//The Wire//2300Z January 30, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: U.S. AIRSTRIKES IN MIDDLE EAST LIKELY IMMINENT//

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-International Events-

Europe: Protests in France intensify following public outrage over taxation issues. French farmers have been protesting in earnest for months, with demonstrations reaching historic levels within the past few weeks. Demonstrations have also become increasingly kinetic, with larger disruptions becoming more common around the country.

Middle East: Preparations continue for the American retaliatory strike against Iranian targets. AC: Due to the substantial buildup of forces in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Iraq, and Israel, retaliatory strikes will likely begin very soon.

Red Sea/HOA: Yemeni forces continue to streamline the blockade of Western shipping. Several suspicious approaches have been reported by cargo vessels transiting the region over the past few days, but it is unclear as to if these incidents are related to Houthi targeting or if this is more a situation of routine piracy.

-HomeFront-

TX: No major changes in TXNG border posture. In Kurten, TX an explosion was reported at Feather Crest Farms, the cause of which is unknown ATT. The facility is currently burning, and local authorities expect the fire to last several days. Feather Crest Farms is an egg supplier that was recently purchased by MPS Egg Farms in Indiana, and at this facility maintains about one million egg laying hens, and employs just under 100 people.

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Analyst Comments: Though no one knows with any certainty as to what the US response to the Tower 22 drone strike will be, speculation of possible strikes is largely centered around Iranian bases in Syria or Naval vessels in the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf. However, as the DoD has already stated the preparations for strikes will take a few days to stage for, this strongly indicates that the plethora of strategic assets already in theatre to combat Houthi forces are not enough to carry out the retaliatory strikes the US is planning for Iranian forces or “proxies”.

Analyst: S2A

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