Good morning! Let’s catch up on the key defense and global affairs updates for Friday, December 13.
US Senator Urges Action on Mystery Drones in New Jersey
Mystery drones flying over sensitive areas in New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region are raising eyebrows—and calls to action.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal, in particular, has called for urgent investigation and, if necessary, shooting the drones down, especially if they threaten airports or military bases.
Despite the concerns, the White House and federal agencies said Thursday there’s no evidence these drones pose a national security threat or that they’re connected to foreign entities.
Some sightings, officials pointed, might actually be manned aircraft or misidentified objects.
The drones, reportedly larger than recreational models, have been spotted near critical sites like the Picatinny Arsenal and President Trump’s golf course. Their unusual size and stealthy behavior, like flying with lights off, have added to the mystery.
Lawmakers and experts are calling for more transparency to ease public fears, emphasizing that drone operators leave electronic traces that can be tracked.
Good morning! Let’s catch up on the key defense and global affairs updates for Friday, December 13.
US Senator Urges Action on Mystery Drones in New Jersey
Mystery drones flying over sensitive areas in New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region are raising eyebrows—and calls to action.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal, in particular, has called for urgent investigation and, if necessary, shooting the drones down, especially if they threaten airports or military bases.
Despite the concerns, the White House and federal agencies said Thursday there’s no evidence these drones pose a national security threat or that they’re connected to foreign entities.
Some sightings, officials pointed, might actually be manned aircraft or misidentified objects.
The drones, reportedly larger than recreational models, have been spotted near critical sites like the Picatinny Arsenal and President Trump’s golf course. Their unusual size and stealthy behavior, like flying with lights off, have added to the mystery.
Lawmakers and experts are calling for more transparency to ease public fears, emphasizing that drone operators leave electronic traces that can be tracked.
While the situation is unsettling, experts believe it’s more likely the work of rogue operators than a coordinated invasion.
NATO Urges Europe to Boost Defense Spending
In his first major speech as NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte called on European nations Thursday to “turbo-charge” their defense spending and adopt a “wartime mindset” to prepare for future threats from Russia.
“Danger is moving towards us at full speed,” Rutte said.
Speaking in Brussels, Rutte stressed that while there’s no immediate military threat, NATO must act quickly to prevent a larger conflict down the line.
Highlighting the war in Ukraine as a wake-up call, Rutte warned that NATO’s defense production lags behind Russia’s, which is preparing for long-term confrontation.
He urged NATO allies to raise their defense budgets beyond the current two-percent gross domestic product (GDP) target and warned of the high costs of inaction.
Rutte’s remarks come as the alliance discusses setting a new defense spending goal amidst global tensions involving Russia, China, and other adversaries.
He called for sacrifices now to ensure peace later, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration to strengthen Europe’s fragmented defense industry.
IS Bomb Kills Afghan Refugee Minister in Kabul
The Afghan Minister for Refugees, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, was recently killed in a suicide bombing at his ministry’s Kabul headquarters.
According to news reports, the Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility, saying the attacker detonated an explosive vest after breaching security. This marks the first time a Taliban minister has been targeted since the group’s return to power in 2021.
Haqqani, a prominent member of the influential Haqqani network and uncle to Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, was lauded as a “great fighter” by Taliban officials. Known for his role in the network’s violent insurgency, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani had been on US and UN sanctions lists, with a $5 million bounty offered by Washington.
The attack underscores IS-Khorasan’s ongoing threat in Afghanistan, despite Taliban claims of eliminating the group.
Violence has declined since the Taliban’s takeover, but bombings and targeted attacks like this one persist.
Amir Khan Muttaqi: ISIS Attacks in Afghanistan Are Planned in Neighboring Countries!
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban government in Kabul, stated during the funeral of the slain Minister for Refugee Affairs, Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, that ISIS… pic.twitter.com/XbgkCgyYlO
— HewadPress (@HewadPress) December 13, 2024
The Haqqani network’s power dynamics within the Taliban and their pragmatic approach contrast with the stricter faction aligned with Kandahar’s supreme leader, adding layers of intrigue to the political landscape.
In recent years, IS has targeted officials, civilians, and foreigners, emphasizing its ongoing influence in Afghanistan.
Russia Targets Ukraine’s Power Grid in Massive Strike
Russia launched another massive missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the Friday morning rush hour, targeting power facilities across the country, including in Odesa and Lviv.
Ukrainian officials told reporters that this latest assault, part of Russia’s ongoing campaign to cripple the power grid, caused widespread outages and emergency power cuts for millions.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha renewed his plea for advanced air defense systems, urging allies to provide systems like the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and IRIS-T to counter the attacks.
While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, officials confirmed strikes on power substations and gas infrastructure, marking a more intense focus on critical energy resources.
This is the 12th wave of energy-targeted strikes this year, with previous attacks leaving large portions of Ukraine in prolonged blackouts.
This morning, Russia attacked Ukraine’s energy grid with 93 missiles & 200 drones, targeting critical infrastructure that civilians in Odesa, Vinnytsia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy, & Kyiv rely on for heat, water, & power. We continue to stand with Ukraine against Russia’s… pic.twitter.com/MmjtDTVID3
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) December 13, 2024
The strikes come as Russian forces make significant battlefield gains in the eastern Donbas region, further escalating the conflict.
Despite Russia’s claims of not targeting civilian infrastructure, the impact on everyday Ukrainians is severe, with energy officials scrambling to maintain power amid ongoing assaults.
Meanwhile, overnight drone attacks preceded the missile strikes, adding to the pressure on Ukraine’s defenses.
Switzerland Updates Nuclear Shelters for Modern Threats
Switzerland is reportedly investing $250 million to upgrade its aging network of nuclear shelters, ensuring that all 9 million residents—locals and refugees alike—continue to have a guaranteed spot for protection.
This comes as global tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have sparked renewed interest in civil defense.
Swiss authorities emphasize that the initiative is about maintaining preparedness, not signaling an expectation of conflict.
Inspections of existing shelters reveal the need for updates, with issues like jammed doors and cobweb-filled escape tunnels making some bunkers unfit for use.
Switzerland plans to update Cold War-era nuclear bunkers amid global tensions https://t.co/dDO41v6QKC pic.twitter.com/R76Oulg18p
— New York Post (@nypost) December 13, 2024
The country’s robust shelter system dates back to a 1963 law, keeping Switzerland ahead of neighbors like Germany in civil defense.
While most residents have access to private shelters, well-maintained community bunkers are also available, complete with bunk beds, toilets, and even underground hospitals.
The initiative reflects Switzerland’s long-standing tradition of neutrality and foresight, as civil protection officers handle increased calls from concerned citizens asking about their shelter spots.
China Accuses Philippines of Stirring Trouble with US Help
Tensions are heating up in the South China Sea once again as China accuses the Philippines of stirring up trouble with US backing.
Beijing claimed Friday that Manila, with US support, has provoked conflicts around disputed territories like the Scarborough Shoal, which both nations lay claim to.
This latest accusation follows a confrontation last week, where Chinese coast guard vessels reportedly fired water cannons and side-swiped a Philippine boat delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen.
BREAKING:
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel has rammed a Philippine Coast Guard near the Escoda Shoal, which is in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
The Chinese attacks against the Philippines, a U.S. military ally since 1951, continue.
🇵🇭🇨🇳🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/w7ambVVhZu
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 31, 2024
The Philippines and the US condemned the move, while China insisted it was defending its territory.
The dispute centers on China’s expansive claims to the South China Sea, which overlap with exclusive economic zones (EEZs) claimed by the Philippines and other nations under international law.
A 2016 tribunal dismissed China’s territorial claims as baseless, but Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling.
Efforts to negotiate a code of conduct for the resource-rich waterway have dragged on for years, with the Philippines and others pushing for terms grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
For now, the clash continues, with no resolution in sight.
Sources: News Agencies
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