Following reports of potentially unlawful airstrikes in the Caribbean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a cartoon depicting Franklin the Turtle targeting “narco terrorists,” a move deemed childish and unprofessional. This post was made in the context of increasing scrutiny over the administration’s actions, including allegations of a second strike against survivors, potentially constituting a war crime. Regardless of the legal justifications for the attacks, Hegseth’s post, which also sends a poor message to the military, is deeply inappropriate and offensive. Investigations are being demanded by congressional leaders concerning the legality of the attacks, and the administration has refused to release requested information.
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On Wednesday afternoon, the IDF responded to a ceasefire violation by Hamas, who fired upon Israeli troops near Khan Younis, by launching airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. The strikes, guided by intelligence, targeted areas like Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of a Hamas battalion commander and a senior member of their naval operations. Prior to the exchange, an additional incident occurred in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops killed a terrorist crossing the border. While Hamas consolidates power and reestablishes order in areas outside Israeli control, many are welcoming the decrease in crime, and even viewing Hamas as a pragmatic force.
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The White House’s legal rationale for airstrikes on boats in Latin American waters has only been shared with select Republicans. Representative Sara Jacobs has stated the strikes are “completely illegal” due to extrajudicial killings and a lack of evidence. The U.S. has conducted over a dozen airstrikes, killing at least 61 people under the pretense of targeting drug smuggling operations and “designated terrorist organizations”, primarily focused on cocaine, which officials claim facilitates fentanyl.
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Fresh clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border resulted in casualties on both sides, leading to a 48-hour ceasefire agreement. Following reports of the fighting, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar province. Pakistan’s military reported repelling attacks and killing numerous Taliban fighters, while Afghan officials reported civilian deaths and injuries. The recent violence follows clashes last weekend, where both countries exchanged fire, leading to border closures and further escalations.
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Following a Cambodian attack on a Thai military base and the launching of rockets, Thailand retaliated with airstrikes on two Cambodian military targets. These attacks were launched by six F-16 fighter jets from Ubon Ratchathani province. The initial aggression began when Cambodian forces opened fire, and further escalated with rocket fire into Thai territory, resulting in the injury of at least three civilians. As a precautionary measure, the Interior Ministry initiated preparations to evacuate civilians from border areas in four provinces as diplomatic efforts and calls for action under the UN are underway.
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On Monday, Israeli forces launched airstrikes and gunfire, resulting in the deaths of at least 74 people in Gaza. Airstrikes, including one on a crowded cafe in Gaza City, caused numerous casualties and injuries. In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking food aid, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries near aid distribution sites. The Israeli military stated they are reviewing information regarding the attacks and have taken steps to improve organization for the GHF, but Palestinians claim they were indiscriminately fired upon. This continued violence led to widespread evacuation orders and a “scorched earth” campaign across Gaza City and Jabaliya.
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The recent airstrikes on Iran, despite their tactical impressiveness, may have fallen short of their strategic goals, particularly concerning the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. Uncertainty surrounds the effectiveness of the attacks, with doubts arising on whether the bunker-busting bombs successfully destroyed Iran’s enriched uranium. Iran’s response, including missile strikes on a U.S. air base, has raised the stakes and increased the likelihood of further U.S. involvement. The ambiguous location of Iran’s uranium stockpile following the attack has intensified the uncertainty surrounding the conflict and its potential escalation.
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An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza, killed nine of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar’s ten children, leaving only her 11-year-old son, Adam, injured but alive. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted “suspects,” while the hospital where Dr. al-Najjar works reported the devastating loss of her children and the injury of her husband. The incident has been described as “unbearably cruel,” particularly given Dr. al-Najjar’s profession as a pediatrician. The attack occurred amidst ongoing conflict and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbating the dire situation.
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Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza, marked by a series of devastating airstrikes targeting Hamas, has reignited a conflict that many hoped was finally over. The situation is complex and fraught with accusations of broken ceasefires, unmet demands for hostage releases, and a deeply rooted animosity that seems intractable. The current violence underscores the fragility of any peace attempts in the region.
This escalation comes after what many perceived as a tenuous ceasefire, a period punctuated by disagreements over its terms and accusations of violations from both sides. The expectation of lasting peace seems to have been naive, given the long history of conflict and the deeply entrenched positions of the involved parties.… Continue reading
Israel launched its largest-ever strike on Yemen, targeting infrastructure including Sanaa International Airport and Hodeidah’s port and power station. The operation, involving reportedly 100 aircraft and coordinated with the U.S., caused casualties and widespread power outages, according to various reports. Israeli officials stated the strikes aimed to cripple Iranian-backed Houthi capabilities, vowing further action if necessary. The Houthis quickly threatened retaliation, highlighting the escalating tensions and potential for further conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood