Morning Brief: Trump Order Moves to Block State-Level AI Rules, Russia Claims Capture of Siversk, Thailand Dissolves Parliament

US Moves to Intercept More Venezuelan Oil Tankers After First Seizure The United States is reportedly preparing to intercept additional ships carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week, marking the first direct interdiction of Venezuelan crude since US sanctions were imposed in 2019. The move comes amid a US military buildup in the Caribbean and a renewed effort by the Trump administration to tighten financial pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. US officials have assembled a target list of sanctioned tankers, focusing on so-called shadow fleet vessels that transport oil from Venezuela and other sanctioned states, including Iran, often to China. US preparing to seize more tankers off Venezuela’s coast after first ship taken, sources say https://t.co/TS0uHK4721 pic.twitter.com/jOEwDu9Xip — New York Post (@nypost) December 11, 2025 The Justice Department and Homeland Security planned the seizures for months, according to sources. The action has disrupted shipping activity, with some voyages suspended and tankers waiting offshore. Washington says the seizures aim to enforce sanctions and cut revenue to the Maduro government, while Venezuela has condemned the move as theft and denied wrongdoing.   US Navy Lays Keel for Future USS Barb as Virginia-Class Fleet Expands The Navy this week laid the keel for the future USS Barb (SSN-804), the 31st Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, during a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News shipyard in Virginia. Pamela Bove, the submarine’s sponsor and a descendant by marriage of World War II submarine commander Rear Admiral Eugene “Lucky” Fluckey, observed the first weld, marking the keel as officially laid. The new Barb continues a namesake lineage tied to two earlier US submarines, including a highly decorated World War II Gato-class boat. Today, we hosted the keel laying ceremony today for Virginia-class attack submarine Barb (#SSN804) at our #NewportNewsShipbuilding division. Learn more about the ceremony here: https://t.co/GwPOzvNpUL pic.twitter.com/6XPdYKohLX — HII (@WeAreHII) December 9, 2025 The Virginia class is central to the Navy’s effort to replace aging Los Angeles-class attack submarines. The submarines feature advanced sensors, pump-jet propulsion, and the ability to carry torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and, in expanded variants, additional weapons, drones, and special operations forces. Twenty-four Virginia-class submarines are already in service, with more under construction or authorized, as the Navy prepares to retire additional Los Angeles-class submarines later this decade.   Judge Warns Media as Suspect in Charlie Kirk Killing Appears in Court The Utah man charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk appeared in court in person for the first time Thursday, as his attorneys renewed efforts to limit media access in the high-profile case. Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the September 10 shooting on the Utah Valley University campus and plan to seek the death penalty. During the hearing, a judge briefly halted a media livestream after it showed Robinson in restraints, violating a court order. The judge warned he would shut down future broadcasts if restrictions are not followed, citing the need to balance transparency with the defendant’s right to a fair trial. FULL SUMMARY: Here is a full summary of what was discussed just now in the public portion of Tyler Robinson’s appearance in court: Judge began: “calling Case 251-403-576, State of Utah v. Tyler James Robinson… we’re addressing three issues. The October 14, 2025 audio recording… pic.twitter.com/f5plEp3NpU — Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 11, 2025 Robinson’s lawyers and the county sheriff have asked to ban cameras entirely, while news organizations are pushing to preserve courtroom access. The case returns to court in January, with a preliminary hearing tentatively set for May.   US Forces Japan Admits Error in Violent Detention of Civilian in Okinawa US Forces Japan (USFJ) acknowledged that US military police mistakenly detained and used force against a US civilian on an Okinawa street last month, an incident that was recorded on video and widely circulated online. USFJ said the patrol approached Kareem Farrakhan El solely because officers believed he was a US servicemember, a determination later found to be incorrect. The incident occurred early November 22 near Gate 2 Street in Okinawa city, where video shows a military police officer lifting and slamming El to the pavement. Kareem El, a civilian from Washington, D.C., visiting Okinawa, was held by U.S. military police for declining to provide identification. Now the military says El’s detention was “a mistake.” https://t.co/eIiddtyC4m pic.twitter.com/CqTocuUSRC — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 11, 2025 El, a former Marine officer visiting Okinawa on business, said he was detained without provocation. His attorney said El suffered physical injuries and psychological trauma and is considering civil action. Following the incident, USFJ halted unilateral US military patrols on Okinawa and ordered an investigation, while joint patrols with Okinawa Prefectural Police continue. The patrols were originally expanded to enforce off-base alcohol restrictions tied to past misconduct by service members.   Trump Signals Possible Ukraine Peace Talks, Warns Against More Fruitless Meetings US President Donald Trump will send a US representative to talks in Europe on Ukraine this weekend if there is a genuine chance of reaching a peace agreement, the White House said on Thursday. Officials said Trump is increasingly frustrated with repeated negotiations that fail to produce progress toward ending the war. The administration is pressing for swift movement toward a settlement, though Ukraine has resisted a US-backed proposal viewed by many as favoring Russia. US MAY join Ukraine-Europe Saturday talks on peace plan — Trump refuses to confirm Only ‘IF we think there’s a good chance’ of making progress https://t.co/j1fHoqGzQT pic.twitter.com/tDNjwijxQi — RT (@RT_com) December 11, 2025 Trump spoke this week with leaders of France, Germany, and Britain about potential talks, as the White House said it would participate only if discussions show real prospects for an agreement.   Russia Claims Capture of Siversk as Ukraine Denies Losing Control Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian forces had taken full control of the eastern Ukrainian town of Siversk, citing reports from military commanders who described the advance as part of a broader push to seize the rest of Donetsk region. Commanders told Putin the town’s capture would open the way toward Sloviansk and said Russian troops overcame Ukrainian defenses by cutting supply routes and conducting targeted assaults. Ukraine’s military disputed the claim, saying its forces still control Siversk and are repelling Russian infiltration attempts. 2/ MORE: The Kremlin claimed that Russian forces seized Siversk as part of the Kremlin’s intensified cognitive warfare effort that seeks to portray Ukraine’s frontline as on the verge of collapse, and Russian battlefield victory as inevitable. Neither is true, and the Russian… pic.twitter.com/ZMNehhOBdZ — Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 12, 2025 Ukrainian officials also said their troops continue to hold parts of Pokrovsk, where they reported fending off heavy Russian attacks.   Yemen Government Urges UAE-Backed Separatists to Withdraw From Southern Provinces Yemen’s internationally recognized government called on the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to withdraw from territories it recently seized in the country’s southeast, warning that the move risks renewed violence and economic fallout. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed separatist group has taken control of much of Hadramout and Mahra provinces this month, including key oil facilities, raising concerns about destabilizing Yemen’s fragile ceasefire. Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi said the STC must hand control to local authorities and refocus efforts on fighting the Houthi movement, which has ruled northern Yemen and the capital, Sanaa, for more than a decade. He also warned that the STC’s actions have prompted the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to suspend economic stabilization efforts. NEW | STC Takeover in Southern Yemen: The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the Saudi-backed elements of the internationally recognized Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) are each attempting to frame their respective coalitions as the most viable leaders for… pic.twitter.com/sKyb6eM4GX — Critical Threats (@criticalthreats) December 10, 2025 The STC rejected the call, reaffirming demands for an independent southern state as Saudi Arabia moved to mediate tensions in the region.   M23 Offensive Kills Hundreds as Fighting Escalates in Eastern Congo Despite Peace Deal More than 400 civilians have been killed in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group escalated its offensive, regional officials said, as fighting spread despite a recent US-mediated peace agreement. Local authorities reported that civilians, including women and children, were killed by gunfire, grenades, and bombs in areas between Bukavu and the strategic city of Uvira. M23 said it captured Uvira this week, a key port city on Lake Tanganyika, while South Kivu officials accused Rwandan special forces of operating in the city in violation of ceasefire commitments. More than 400 civilians killed in eastern DR Congo following the a surge in fighting as the M23 armed group continues its offensive, according to regional officials. Read more: https://t.co/sBAqCQdhuW pic.twitter.com/MKEPqHvtrs — Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 11, 2025 Rwanda denies backing M23 but acknowledges deploying troops in eastern Congo for security reasons. The violence has displaced tens of thousands of civilians, including refugees fleeing into Burundi, and prompted renewed calls from the United Nations, the United States, and the African Union for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to political negotiations.   Thailand Dissolves Parliament, Calls Early Elections Amid Border Fighting With Cambodia Thailand dissolved its Parliament on Friday and set the stage for new elections early next year, as the country faces renewed and deadly fighting with Cambodia over disputed border areas. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives after receiving royal approval, triggering a 45- to 60-day window for elections while he leads a caretaker government with limited authority. The move followed mounting political tension over constitutional reform and a looming no-confidence vote from the opposition People’s Party, which holds the largest bloc of seats. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has dissolved parliament, paving the way for snap elections within 45–60 days at Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s request The minority government has struggled amid political and economic pressures https://t.co/gHBGpNQm8P pic.twitter.com/4tYWc4I3Gp — Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) December 12, 2025 The dissolution comes during intensified military clashes with Cambodia that have killed dozens and displaced hundreds of thousands. Anutin has taken a hard-line stance on the conflict while pledging to return power to voters, even as economic and diplomatic risks rise amid international pressure to de-escalate.   Sources: News Agencies — ** Editor’s Note: Thinking about subscribing to SOFREP? You can support Veteran Journalism & do it now for only $1 for your first year. Pull the trigger on this amazing offer HERE. – GDM