Morning Brief: Justice Department Busts Network Helping North Koreans Infiltrate US Tech Firms to Fund Weapons Program

July kicks off with shifting power plays across the globe—from Kurdish militants laying down arms to rising Arctic tensions. The US lifts sanctions on post-Assad Syria, Israeli settlers turn on their own military, and North Korea’s cyber footprint gets exposed inside American companies. Meanwhile, Russia claims a key victory in Ukraine, Germany responds with force, and a leadership shakeup rocks Thailand. Here’s your frontline intel to start the month informed and ready.

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PKK to Begin Disarmament in Iraqi Kurdistan as Part of Peace Gesture Toward Turkey

Militants from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) will begin laying down their weapons in early July during a disarmament ceremony in Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, according to Kurdish outlet Rudaw.

The step follows the PKK’s May announcement to end over 40 years of armed struggle that has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The disarmament, scheduled between July 3 and 10, will involve 20 to 30 PKK members and is intended as a goodwill gesture to advance reconciliation with Turkey. Sources say the event aims to build trust and potentially open a path toward a political settlement between Turkey and its Kurdish minority, which makes up roughly 20% of the nation’s population.

PKK disarmament process to begin early July: reporthttps://t.co/0iGEq9GuAv

— AL-Monitor (@AlMonitor) June 30, 2025

The process is expected to be accompanied by a message from jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, whose February appeal prompted the group’s decision to disarm. After surrendering their weapons, militants will return unarmed to their bases, not to civilian areas, according to sources.

Turkey, which maintains military bases in northern Iraq and routinely targets PKK positions, has pledged to monitor the disarmament process closely. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to meet with members of the pro-Kurdish DEM party, which has been relaying messages between Ocalan and Ankara.

Trump Lifts US Sanctions on Syria, Citing Opportunity for Regional Integration and Stability

President Donald Trump formally ended most US sanctions on Syria Monday, aiming to reintegrate the war-torn nation into the global economy following the fall of the Assad regime.

The move, announced via executive order, terminates the national emergency in place since 2004 and removes sweeping restrictions on Syrian state institutions, including its central bank.

The decision follows lobbying from Saudi Arabia and Turkey after Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Islamist guerrilla, overthrew the Assad family’s decades-long rule. While sanctions remain on Bashar al-Assad and elements of the former regime, US officials framed the shift as a step toward stability, reconstruction, and economic revitalization.

White House spokeswoman on lifting sanctions on Syria: “It promotes peace”
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‘Promoting peace’: Trump lifts sanctions on Syria as it considers normalization with Israel
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Two and a half months after historic handshake withal-Sharaa, US president fulfills his promise and signs… pic.twitter.com/CcZ797XLje

— Ynetnews (@ynetnews) July 1, 2025

Treasury officials said Syria is now reconnected to the international banking system for the first time since its civil war began in 2011. However, Syria remains on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which continues to limit investment potential.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a review of that designation and terror listings for Sharaa and his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani hailed the sanctions relief as a “major turning point” for recovery and the return of displaced citizens.

The move coincides with a shift in regional dynamics. Israel, once skeptical of Sharaa’s leadership due to his ties to al-Qaeda, has expressed interest in normalizing relations with Syria and Lebanon as part of an expanded Abraham Accords framework.

Israeli officials view the weakened influence of Iran in Syria and Lebanon, accelerated by June airstrikes, as an opening for diplomacy.

Today, @POTUS will issue a new Executive Order lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, reaffirming his belief that the Syrian people deserve a future of safety and prosperity. — @StateDeptSpox pic.twitter.com/FiGZ411NCl

— Department of State (@StateDept) June 30, 2025

Trump officials argued that lifting sanctions enables deeper regional engagement and may incentivize normalization efforts led by Israel. The announcement came during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and signals a major realignment in US Middle East policy.

Despite efforts at stabilization, Syria remains volatile. On June 22, at least 25 people were killed in a suspected Islamist attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, highlighting ongoing security threats in the post-Assad era.

Israeli Settlers Attack Military Base Amid Rising West Bank Violence

Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked a military base in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday night, setting fires, vandalizing military vehicles, and assaulting soldiers, according to the Israeli military.

The unrest followed a wave of settler-led violence and the arrest of five individuals linked to a deadly raid last week that killed three Palestinians in Kfar Malik.

The attackers, identified as part of the extremist “hilltop youth” movement, targeted the base near Ramallah. Israeli media footage showed security forces deploying stun grenades to disperse the crowd. The military reported damage to infrastructure critical for thwarting terrorist attacks and maintaining regional security.

🇮🇱 #Israeli settlers on Sunday assaulted security forces outside an army base in the occupied #Palestinian #WestBank.

On #F24AroundTheWorld, @DelanoDSouza spoke to our correspondent @NTarnopolsky for an update on the situation ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Rl6u95iIam

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) June 30, 2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, stating, “No civilized country can tolerate” such attacks on its military.

Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, often accused of emboldening settler violence, also issued a rare rebuke, calling the attack “a red line.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid labeled the rioters “Jewish terrorists,” accusing them of acting under political cover from the governing coalition.

Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to “eradicate this violence from the root” and called on settlers to respect the burden carried by overstretched reservists.

Israeli settlers attacked Israeli soldiers during a riot in the occupied West Bank, targeting them for trying to contain settler violence against Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/32fDszDxmk

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 30, 2025

The West Bank, under Israeli control since 1967, remains a flashpoint. Around 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule alongside roughly 500,000 Jewish settlers in communities deemed illegal by the international community. Tensions have sharply risen amid the ongoing war in Gaza and increased military activity across the region.

US Approves $510M Sale of Bomb Guidance Kits to Israel Following Iran Conflict

The US on Monday approved a $510 million arms sale to Israel, providing bomb guidance kits and support equipment to replenish munitions expended during Israel’s recent military campaign against Iran.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the sale will strengthen Israel’s ability to defend its territory, infrastructure, and population centers.

The State Department authorized the deal, and Congress has been formally notified. Final approval is pending legislative review.

The announcement follows Israel’s June 13 airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which targeted scientists and top military personnel.

The US later joined the strikes, marking a major escalation in efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Although a ceasefire has since paused hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities, signaling the potential for renewed conflict.

DOJ Busts Network Helping North Koreans Infiltrate US Tech Firms to Fund Weapons Program

The US Justice Department (DOJ) announced Monday it dismantled a network that allegedly helped North Korean operatives secure remote IT jobs with US companies, generating over $5 million to support Pyongyang’s weapons programs.

Federal authorities arrested Zhenxing Wang, a US citizen from New Jersey, and indicted six Chinese nationals and two Taiwanese citizens.

The group is accused of compromising the identities of over 80 Americans to help North Koreans pose as remote IT workers at more than 100 US companies, including Fortune 500 firms.

Today, the FBI and @TheJusticeDept announced nationwide actions to disrupt North Korean schemes to defraud American companies through remote IT work, which included the arrest of a U.S. national who allegedly hosted a laptop farm for North Korean actors https://t.co/3IC28oaMFa pic.twitter.com/rsx0EPO0nu

— FBI (@FBI) June 30, 2025

The DOJ said the operatives not only received salaries but, in some cases, also stole sensitive data, including US military technology and cryptocurrency. Officials stressed the urgency of the threat, warning that thousands of North Korean cyber operatives are blending into the global digital workforce to evade sanctions and fund the regime’s illicit programs.

US Army to Restructure ROTC Footprint, Shutting Down Programs at 84 Campuses

The US Army is overhauling its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, shutting down or re-organizing ROTC units at 84 college campuses nationwide.

The decision, part of a broader cost-cutting and restructuring initiative, will impact 291 students, including 16 contracted cadets whose programs are being completely deactivated.

Affected cadets will be offered the option to transfer to other ROTC units or exit their contracts without penalty. Seniors will remain unaffected, as changes will only take effect after the current academic year.

The Army emphasized it will minimize disruption and maintain program quality during the transition.

The ROTC reshuffle comes amid a larger force realignment that includes cuts to Army Reserve aviation and the deactivation of all but two Security Force Assistance Brigades. The Army aims to reduce excess officer production—ROTC’s commissioning capacity will shrink by about 500 slots but will still meet the demand of around 5,000 officers annually.

Underperforming programs producing fewer than 10 officers per year will be shuttered, with a shift toward expanding output at larger institutions like Ohio State University and the University of Florida.

Ten ROTC host programs—including those at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, University of Northern Iowa, and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh—will close. Several other institutions will lose affiliation with nearby ROTC units, while dozens more will undergo redesignation or consolidation.

The Army says the effort will help meet commissioning needs while reducing unnecessary overhead.

US Air Force, Space Force Hit 2025 Recruiting Goals Ahead of Schedule

The Department of the Air Force announced Monday that it has met its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goals for both the Air Force and Space Force three months early, marking a significant turnaround from recent post-pandemic struggles.

The service joins the Army and Navy in surpassing recruitment targets well ahead of the fiscal year’s end.

As of June 27, nearly 25,000 of the 30,000 contracted Air Force recruits have shipped to Basic Military Training, with the remainder scheduled to report by the end of September.

The Air Force credited the achievement to revamped recruiting policies, including relaxed tattoo and body fat standards, increased recruiter staffing, and an expanded Delayed Entry Program.

The Space Force, which has historically avoided recruiting shortfalls due to its smaller, specialized force, also met its goal. Around 93% of the latest Guardians scored above average on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, and 20% hold college degrees.

People are lining up and signing up! I’m proud to announce the Air Force hit 100% of its Fiscal Year 2025 recruiting goal three months early. It proves when you have a winning team, people want to join! https://t.co/BMoZU9Ozqo pic.twitter.com/WD6vgFojlZ

— General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) June 30, 2025

Despite the Air Force reducing its target by about 3,000 due to congressional budget constraints, the milestone represents the first time since 2018 that all major service branches have hit recruiting targets this early. While some leaders credited the Trump administration for the uptick, experts pointed to years of systemic recruiting reforms as the primary driver of success.

Russia Claims Full Control of Luhansk as Germany Pushes for Ukrainian Weapons Production

A Russia-installed official in Ukraine’s occupied Luhansk region claimed Monday that Moscow’s forces now control 100% of the territory, potentially marking the first full occupation of any of the four Ukrainian regions Russia illegally annexed in 2022.

Kyiv has not confirmed the claim, which comes amid stalled international peace efforts and ongoing Russian demands for full control over annexed areas.

Leonid Pasechnik, the Moscow-appointed head of the region, announced the development on Russian state television, citing a report received two days prior. If verified, the capture would be a key milestone for Russia more than three years into the war.

Russia has taken full control of Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region, more than three years after President Vladimir Putin ordered thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian-backed head of the region told Russian state television https://t.co/RJB9rCw2KO

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 1, 2025

Meanwhile, Germany’s top diplomat, Johann Wadephul, visited Kyiv and pledged deeper cooperation to boost Ukraine’s weapons production, aiming to improve its negotiating position. Accompanied by German defense industry leaders, Wadephul reaffirmed Berlin’s military support and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calls for peace as disingenuous.

The visit followed Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine in recent weeks, with 107 drones reportedly launched overnight. Strikes in the Kharkiv region killed two civilians and injured eight others, including a child. Ukrainian officials said the attacks are part of a Russian strategy to exhaust air defenses and terrorize civilians.

2/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 30, 2025 | Institute for the Study of War: https://t.co/wnIFd2SxFR pic.twitter.com/C15360R1zc

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 30, 2025

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Germany for its support and urged for more air defense systems. However, Berlin has so far resisted calls to supply Taurus long-range missiles due to concerns over escalating the war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has instead committed to helping Ukraine develop its own long-range strike capabilities.

Germany to Deploy Navy to Arctic Amid Rising Russian Threats

Germany will send naval forces to patrol the Arctic and North Atlantic this year in response to increased Russian military activity in the region, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced Monday. He cited growing maritime threats, including Russian submarine operations and the militarization of the Arctic, as key concerns.

As part of the mission “Atlantic Bear,” the German support ship Berlin will sail from Iceland to Greenland and on to Canada.

The deployment includes planned exercises with regional allies and the first-ever port call by a German navy vessel to Nuuk, Greenland.

L’Allemagne va envoyer sa marine patrouiller dans l’Arctique pour montrer son implication face au renforcement militaire russe dans cette zone, annonce son ministre de la Défense, Boris Pistorius, lors d’un déplacement au Danemark. pic.twitter.com/VaZrUlsh4N

— LN24 (@LesNews24) July 1, 2025

Germany will also participate for the first time in Canada’s Arctic military exercise, Nanook, and deploy submarines, frigates, and maritime patrol aircraft.

The move comes amid rising geopolitical interest in the Arctic, where melting sea ice is opening strategic shipping routes and access to resources.

US President Donald Trump has previously emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance and criticized Denmark’s Arctic defense posture.

Denmark recently committed $2.3 billion to enhance Arctic security in partnership with Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said new Arctic defense investments will be announced later this week.

UK Opens Criminal Probe into Glastonbury Chants, US Revokes Bob Vylan Visas Over Anti-Israel Remarks

British police launched a criminal investigation Monday into a performance by rap punk duo Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival, where the group led crowds in chants of “death to the IDF” and “free Palestine.”

The US State Department responded by revoking the group’s visas, calling their actions a “hateful tirade.”

The US revoked visas for British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan after they chanted “death to the IDF” against the Israeli military at the Glastonbury Festival. The band was due to begin a US tour in October. pic.twitter.com/UwUzCqCglY

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 1, 2025

The BBC, which livestreamed the performance, apologized, labeling the chants “antisemitic” and “unacceptable,” and faced backlash from UK politicians and media regulators.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded an explanation from the broadcaster.

The Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a public order offense and is also investigating Irish-language band Kneecap, which performed pro-Palestinian chants and encouraged fans to support a member facing terrorism-related charges.

The controversy underscores the global tensions surrounding Israel’s war in Gaza, which has prompted widespread protests.

While the BBC skipped Irish band Kneecap in its live broadcast from the Glastonbury Festival due to their pro-Palestine stance, British duo Bob Vylan appeared on iPlayer, the BBC’s online streaming service, chanting “Death to the IDF” and “Free Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/3CKftF3c2M

— TRT World (@trtworld) June 28, 2025

Israel’s Embassy in the UK condemned the rhetoric at the festival, which featured 4,000 acts and drew around 200,000 attendees.

Since October 2023, Israel’s campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 56,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel maintains it targets only militants and blames Hamas for operating among civilians.

Thai PM Paetongtarn Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Cambodia Call

Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office Tuesday as it investigates allegations of an ethics breach linked to a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

The court unanimously agreed to take the case and voted 7–2 to suspend her. Paetongtarn has 15 days to present her defense.

The controversy follows a deadly border incident on May 28 involving Thai and Cambodian forces. The leaked call, perceived as conciliatory toward Cambodia and critical of a Thai military commander, sparked political backlash, cabinet reshuffling, and protests.

A major coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, exited the government, forcing changes endorsed earlier in the day by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

BREAKING: Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in the latest backlash to a leaked recording of a phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen, throwing Thailand further into political turbulence.https://t.co/SFyeZigx4j pic.twitter.com/st1AOupslc

— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) July 1, 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is expected to assume the role of acting prime minister, although it has not been officially confirmed.

Paetongtarn, who recently added the culture minister post to her portfolio, may be unable to continue in either role if the court rules against her.

Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok over the weekend demanding her resignation. Paetongtarn also faces a separate ethics investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which could lead to her permanent removal.

🇹🇭 VIDEO: Thousands protest calling for Thai PM’s resignation

Thousands of anti-government protesters rally in Bangkok, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign after a leaked diplomatic phone call stirred public anger over her leadership. pic.twitter.com/LPr78he5BL

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 29, 2025

The court’s move mirrors the ousting of her predecessor last year and highlights the judiciary’s role as a key pillar of Thailand’s royalist establishment.

Sources: News Agencies