Welcome to your Monday morning defense and global affairs update. With December now underway, we’re tracking the latest trends and events influencing the global stage as of December 2. Let’s get started!
Houthis Launch Hypersonic Missile at Tel Aviv, Israel Shoots It Down
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for firing a hypersonic missile at central Israel early Sunday, targeting the Tel Aviv area.
Israel’s military intercepted the projectile before it crossed into its territory, triggering sirens in various parts of the country.
The Houthis identified the missile as a locally-made “Palestine 2,” part of their efforts to support Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
This marks another escalation in the Houthis’ campaign, which has included missile strikes, drone attacks, and disruptions to vital shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Israel has yet to report damage or casualties from this latest attempt as of writing.
Hamas Meets Egypt for Ceasefire Talks as Gaza Struggles Persist
Hamas leaders met with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu prepared for security talks on the same issue.
The US has renewed efforts, with support from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, to mediate a deal that could include the release of hostages.
Welcome to your Monday morning defense and global affairs update. With December now underway, we’re tracking the latest trends and events influencing the global stage as of December 2. Let’s get started!
Houthis Launch Hypersonic Missile at Tel Aviv, Israel Shoots It Down
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for firing a hypersonic missile at central Israel early Sunday, targeting the Tel Aviv area.
Israel’s military intercepted the projectile before it crossed into its territory, triggering sirens in various parts of the country.
The Houthis identified the missile as a locally-made “Palestine 2,” part of their efforts to support Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
This marks another escalation in the Houthis’ campaign, which has included missile strikes, drone attacks, and disruptions to vital shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Israel has yet to report damage or casualties from this latest attempt as of writing.
Hamas Meets Egypt for Ceasefire Talks as Gaza Struggles Persist
Hamas leaders met with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu prepared for security talks on the same issue.
The US has renewed efforts, with support from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, to mediate a deal that could include the release of hostages.
While some progress has been hinted at, both Hamas and Israel remain firm on their demands, with Israel insisting that the war will only end when Hamas no longer governs Gaza or poses a threat.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to devastate Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 20 people on Sunday and displacing nearly the entire population.
Aid efforts face severe obstacles, including armed groups hijacking shipments and mounting restrictions.
The war, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 44,000 deaths in Gaza and significant destruction.
Pro-Turkey Fighters Seize Key Northern Syrian Town
Pro-Turkey fighters captured the key town of Tal Rifaat in northern Syria from Kurdish forces, alongside several nearby villages, according to a Syrian war monitor on Sunday.
The offensive puts nearly 200,000 Kurdish residents in the region under siege, with fears of massacres growing as communication lines are cut.
Tal Rifaat, just 12 miles from Turkey’s border, has long been a hotspot of clashes between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish fighters, whom Ankara labels as terrorists.
🇸🇾🇹🇷 Turkish Strategic Patience and Diligence is Paying Off – 5 years in the making and Tal Rifaat is now falling to Turkish-backed #SNA forces
[With the “red” around Aleppo turning “green”, the Kurdish controlled “yellow” of Tal Rifaat is turning “blue”] pic.twitter.com/xsCKkb1PbV
— Prof. Michael Tanchum (@michaeltanchum) December 1, 2024
This comes amid a broader rebel push in Aleppo province, with Turkish-backed groups also seizing strategic locations like Safireh, Khanasser, and the Kweyris military airport.
Turkey, which has controlled significant northern Syrian territories since 2016, is accused by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of orchestrating the offensive to weaken Kurdish forces and divide Syria.
Talks between Turkish and US officials are underway to address escalating tensions, but the situation remains precarious.
Syrian Strikes Kill 25 in Idlib Province as Rebels Push Forward
According to reports on Monday, at least 25 people were killed in airstrikes on Syria Idlib region and other rebel-held areas carried out by Syrian and Russian forces.
The strikes come as President Bashar al-Assad pledges to crush insurgents who recently made major advances, seizing all of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo in one of the boldest rebel offensives in years.
The conflict has left streets in Aleppo deserted, with civilians fleeing as rebels take control of key areas.
Russian and Syrian Air Forces carried out strikes on residential areas in central Idlib
At least 1 death and 20 injured had been recorded.
After continuous failure in head-on ground operations, Russian forces and Assad regime are now resorting to airstrikes targeting civilian… pic.twitter.com/ZlhBoxZVVD
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 2, 2024
The US and its allies have called for de-escalation, but Assad’s forces, backed by Russia and Iran, are regrouping to launch counterattacks.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation worsens, with displacement mounting and Kurdish groups struggling to protect their communities amidst Turkish-backed attacks.
US Navy Shoots Down Houthi Missiles in Gulf of Aden
US Navy destroyers intercepted and shot down seven missiles and drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels while escorting three American merchant ships through the Gulf of Aden.
The attack, which targeted the USS Stockdale (DDG-106), USS O’Kane (DDG-77), and the merchant vessels, caused no damage or injuries.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating they were aiming at US military and supply ships.
𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐢 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐔. 𝐒. 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔. 𝐒.-𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐧 pic.twitter.com/7qPxwAdLkl
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 2, 2024
This is the latest in a string of Houthi attacks disrupting one of the world’s busiest shipping routes amid tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
The USS Stockdale was also targeted in a similar incident earlier this month.
Sudan’s Conflict Displaces Millions, UN Calls for Help
The United Nations (UN) humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has called for urgent international action to address the worsening crisis in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has displaced over 11 million people and caused mass suffering.
During a nine-day visit to Sudan and Chad, Fletcher met refugees and local leaders, vowing to raise global awareness of their plight and push for more aid.
Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and left nearly half the population at risk of starvation, with both warring factions accused of weaponizing hunger.
In Chad I heard from Sudanese refugees who fled unspeakable violence & communities so generously hosting them.
As #Sudan’s conflict continues to displace millions, neighbouring countries deserve an avalanche of solidarity & support.
My conversation with @ZainAsher of @CNN pic.twitter.com/O5qcrGK5zX
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) December 2, 2024
Fletcher described the situation as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for food, medicine, education, and dignity for those affected.
He also praised the Adre crossing on the Chad-Sudan border as a critical lifeline for aid.
Georgian Police Arrest Opposition Leader Amid EU Protests
Tensions in Georgia reached a boiling point as police arrested opposition leader Zurab Japaridze on Monday during anti-government protests in Tbilisi, marking the fourth night of unrest.
Protesters are furious over the government’s decision to halt European Union (EU) membership talks, a move seen as a pivot towards Russia.
Demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, leaving dozens injured.
President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU advocate, sided with the protesters, condemning police violence and calling for action against what she and the opposition claim were rigged elections.
🔴 The Ministry of Internal Affairs detained one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, Zurab Girchi Japaridze.. At dawn, police chased the protesters, during which many demonstrators were beaten and arrested.#Georgia 🇬🇪 #GeorgiaProstests pic.twitter.com/vABIlCKsS9
— Mtavari TV (@MtavariChannel) December 2, 2024
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of trying to overthrow the government.
The unrest has drawn international criticism, with the US and EU warning of democratic backsliding in the former Soviet state.
Blast Strikes Kosovo Canal, Sparks Serbia-Kosovo Blame Game
Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have spiked following a recent blast on a key water canal in northern Kosovo, which both sides are now blaming on each other.
On Sunday, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbia of using “Russian-style tactics” to destabilize the region, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed the claims, calling them part of a “hybrid attack” on Serbia.
The canal, crucial for water supply and power plant cooling, narrowly avoided causing a major crisis.
Kosovo arrested suspects linked to the attack, seizing weapons and military gear. Serbia denies involvement and has launched its own investigation.
#Kosovo Police Confiscates Weapons Arsenal in #ZubinPotok, Following Terrorist Attack on Ibër-Lepenc Water Supply Canal
Photo: @kosova_press pic.twitter.com/eDoye3JHXc— The Geopost (@theGeopost) November 30, 2024
Both countries have ramped up security measures as accusations escalate, further straining relations ahead of Kosovo’s February elections.
US Expands Chip Export Restrictions, Targets Chinese Firms
The US is rolling out its third major crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry, targeting 140 companies with new export restrictions starting Monday.
This latest effort, as reported by Reuters, aims to curb China’s access to advanced chips and tools critical for artificial intelligence (AI) and military tech, including restrictions on high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips and cutting-edge chipmaking equipment.
Exclusive: The US will launch its third crackdown in three years on China’s semiconductor industry on Monday, restricting exports to 140 companies including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group, among other moves https://t.co/5inl8B7VtD
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 2, 2024
The move impacts major players like Naura Technology Group and investment firms tied to chip development while also expanding controls on foreign-made equipment using American technology.
Notably, Japan and the Netherlands are exempt from some restrictions, reflecting ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
China has criticized the measures, calling them disruptive to global trade, as it continues efforts to develop a self-reliant chip industry despite lagging behind global leaders like Nvidia and ASML.
This crackdown is a key part of the Biden administration’s tough-on-China stance, with similar policies expected under the incoming Trump administration.
Sources: AP News, AFP News, The Times of Israel, More
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