Year Month Day Global Security Situation Intelligence

I. Operational Developments in the U.S. Caribbean and Pacific

• Yesterday, the Senate passed a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at restricting President Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, with a vote in favor and a vote against. Five Republican senators voted in favor. In response, Trump declared that they should lose their congressional seats. This vote paves the way for debate and a vote on the resolution next week. (The New York Times)
• According to sources, the White House excluded National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard from a months-long plan to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro due to her previous opposition to military action against Venezuela. The practice of excluding Gabbard from meetings was so widely known that some White House aides joked that the abbreviation of her title, "DNI," stood for "Do Not Invite" (DNI). (Bloomberg)
• Trump stated yesterday that several of the world's largest oil companies have committed at least billions of dollars to rebuilding Venezuela's oil infrastructure. Trump made these remarks ahead of his meeting with a group of oil company executives at the White House this afternoon, whom he referred to as "the world's biggest oil tycoons." A source indicated that major oil giants remain skeptical of the plan, adding, "The White House is narrowing down the list of oil and gas companies it is contacting because the big firms simply aren't interested." ()
• According to satellite imagery and a U.S. official, a U.S. Navy vessel is tracking several sanctioned oil tankers that crossed the Atlantic after leaving Venezuelan waters earlier this week. Most of these tankers are carrying oil and, located hundreds of miles from land, appear to be heading east. However, their final destinations remain unclear, and some of the tankers are also spreading false information. U.S. military officials stated that they anticipate conducting boarding inspections on more sanctioned vessels. These ships are part of a group of sanctioned tankers that attempted to circumvent the U.S. blockade last weekend, apparently acting in coordination. (The New York Times)
• The Venezuelan government released several prominent imprisoned opposition figures, activists, and journalists yesterday, with officials stating the move was aimed at "seeking peace." (AP)

II. Developments in the Russia-Ukraine Situation

• The Russian Ministry of Defense stated today that it had attacked Ukraine using a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Russia claimed that the missile used in this strike is named "Oleshnyk" and was aimed at drone manufacturing and energy infrastructure facilities within Ukraine. The "Oleshnyk" missile can carry conventional warheads, simulated warheads, and nuclear warheads. The Russian Ministry of Defense indicated that this attack was in response to Ukraine's alleged attempt to strike the Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence last month, an accusation denied by Kyiv. (The New York Times)
• According to Reuters, Russian drones launched an attack in Kyiv this morning, resulting in fatalities and at least injuries.
• Ukraine awarded the mining rights for a large state-owned lithium deposit to investors yesterday, including Donald Trump's billionaire friend Ronald Lauder. Another investor is an energy company, part of whose equity is held by a U.S. government investment agency established during Trump's first term. Although the deal still requires formal approval from the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, officials stated that it has essentially been finalized. (The New York Times)

III. Developments Related to the Israel-Hamas War

• According to health officials, Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip yesterday resulted in at least deaths and approximately injuries. Health officials and family members stated that at least one child was among the deceased, with the incident occurring in northern Gaza. The Israeli military said today that, in response to a misfired projectile launched by militants from the Gaza City area, Israel targeted Hamas infrastructure and militants in both southern and northern Gaza. (AP)
• Israel announced yesterday that it has prohibited foreign medical and humanitarian staff from entering the Gaza Strip. The organizations where these staff members work have been ordered to cease operations unless they register employee information with Israeli authorities and comply with other new regulations. Three aid organizations confirmed that this week they have informed their foreign staff not to enter Gaza. Two aid sources told Reuters that among the international non-governmental organizations ordered to halt work, some are considering whether to submit staff lists to Israeli authorities.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated yesterday that former UN Middle East envoy Nikolai Mladenov has been selected to lead Trump's peace committee, responsible for overseeing the Gaza ceasefire. Netanyahu referred to Mladenov as the "designated" director-general of the committee. A senior U.S. official confirmed that Mladenov is the Trump administration's chosen daily on-site leader for the committee, but the news has not yet been officially announced. (AP)

IV. Other Global Development Trends

• According to monitoring organizations, Iran experienced a network outage yesterday, as nationwide protests demanding the overthrow of the Islamic government spread across the country. The exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on people to hold demonstrations on Thursday and Friday evenings (local time). Just a day earlier, the head of Iran’s judiciary and security agencies stated that they would take tough measures against any protesters. Iran’s state television news channel did not respond to the network outage incident. (The New York Times)
• According to Reuters, the Syrian Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire in three neighborhoods of Aleppo this morning, following clashes this week between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
• The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday denied U.S. allegations that authorities in Mogadishu destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and confiscated food aid, stating that the relevant food had not been destroyed and that the aid supplies remained under WFP custody. In a statement to the Associated Press, the World Food Programme said its warehouse at the port of Mogadishu, which contained tons of food, had been dismantled by port authorities. The WFP later updated the information, stating that it had "recovered tons of nutritional supplies," but provided no further details. (Associated Press)

