Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member, was arrested on May 13th for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a U.S. military base on behalf of ISIS. Said, who provided materials and training to undercover officers posing as ISIS operatives, planned the attack for April 2025. His actions included surveilling the base with a drone and instructing the officers on how to breach security and target a specific building. Said is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Read More
Following a U.S. request for assistance, Iraqi authorities arrested an ISIS member suspected of inciting the deadly Bourbon Street attack on New Year’s Day. The suspect’s alleged role involved inciting the attack perpetrated by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran who died in a subsequent shootout. While the Iraqi suspect will face prosecution under anti-terrorism laws, the FBI maintains that Jabbar acted alone in carrying out the attack, which resulted in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries. The ongoing investigation continues to encourage public cooperation in providing any further relevant information.
Read More
Michael Alexander Gloss, the 21-year-old son of a CIA deputy director, died in April 2024 while fighting for the Russian military in eastern Ukraine. An investigation by iStories revealed Gloss, who had expressed anti-American sentiment online, signed a contract with the Russian army in September 2023 and was deployed to the front lines. His family’s obituary omitted the details surrounding his death, while acquaintances reported he may have been motivated by a desire for Russian citizenship rather than a commitment to fighting. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and the extent of the Russian military’s knowledge of his family background is unknown.
Read More
Michael Gloss, son of a CIA deputy director, died in April 2024 fighting for Russia in Ukraine after enlisting in the Russian army in September 2023. Prior to his military service, Gloss traveled extensively and expressed anti-American sentiments to friends. His motivations for joining the Russian military included anger towards the U.S. and a desire to expedite obtaining Russian citizenship for his environmental work. Gloss’s family held a funeral in December 2024, omitting mention of his service in the Russian army.
Read More
The US is beginning to withdraw hundreds of troops from Syria, a move that has sparked a wide range of reactions. It feels surreal to contemplate the implications, especially considering the personal connections some individuals have forged with the local population. While US Central Command will maintain the capability to conduct strikes against remaining ISIS elements, the scale of US military presence is undeniably shrinking. The exact nature of the reduced role under the current administration remains to be seen.
This withdrawal is viewed positively by some, who see it as a step towards ending US involvement in the region. The hope is that this could lead to improved stability for the Syrian people, although the removal of US sanctions is considered even more crucial for meaningful progress.… Continue reading
The CIA reviewed former Director John Ratcliffe’s Signal account on March 31st, following reports of a journalist’s unauthorized access to a sensitive group chat. The review, documented in a court filing related to a lawsuit against White House officials, revealed that the chat contained only administrative information and not the substantive messages discussing U.S. military plans in Yemen. These messages, allegedly shared on March 24th, prompted bipartisan criticism and legal action alleging violations of federal record-keeping laws. The absence of sensitive information on the reviewed account remains a key point of contention.
Read More
Testifying before the Senate, Director Ratcliffe affirmed that ongoing peace negotiations reflect President Trump’s commitment to a permanent end to the conflict. The CIA is actively supporting this goal. He highlighted the underestimated strength of Ukrainian resistance, asserting their determination to fight even without favorable peace terms. This underscores the intelligence community’s assessment of the situation.
Read More
Recent claims by President Trump and Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian forces are encircled in Russia’s Kursk Oblast are contradicted by US and European intelligence assessments. While Ukrainian troops in the region face intense Russian pressure, intelligence indicates they are not completely surrounded. This assessment, shared among US agencies including the CIA, differs significantly from public statements made by Trump. The Institute for the Study of War also found no evidence supporting the claims of encirclement.
Read More
In a joint operation with Iraqi forces, a U.S. airstrike in Anbar Province eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, the number two leader of ISIS. Al-Rifai oversaw global operations, logistics, planning, and a significant portion of the group’s finances. The strike, announced by U.S. Central Command and President Trump, represents a significant blow to the terrorist organization. Despite territorial losses, ISIS remains a threat, particularly given the instability in Syria.
Read More
The heads of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the CIA spoke for the first time in over two years on Tuesday, agreeing to maintain future contact. This significant development coincides with a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which Ukraine has signaled its willingness to accept. Experts suggest this communication could be a strategic negotiating tactic by the US, though the renewed contact remains fragile and contingent on Russia’s actions. The resumed dialogue reflects a broader shift toward rapprochement between the US and Russia, contrasting with strained relations with other US allies.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood