President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has resulted in the expulsion of two high-ranking military officials from the Communist Party. Among them is He Weidong, a vice-chair of the Central Military Commission and a Politburo member. This marks the first Politburo member to be ousted since 2017, with the Ministry of Defense citing violations of party disciplines and laws as the reason for the expulsions.
Former U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Doug Krugman resigned in late September, citing concerns about President Trump and the direction of the country. In an op-ed, Krugman explained his belief that Trump’s actions, including the rebranding of the Department of Defense and the potential use of the military for domestic purposes, were at odds with the Constitution. Krugman stated that Trump’s pardon of those involved in the January 6th insurrection and his halting of refugee programs were particularly concerning, leading him to believe he could no longer serve under Trump’s leadership. Krugman’s decision reflects a broader worry about the role of the military and the adherence to constitutional principles.
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers were observed flying within the Maiquetía Flight Information Region near Venezuela, prompting speculation about a show of force amidst rising tensions. The aircraft, visible on flight-tracking sites, repeatedly circled within the Venezuelan-controlled airspace, with the flight coinciding with a diverted deportation flight and following former President Trump’s remarks about a U.S. strike. While these flights are common training missions, this particular patrol’s proximity to Venezuela and public visibility suggests a deliberate message of U.S. reach and readiness. The B-52, a long-range strategic bomber, is capable of carrying a massive payload of weapons, and can fly over 8,000 miles, without refueling.
Amid escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, a Russian submarine surfaced off the coast of France, prompting surveillance by a French frigate. While an unverified Telegram channel reported the submarine suffered technical issues, Russia denied any malfunction, stating the vessel was undergoing a routine inter-fleet transfer and complying with international maritime rules. NATO’s Maritime Command confirmed the monitoring on social media, emphasizing the alliance’s readiness to defend against threats. This incident coincides with NATO’s annual nuclear exercise, “Steadfast Noon,” aimed at testing procedures for safeguarding and deploying nuclear weapons, further highlighting the heightened security concerns in Europe.
Zelenskiy says Ukrainian troops advance in Zaporizhzhia region, and it’s a development that, frankly, sparks a mix of feelings. On the one hand, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. Any territorial gain, however small, represents a step forward, a push against the tide of aggression, and a potential shift in the momentum of this brutal conflict. The very act of advancing, of pushing back, is a testament to Ukrainian resilience and determination, something the world has certainly noticed. It’s clear that the fighting is still incredibly intense, and the terrain in Zaporizhzhia is no picnic. Every meter gained must be earned, and that’s a brutal reality.… Continue reading
In a recent analysis, it is argued that President Trump could potentially use the U.S. military to exert control over Americans. The author points to the deployment of troops in cities against the wishes of local authorities as evidence of acclimating the public to military presence. Concerns are raised due to the firing of top legal military officers, suggesting an intent to circumvent legal constraints. This is further compounded by Trump’s statements about combating drug cartels and the potential for extending this to domestic actions. Ultimately, the author suggests that while the military remains a significant obstacle, the potential for its politicization is concerning.
Overnight on Tuesday, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, impacting targets as far as Tyumen, over 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, coinciding with Vladimir Putin’s birthday. Moscow reported intercepting 209 projectiles, primarily over border regions, following a previous day’s retaliatory strike by Russia. The attack on Tyumen, which included an industrial site and potentially the Tyumen Oil Refinery, marks one of Ukraine’s deepest strikes and has contributed to Russia’s fuel shortages. These attacks have intensified in recent months, significantly impacting Russian refining capacity and gasoline output, prompting government measures to address the supply issues.
During a Navy celebration in Norfolk, Virginia, Donald Trump attempted to incite boos against Barack Obama by referring to him by his full name, “Barack Hussein Obama.” The crowd of service members, however, remained silent, a stark contrast to Trump’s expectations. The president proceeded with a meandering speech filled with boasts and personal anecdotes, including one about his physical fitness. This moment mirrored a similar awkward encounter earlier in the week with the Defense Secretary.
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Overnight on October 6th, Ukrainian forces struck the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, a major Russian producer of explosives and ammunition. This facility, located 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, manufactures a wide array of munitions for the Russian military. Following the attack, multiple explosions and a large fire were reported at the site, though damage assessment is ongoing. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones, including those over the targeted region. The Sverdlov Plant has been under U.S. and EU sanctions since 2023 for its role in supporting Russia’s war effort, and this attack is part of a larger campaign against Russian military-industrial targets.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood