiment that should be duly noted by taxpayers.

This decision to allow the use of American APLs in Ukraine is not important due to the military advantage it offers…but rather the exact op

//The Wire// 2300Z November 19, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: UKRAINE CONDUCTS MISSILE STRIKES IN BRYANSK. FARMER PROTEST BEGINS IN LONDON. INVESTIGATION INTO BALTIC SEA CABLE INCIDENT CONTINUES AMID TENSIONS.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Europe: Overnight, Ukraine conducted long-range attacks against Russia with American-made munitions. Initial reports indicate 6x ATACMS missiles were launched at targets within the Russian region of Bryansk. AC: As with all data surrounding the Ukrainian war, battle damage is challenging to assess. Russian sources claim their S-400 systems shot 5x of the missiles down, however the sourcing of this data is obviously suspect at best. However, it may be a moot point now, as the world awaits Russia’s response.

In the Baltic, the investigation into the recent cable cuttings continues, with very few details remaining conclusive. The Telia cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden was cut at around 0800Z Sunday morning. The next day, the C-LION1 cable connecting Finland and Germany was cut at around 0200Z Monday morning. The companies who own the cables have also stated that they could remain offline for several more days as repairs get underway.

United Kingdom: This morning the farmer protest in London began, with tens of thousands of participants taking to the streets of London to protest the current crackdown on farming. Specifically, farmers have expressed dissent regarding a series of new inflammatory tax policies, tax breaks for foreign goods which undercut British products, a 20% inheritance tax that is perceived as intended to break up family farms, and the government authorizing misleading food labels that obscure nation of origin.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: As more scrutiny is placed on the cable-cutting incidents in the Baltic, more details paint an interesting picture.

Regarding who the culprit of these cable incidents may be, most theories of what caused the incident center around two main scenarios: either a Chinese cargo vessel intentionally dragging anchor at a critical moment, or Russian clandestine activities. The United States, also technically having the capability to tap and/or cut undersea cables naturally remains a suspect due to this military capability. Unlike the Nord Stream pipeline crisis of 2022, the United States likely has less motivation to attack these specific communications cables, though the potential for this to be a false-flag operation (as Russia has insinuated) does remain a detail worthy of some level of consideration. However, with almost no definitive proof to lean on, if the investigation reveals this incident was a deliberate act, the current geopolitical environment strongly suggests this was probably an act of sabotage conducted by Russia (or China, in partnership with Russia) as a means of retaliation for developing events in Ukraine.

The technical means of the cables themselves also provide more details than at first glance. Both cables, while largely running perpendicular routes along the sea floor, do intersect at one point. Statements from the companies who own the cables indicate that both were cut very close to each other, at this intersection point. However, the timing remains suspect. If the companies are not mistaken, and their data is accurate, these cables were cut within a few meters of each other…but almost a full day apart. This discrepancy will need to be cleared up during the investigation; it would have been far less suspicious if both had been cut at the same time at a rather unlucky point, as a dragging anchor could be the most likely slightly-less-nefarious culprit. This exact scenario occurred last year as a Chinese ship damaged several Baltic Sea cables in this manner back in October, 2023. If the investigation reveals that the cables were indeed damaged at the same time and in the same place, the anchor-dragging theory becomes t

//The Wire// 2100Z November 18, 2024//

//PRIORITY//

//BLUF: TWO UNDERSEA CABLES REPORTEDLY CUT IN THE BALTIC. U.S. AUTHORIZES UKRAINIAN USE OF LONG-RANGE MISSILES IN RUSSIA. BRITISH AIRWAYS AIRCRAFT GROUNDED THROUGHOUT EUROPE DUE TO CYBER EVENT.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Baltic Sea: This morning Finnish news media reported that the C-LION1 undersea communications cable has been cut. This cable provides internet and data connections between Finland and Germany. No official cause for the severed connection has been provided yet.

Separately, the Telia Company (an internet provider throughout the region) reported that one of their undersea cables has also been cut and/or damaged. The Telia cable providing internet connection to Lithuania from Finland was reportedly taken offline Sunday morning, with two additional secondary and tertiary backup cables allowing for some connectivity to Lithuania, albeit with a reduced bandwidth.

AC: Though the context of the heightened international tensions must be considered, undersea communications cables are frequently damaged and/or cut by innocent mistakes such as ships dragging anchor, or even purely natural incidents such as underwater mudslides. However, with two separate cables being impacted, the likelihood of nefarious intent becomes substantial. Most fingers point to Russia anyway, as Russia has a long-standing military mission to sever communications cables in the event of war. The United States has a similar mission as well, so pointing fingers is unlikely to do any good, especially due to the nature of the incident not exactly allowing for independent analysis. The intentional cutting of cables (or even the damaging of cables that is assumed to be nefarious in nature) is usually considered to be a prelude to a war involving the United States and Russia. However, considering the very few solid details (and going out on a limb to a degree), it’s possible that this is Russia’s way of showing their displeasure of the United States escalating the war in Ukraine. The Pentagon grants Ukraine permission to use long-range munitions, and Putin cuts a cable or two to show the west that, for them, the war is not merely confined to the borders of Ukraine.

Europe: This afternoon British Airways reported a major cyber outage, resulting in a grounding of all of their aircraft throughout the continent. Early reports suggest this outage impacted pilots’ abilities to electronically file flight plans and/or load sheets. The cause of the IT outage has not yet been disclosed, and it is not clear as to if British Airways is the only airline to be affected, though this remains a developing situation.

-HomeFront-

Texas: Friday evening Southwest Flight 2494 was struck by small arms fire while preparing to depart Dallas Love Field Airport. Few details have been released following this incident, however at least one bullet struck the front of the aircraft near the cockpit. No injuries were reported. AC: It’s not clear as to if this was an intentional targeting effort, or the byproduct of a random shooting outside the airport perimeter that just so happened to strike an aircraft. As the layout of the facility provides clear line of sight to aircraft taxiing throughout the airport from multiple angles, a person near the perimeter of the airport could have engaged any number of aircraft. It’s also not clear as to if other airlines at the airport conducted inspections of their own aircraft after the incident.

Washington D.C – Over the weekend (as previously mentioned), the Biden regime has decided to allow the use of long-range munitions by Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia. Previously, Ukraine was allegedly prevented from doing so as a means to prevent the further escalation of the war, and to side-step Russia’s previous rhetoric on this exact issue. A few weeks ago, Putin altered Russia’s formalized nucle

//The Wire// 2100Z November 15, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: ELECTION WOES CONTINUE IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA. SHADOW GOVERNMENT IDEA PROPOSED IN CONGRESS.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Brazil: Wednesday evening a man wearing an explosive vest conducted an attack on the front steps of the Brazilian Supreme Court. AC: Since the incident, specific details have been hard to verify, but this event is more in line with an extreme act of protest rather than a deliberate attack intended to cause mass destruction. In any case, the only life taken by the bombers actions was his own.

-HomeFront-

Pennsylvania: Open election fraud continues as the Bucks County Board of Commissioners has decided to count illegal votes, in direct violation of a previous court order. The Commissioners acknowledged they are breaking the law and violating a court order, but they will continue doing so anyway, with Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia stating that “I think we all know that precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country” and that “people violate laws anytime they want”.

Washington D.C. – As the incoming Trump administration continues to nominate various positions, opposition movements are beginning to take formation. North Carolina Representative Wiley Nickel has proposed the idea of a “Shadow Cabinet”, an unelected body of ministers who will serve to counter any moves the Trump administration may make.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: The idea of a “Shadow Cabinet” is interesting in that this idea likely originated from a variety of sources. For one, most European political systems include the use of a Shadow Cabinet as part of official governance measures. In short, in systems of governance that take the form of proportional representation, a very common aspect of that is for a potential Prime Minister to create a Shadow Cabinet, which essentially serves to show the public what that hopeful Prime Minister’s cabinet would look like. Having names and faces already established before the election, instead of appointments being made afterwards, is fairly common throughout Europe. However, what is common in Parliamentary systems is sometimes classified as sedition and treason in the political system we have in the United States. Having an “opposing team” of unelected Shadow Secretaries is also very likely to be perceived by the American people as the “deep state” freely coming out in the open to oppose anything Trump’s cabinet might do. Whether or not this idea will stick remains to be seen as this proposal seems to largely be a result of a visit from the ‘good idea fairy’ and not something that the true power players in Congress would actually need to resort to. Nevertheless, the intricacies of how law remains selectively applied will be cause for concern over the next few years.

Analyst: S2A1

//END REPORT//

//The Wire// 2300Z November 14, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: NEW FILIPINO LAWS DRAW IRE OF CHINA. COP29 SUMMIT CONTINUES. RFK JR. TAPPED TO BE HHS SECRETARY.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Far East: Tensions in the South China Sea remain tenuous as the Philippines adopts a series of new maritime laws dictating the boundaries of their territorial waters. Specifically, the new laws further cement the claims that have been made by the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal, as well as the Spratly Islands.

Azerbaijan: The COP29 climate summit continues in Baku, with most of this year’s discussion quietly pertaining to how the climate agenda will proceed now that Trump has won the election and will almost certainly backtrack from all international climate agenda programs.

-HomeFront-

Washington D.C. – The incoming Trump administration has continued cabinet nominations, with the nomination of RFK Jr. to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services today. AC: This announcement caused a significant drop in the stocks of over a dozen healthcare giants before the markets closed today, as RFK Jr. has been exceptionally vocal regarding his intentions to reduce the harm caused by the pharmaceutical industry.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: Both of the island chains claimed by the Philippines have also been claimed by China, and hotly contested by other nations over the years. As such, the Philippines claiming these islands outright has worsened tensions with China, and has resulted in China recalling the Filipino ambassador to address the matter. While this conflict goes back many decades, all players involved will probably take the opportunity to see what they can get away with as the eyes of a new American administration are upon them.

Analyst: S2A1

//END REPORT//

//The Wire// 2300Z November 13, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: HISTORIC FLOODS CONTINUE IN SPAIN. TRUMP BEGINS FORMING CABINET.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Middle East: The conflict continues as before. Yesterday the deadline imposed on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid in Gaza expired, with no real tangible effect. The Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon continues, with evacuation orders continuing to be given for varying districts in the southern regions of the country. The ground advance has been exceptionally slow over the past few weeks, with Israeli forces prioritizing the total clearance of one area, before moving to the next. Hezbollah operations continue regardless, with regular rocket attacks becoming increasingly more effective in targeting locations deeper inside Israel.

Spain: This afternoon, exceptionally severe flooding swept through the southern regions of the country, with the port city of Malaga reporting heavy damage due to the torrential rainfall. Much like the severe flooding that struck Valencia two weeks ago, flood warnings have been issued throughout the southern districts once again, as recovery efforts from the first flooding crisis continue. More rain is expected throughout the night, with school and business closures remaining in place throughout Malaga tomorrow.

-HomeFront-

New York: The FBI raided the apartment of Shayne Coplan (the CEO of Polymarket) this morning. No reason for the raid was provided, and all electronic devices were seized.

USA: The formation of the Trump administration continues, with many nominations formally being made over the past week. Some of the major nominations are as follows:

Secretary of State – Marco Rubio

Secretary of Defense – Pete Hegseth

CIA Director – John Ratcliffe

Director of Homeland Security – Kristi Noem

Border Czar – Tom Holman

National Security Advisor – Mike Waltz

Director of National Intelligence – Tulsi Gabbard

Attorney General – Matt Gaetz

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: The Trump administration has also announced the creation of a new position, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which is planned to be co-directed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. As usual, all of these positions will need to clear various Congressional hurdles over the coming weeks, and minor personnel changes for some positions may occur as a result.

