Europe and Canada increased defense spending by 20% in 2024, NATO says

Defense spending by NATO's European members and Canada rose by 20% in 2024, compared to the previous year, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Friday. Tap for the full brief.

Puntland offensive retakes Somali territory held by Islamic State group

Forces from Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region have captured swathes of territory from Islamic State during a weeks-long offensive they hope will draw increased international support, accord...

White House disbands task force targeting Russian oligarchs

The U.S. Justice Department under is disbanding an effort started after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine to enforce sanctions and target oligarchs close to the Kremlin. Tap for the full brief.

Syria's SDF says it has not gotten any withdrawal plans from US forces

Syria's Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Wednesday the group had not received any plans from the U.S. forces in northern and eastern Syria to withdraw. Tap for the full brief.

Taliban blames “enemies” for creating divisions amid female education crackdown

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers will stay united despite enemies' efforts to create divisions among the movement's leaders and the people, a spokesman said, ruling out the prospect of conflict or war ...

Ukraine sees North Korean missiles becoming more accurate

North Korean ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine by Russian forces since late December have been far more precise than salvos of the weapons launched over the past year, two senior Ukrainian source...

Iran's first drone carrier joins the Revolutionary Guards' fleet

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have taken delivery of the country's first ship capable of launching drones and helicopters at sea, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday. Tap for th...

Malawi orders troops to prepare withdrawal from eastern Congo

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered defense forces to begin preparations for a withdrawal of its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a statement said on Wednesday. Tap for...

Five Islamic State group prisoners killed trying to escape from Tajik jail, source says

At least five prisoners who supported Islamic State were killed after attacking guards with knives and trying to break out of a jail in Tajikistan, a law enforcement source said. Tap for the full b...

Russia trains with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in Volga region

Russia is practicing stealth maneuvers of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in its Volga region, the defense ministry said Thursday. Tap for the full brief.

US, Panama agree to expand military cooperation

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino agreed to expand cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama's security forces during a call on Wednesday, the Penta...

Trump's Gaza proposal for “Riviera of the Middle East” sparks global condemnation

President Donald Trump's proposal for the U.S. to take over war-torn Gaza and create a "Riviera of the Middle East" after resettling Palestinians elsewhere has shattered U.S. policy on the Israeli-...

POTUS says it will be fine to put American criminals in prisons in abroad

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US judge asks for assurances for service members suing over transgender removal order

A U.S. judge on Tuesday asked lawyers for President Donald Trump's administration to ensure six military members who sued to stop an executive order targeting transgender troops are not removed fro...

US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti's gangs

More than $13 million in U.S. funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen under President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on foreign aid, the United N...