V. Dynamics of U.S.-Related Relations

• According to four sources, U.S. officials have discussed offering Greenlanders a lump-sum payment in an attempt to persuade them to break away from Denmark and potentially join the United States. While the exact amount remains unclear, two of the sources stated that the figures discussed by officials ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per person. (Reuters)
• Yesterday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro told the press that he believes the threat of the United States taking military action against Colombia is now real.
• U.S. East Asia Affairs diplomat Michael deSombre announced today that the United States will provide million dollars in aid to Cambodia and Thailand. DeSombre stated, "The United States will continue to support the governments of Cambodia and Thailand in implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, paving the way for the people of both countries and the region to return to peace, prosperity, and stability." (Reuters)
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret yesterday over Trump's decision to withdraw from a UN-related agency. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated in a declaration, "As we have consistently emphasized, according to the UN Charter, all member states, including the United States, are obligated to pay assessed contributions to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping budget as approved by the General Assembly." (AP)
• Minnesota officials stated yesterday that federal law enforcement agencies have excluded state investigators from the investigation into the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Drew Evans, Commissioner of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), said that the initial plan was to jointly investigate the shooting with the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, federal officials quickly changed their minds, stating that the investigation would be entirely led by ICE. Evans noted that this decision means Minnesota will no longer have access to relevant evidence. Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen defended the move, stating that Minnesota officials "were not excluded. They simply do not have jurisdiction over this investigation." (AP)
• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (Democrat) condemned the FBI's decision to exclude the state from the investigation yesterday, stating that any investigation that does not involve state law enforcement is not credible. "We feel it is difficult to achieve a fair outcome." (The Wall Street Journal)
• According to Governor Walz's office, in light of the escalating tensions in Minneapolis, Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assemble and stand by yesterday to support local law enforcement, though the troops have not yet been deployed. Documents obtained by The New York Times indicate that at least additional federal agents will be deployed to Minnesota.
• According to authorities, two people were injured in a shooting involving federal agents in Portland, Oregon, yesterday. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the shooting occurred when Border Patrol agents conducted a "targeted" interception of a vehicle carrying two individuals allegedly associated with the "Tren de Aragua" ( ) gang. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, "When the agents identified themselves to the occupants of the vehicle, the driver turned the vehicle into a weapon and attempted to ram law enforcement officers." The statement added that the agents then fired in self-defense. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson told reporters, "We are aware of the federal government's account of this incident. There was a time when we could take their word for it. But that time is long gone."
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul (Democrat) stated yesterday that she hopes to provide more legal avenues for New Yorkers negatively affected by Trump’s tough immigration enforcement policies. "Let’s start holding these people accountable," said Hochul. The governor is expected to introduce a bill that would allow New Yorkers to file lawsuits in state courts against federal officials accused of violating individuals’ constitutional rights. ()
• According to CBS News, two sources have revealed that federal prosecutors have launched a new criminal investigation into New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The sources stated that the investigation focuses on financial transactions between James and her barber, Iyesata Mash. James' attorney, Abe Lowell, said: "Like their previous attempts, this attack on Ms. James is destined to fail. The desperation of those working for Trump is evident, and it further tarnishes the already stained reputation of the Department of Justice. This abuse of the justice system must stop."
• Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that John Sarcone III illegally served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York. "When the executive branch circumvents restrictions enacted by Congress and uses that power to conduct criminal investigations of political opponents," she wrote, "its actions are without lawful authority." ()

VI. Actions of the Trump Administration

• In an interview with The New York Times, when asked whether there were any limits to his global power, Trump said, "Yes, there is one thing. That is my own moral code. My own thoughts. Only these can stop me." He added, "I don't need international law. I don't want to hurt anyone."
• Vice President John Vance announced yesterday that the Department of Justice will establish a new position to investigate allegations of "fraud" nationwide. Vance stated that the candidate for this new Assistant Attorney General role has been selected but not yet announced. Initially, the focus will be on fraud cases in Minnesota, but the work will "extend across the country, because unfortunately, the American people have suffered from fraud nationwide."

VII. Lawsuits Related to the Trump Administration

• Yesterday, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to compel the U.S. government to conduct emergency evacuations of Palestinian Americans and their families trapped in Gaza. The judge stated that she lacked the authority and tools to evaluate "sensitive foreign policy decisions" that fall under the purview of the executive branch. (Reuters)
• Yesterday, five states led by Democrats filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of freezing billions of dollars in child care subsidies, social services, and cash assistance for low-income families. They requested a federal judge to declare the suspension of funding illegal and to restore the distribution of funds. (The New York Times)