Analyst: S2A1

//END REPORT//

//The Wire// 2300Z November 12, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: MORE AIRCRAFT HIT WITH SMALL ARMS FIRE IN HAITI, ALL FURTHER FLIGHTS GROUNDED. INTERNET/CELLULAR OUTAGES OCCUR AROUND THE UNITED STATES.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Haiti: Small arms attacks on commercial aircraft continue. Following the previous Spirit airlines effective Surface-to-Air Fire (SAFIRE) incident that wounded one flight attendant, a JetBlue aircraft that had flown to Port-au-Prince that same day was also later found to have suffered similar combat damage. Upon inspection after arrival in New York, JetBlue Flight 935 was found to have at least one bullet hole in the fuselage of the aircraft. Yesterday afternoon, a third aircraft, flying American Airlines Flight 819 was also found to have small arms damage as well. As ground fire has become light-to-moderate in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince, the FAA has grounded all civilian commercial flights into and out of the country for the next 30 days, in addition to the individual airlines suspending their flights into Haiti for several months. This afternoon the United Nations also suspended all flights into and out of the nation until further notice.

-HomeFront-

USA: Yesterday the FDA issued a recall of roughly 79,200 pounds of Kirkland brand butter sold by Costco. The reason for the recall is not due to any contamination or safety concern, but due to the label not explicitly stating that butter contains milk. AC: As one might expect, the ridiculous nature of this recall (and the FDA’s recommendation to dispose of or return the butter) has served as more of a societal observation than a label error itself.

USA: Various nationwide internet/cellular outages from a variety of carriers have been reported throughout the day. This morning a Verizon outage was reported for many customers throughout the northeastern US. Most of the outage appeared to have impacted FIOS customers along the east coast, who largely reported a total blackout of internet connectivity earlier today. No details were provided by Verizon regarding the origin or cause of the outage. This afternoon, T-Mobile customers reported similar outages out west, with reports of major cellular outages throughout southern Utah. Google Fi and Boost Mobile customers also reported random issues throughout the day.

Kentucky: This afternoon an explosion occurred at a factory in Louisville, resulting in catastrophic damage and the hospitalization of at least 11 employees. An explosion of unknown origin was reported at the Givaudan Sense Colour factory on Payne Street. A one-mile shelter-in-place zone has been established around the facility as many workers remain either missing or potentially trapped in the rubble. 

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: Initial analysis of what caused the blast in Kentucky is still ongoing. Explosions at industrial facilities are more common that one might think. However exceptionally catastrophic damage from such a kinetic explosion as this one is rare, especially one at a facility that primarily manufactures additives and coloring dyes for various food products. 

Analyst: S2A1

//END REPORT//

//The Wire// 2300Z November 11, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT ENGAGED BY SMALL ARMS IN HAITI. PROTESTS ERUPT IN SPAIN FOLLOWING INADEQUATE DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORTS.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Spain: Over the past few days, citizens throughout Valencia have demonstrated and protested in response to the poor administration and management of emergency resources in the wake of the severe flooding that swept through the region two weeks ago. Since the crisis struck, hundreds of casualties have been reported and widespread destruction of the city has made recovery efforts challenging. More recently, citizens have expressed frustration with the lack of significant resources dedicated to recovery efforts. Citizens are concerned that the government is not doing all it can to recover from this crisis, prompting protests.

Germany: A man was arrested in Elmshorn following an investigation of his alleged plans to conduct an attack at a Christmas market later this year. The man, a juvenile of Turkish heritage, was allegedly planning to conduct a vehicle ramming attack later this year. AC: Very few details have been provided regarding this alleged plot so far, possibly indicating an investigation is continuing. Threats specifically to Christmas markets in Germany have been substantial over the past few years, with vehicle-ramming attacks being a very high priority to defend against.

Haiti: This morning Spirit Airlines Flight NK951 from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic due to successful Surface-to-Air Fire (SAFIRE) which struck the aircraft as it attempted to land. Initial reports indicate that at least one round (possibly several) penetrated the passenger cabin. One flight attendant was wounded in the attack, sustaining a minor grazing gunshot wound.

Middle East: US CENTCOM released a statement this evening confirming multiple airstrikes being conducted within Syria to target (likely) Iranian proxy groups in response to multiple attacks on US personnel yesterday. 

