More from Ryan Robertson
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Russia’s escalating aerial assaults in Ukraine fueled by North Korea
Russia’s aerial assaults on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine show no signs of stopping as the New Year unfolds. The attacks, escalating in intensity, have resulted in the loss of dozens of innocent lives and left hundreds more injured. The White House has expressed heightened concern, revealing that Russia is employing short-range ballistic missiles sourced from… -
Iran moves warship into Red Sea after US weekend attacks on Houthi boats
One of the most powerful ships in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy is now in the Red Sea. The 51-year-old warship, Alborz, entered the area after the U.S. Navy sunk some boats operated by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. The Houthis are attacking ships in the Red Sea to show solidarity with Hamas terrorists in Gaza.… -
Rare breed: Marines graduate last of the scout snipers
It’s the end of an era dating back to World War I. The United States Marine Corps isn’t training scout snipers anymore. On Dec. 15, the last eight graduated from the Marines’ scout sniper training school in North Carolina. The decision to phase out scout snipers is part of the Corps’ Force Design 2030, a… -
US rebuilding airfields used to launch nuclear attacks on Japan
The United States Air Force is rebuilding the airfield used to launch the nuclear attacks on Japan during World War II, reclaiming Tinian Island’s north field from the jungle — just in case it’s needed in a war with China. Diplomatic efforts to prevent a conflict notwithstanding, the U.S. and China are on a path… -
Ukraine reports destroying Russian warship in Crimea
It wasn’t Christmas lights illuminating the sky in Crimea overnight; video of what purports to be a Ukrainian airstrike against a Russian navy warship shows an explosion sending a fireball into the air. The size of the initial blast and secondary explosions indicate Ukraine likely used a deep strike missile like the Storm Shadow, and… -
To help Ukraine, Japan is selling Patriot missiles to US
Japan is selling the United States Patriot missiles because Ukraine needs more of them. Japan is expected to send several dozen Patriot interceptors to the U.S. The sale helps backfill a depleted supply and gives Washington some breathing room while it tries to help Ukraine strengthen its air defenses. “This holds significant meaning in terms… -
China’s ‘Divine Dragon’ space plane lays ‘eggs’ in Earth orbit
China’s secretive space plane, called Shenlong or “Divine Dragon,” is apparently laying “eggs” into Earth’s orbit. The astronomer who originally tracked the objects called them “mysterious wingmen,” but in truth, it’s not clear what they are. China launched the Shenlong on Dec. 14, marking the space plane’s third voyage into orbit. That’s when amateur astronomer… -
Germany to permanently deploy troops for first time since WWII to counter Russia
In a move not witnessed since WWII, German troops are embarking on a permanent deployment to foreign soil. The decision comes amid Russia’s intensifying war with Ukraine, positioning troops in an at-risk region along Russia’s borders. The upped security will station 4,800 troops and their families in Lithuanian cities of Kaunas and Vilnius in an… -
US Navy leads international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping
After two months of attacks on ships in the Red Sea — attacks which included ballistic missiles and suicide drones — the United States said the U.S. Navy is going to lead an international coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea from the Houthis responsible for the attacks. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced… -
Russia warns Finland over deal to strengthen military ties with US
Tensions that Moscow said had been put to bed between Finland and Russia are heating up again after Finland signed a defense cooperation agreement (DCA) with the U.S. Finland and Russia share a long border and have a troubled history, most notably the 1939 Winter War, when Finland repelled an invasion by the militarily superior… -
Russia still holds air superiority in Ukraine, despite heavy losses
Russia’s air force is taking a beating in Ukraine. The Russians still maintain air superiority, though. With some new added innovations to their drone fleet, the Russians are ready for a winter of warfare unlike anything seen yet. Since the start of the war, Ukraine said it destroyed 324 Russian jet fighters and bombers, and… -
US readies Navy to secure Red Sea shipping routes against Houthi attacks
The U.S. is deploying naval ships to the Red Sea amid increasing Houthi rebel attacks. While U.S. Central Command holds a 36-0 record against Houthi threats, most recently intercepting a hail of drone attacks, major shipping companies have temporarily halted Suez Canal transport — a route handling 9% of global oil. While in the Middle… -
US presses Israel to end large-scale ground operation, talks postwar control
The United States told Israel it wants the country to end its large-scale ground operation and move to more targeted attacks on Hamas. National security adviser Jake Sullivan delivered the message to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, Dec. 14. The U.S. and Israel have been discussing a timetable for scaling back Israeli ground…