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: In Haiti, the small arms attack on a commercial aircraft is by no means surprising as the conflict throughout the nation has continued. The international airport in Port-au-Prince is legendary as the typical approach/departure profile carries aircraft directly over some of the most infamous slums in the world. Various gangs control most of the territory to the west of the airport, and aircraft on short-final approach to the airport have been at extreme risk for very successful small arms attacks for years. Up until recently, the warlords and gangs controlling this key terrain have forbade their footsoldiers from shooting at commercial aircraft largely to protect the tourism industry. Aircraft not coming in to Haiti hurts the economy, which trickles down to financial impacts for the gangs influencing the country. Now that the government of Haiti has collapsed, and tourism is off the menu with gangs running the nation totally, the primitive form of stability offered by the gangs in the past has now descended into more infighting, more conflict, and less discipline. One incident is a case study, however due to the potential severity of this situation care should be taken for any air travel into or out of Haiti. Either the incident was a one-off lack of discipline (which if true has likely already been taken care of), or it is an indicator of a much larger trend that may be developing. Until more data is obtained, no reliable prediction can be made as to whether or not this will continue. However, finding volunteers willing to become the second data point will likely be challenging.

Analyst: S2A1

//END REPORT//

//The Wire// 2300Z November 8, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: FEMA WHISTLEBLOWERS LEAK ORDERS TO ABANDON TRUMP SUPPORTERS IN FLORIDA. ATTACKS/UNREST OCCURS IN AMSTERDAM FOLLOWING SOCCER MATCH. NORTH CAROLINA FREEWAY SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED. RESEARCH MONKEYS STILL ON THE LOOSE IN SOUTH CAROLINA.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

Netherlands: Authorities are investigating following what appears to be a series of attacks involving Islamic soccer fans in Amsterdam. Local media outlets are claiming that Islamic “residents” of Amsterdam were deliberately targeting Israeli soccer fans after a local tournament match, which resulted in the arrest of 62x assailants so far. 5x victims were hospitalized as a result of the attacks, with all five being discharged from the hospital this morning with non-life-threatening injuries.

-HomeFront-

Washington D.C. – This morning the Department of Justice unsealed the indictments of a three-person cell of Iran-affiliated individuals who allegedly planned to assassinate Donald Trump. Farhad Shakeri, the alleged leader of the group, was allegedly communicating with Iranian officials to conspire to assassinate Trump at some point after the election because Iran had assessed that Trump would lose and therefore be an easier target due to his reduced Secret Service protection detail. AC: Two of the three alleged conspirators have been arrested as part of this larger investigation, however Shakeri himself remains at large.

South Carolina: As of this morning, the escaped monkeys from the Alpha Genesis facility have not yet been recaptured, though local authorities have reported that their general location is known and traps have been set to recapture them.

North Carolina: A man has been arrested following a series of random shootings over the past few days in Raleigh. Andrew Thomas Graney was arrested after he shot at random cars along I-40 and residences in west Raleigh. AC: Initial reporting indicates the Raleigh shootings may have been more of a mental health incident rather than a deliberate terrorism attempt. However, the assailant did manage to shoot eight separate vehicles over the past few days, all scattered throughout different ambush sites along the freeway. As such, this attacker did exhibit a higher level of planning and deliberation than is commonly seen with mental health incidents. As of his arrest, no motive has yet been released by authorities, and only one injury has been reported as a result of these shootings.

Florida: This afternoon, whistleblower testimony leaked to the media indicates that FEMA officials issued deliberate and specific guidance for aid workers responding to the Hurricane Milton disaster zone to avoid conducting visits to homes that displayed signage in support of Trump. Specifically, FEMA agents and volunteers from other Department of Homeland Security divisions were told to avoid approaching homes where Trump signs were displayed, with several leaked messages confirming this policy does exist, and that the residences of Trump supporters were skipped over by FEMA workers, and that aid was not offered to these people as required by law. This afternoon, a FEMA spokesperson confirmed in an email with the originating media agency that the reporting is accurate, and that “extreme actions” are being taken to rectify this situation.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: As one might expect, the actions of FEMA employees to not render aid to people based on political ideology is exceptionally illegal in many ways if it is indeed true. At the moment, only one media outlet is running this story (so it’s single-source reporting), but photos and screenshots of the policy were provided in the original news story. FEMA has not yet made a statement directly to the public regarding this incident, as this story broke only a few hours ago.

Nevertheless, even taking into account the r