Evening Brief: US Launches 20th Strike on Alleged Drug Boat in Caribbean, NATO Launches Baltic Sea Anti-Submarine Exercise

  USS Jason Dunham Returns to Florida After Caribbean Mission Targeting Drug Trafficking The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, this week after a 91-day deployment supporting US operations in the Caribbean. The ship, part of Destroyer Squadron 40, made port calls in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Ponce, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, while conducting counternarcotics and maritime security missions. The crew earned the Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon and the Sea Service Ribbon for their role in interagency operations. Commanding Officer Cmdr. Aaron Jefferson III praised the crew’s performance, noting the deployment’s success under US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The ship’s embarked helicopter unit, HSM-48 Detachment 7, completed 121 sorties during the mission. ⚓ Welcome home, USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109)! ⚓ After a 91-day surge deployment in the U.S. Fourth Fleet, the crew returns to Mayport — mission complete and honors earned. Bravo Zulu to the entire team! 🇺🇸💪#TeamMayport #USNavy #BravoZulu #JasonDunham #SurfaceForce pic.twitter.com/CFSX8qvjUq — Naval Station Mayport (@NS_Mayport) November 12, 2025 The Jason Dunham was among a buildup of US naval power in the region (including amphibious ships, destroyers, and aircraft) aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks. The recent deployment surge placed nearly 20 percent of the Navy’s active warships in the SOUTHCOM area, which covers waters and territories across Central and South America. The expanded presence includes the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its strike group, adding 4,500 sailors and nine air squadrons to the effort.   Rear Admiral Patrick Hannifin Takes Command of US 7th Fleet in Japan Rear Admiral Patrick Hannifin assumed command of the US 7th Fleet on Thursday during a ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, succeeding Vice Admiral Fred Kacher. The fleet, which covers 48 million square miles across the Indo-Pacific, is the Navy’s largest operational area. Hannifin, a San Diego native, previously served as director of operations for US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and earlier commanded Carrier Strike Group 5 and the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). Hannifin’s appointment followed the withdrawal of Rear Admiral Michael “Buzz” Donnelly’s nomination in July after media inquiries into drag performances aboard the Ronald Reagan during his command. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rescinded Donnelly’s nomination soon after. Rear Admiral Patrick Hannifin is the new commander of the US 7th Fleet. (US Navy) The change of command took place as the US government ended a 43-day shutdown, though the event was closed to the media.   US Navy Submarine Veterans Push for Health Coverage, Release of Toxic Exposure Data A coalition of Navy veterans is demanding expanded health care and disability benefits for illnesses linked to toxic exposures aboard submarines. The Submariners’ Advocacy Group, a nonprofit formed in 2024, states that its research has identified over 150 contaminants, ranging from benzene and asbestos to ammonia-based chemicals, within sealed submarine environments. The group also urged the Navy to declassify atmospheric studies conducted more than two decades ago. In a 60-page report titled “The Unseen Burden: Toxic Exposures and Health Impacts on U.S. Submariners,” the group argues that long-term exposure to gases, radiation, and industrial chemicals has caused rare cancers, neurological disorders, and heart conditions among sailors. The report, shared with the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recommends presumptive benefits under the PACT Act and the renewal of studies on submarine air quality. Leaders David Bozarth and Stanley Martinez, both former submariners, said veterans’ claims tied to submarine service are disproportionately denied by the VA. They contend the unique combination of low oxygen, high carbon dioxide, and chemical buildup aboard nuclear submarines poses risks not yet fully acknowledged by the military. The group represents part of an estimated 300,000 submarine veterans and says it will continue pressing for recognition of toxic exposures and access to care.   US Faces Pushback at UN Over Gaza Stabilization Force Plan A US proposal to create a United Nations-mandated international stabilization force in Gaza is meeting resistance from Russia, China, and several Arab nations over its structure and governance, diplomats said Wednesday. The draft resolution, part of President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, envisions a “Board of Peace” to temporarily administer Gaza, but critics argue it sidelines the Palestinian Authority and lacks clarity on future statehood. Moscow and Beijing have called for the board’s removal from the resolution entirely. The revised US draft, circulated this week, maintains the board while adding language supporting Palestinian self-determination and outlining conditions for an eventual Israeli military withdrawal once the stabilization force establishes control. The proposal also links Gaza’s demilitarization to milestones agreed by Israel, the US, and others. 📌 The International Stabilization Force (ISF) Under Trump’s New Proposal at the UNSC: What It Is: ▪️ Temporary foreign security force for Gaza The ISF is a multinational force created by states “participating” in the Board of Peace (BoP). It is deployed in Gaza under a single,… https://t.co/yxdTDTqXIM — Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 13, 2025 Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, have said they won’t contribute troops without a clearer framework or stronger UN mandate. The US is pressing for quick adoption to maintain ceasefire momentum, though diplomats warned Washington may act unilaterally with a “coalition of the willing” if Security Council negotiations stall. Whether Russia or China would veto a vote remains uncertain.   Militants Return Body Believed to Be Israeli Hostage as Ceasefire Exchanges Continue Israel said Thursday that militants in Gaza handed over a body believed to be that of an Israeli hostage, marking the latest exchange under the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The Red Cross transferred the remains, which were recovered in southern Gaza by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to Israeli authorities for identification at a Tel Aviv forensic institute. Since the October 10 ceasefire began, 24 hostage remains have been returned, while three hostages are still unaccounted for. Under the deal, Israel has released 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage’s remains, totaling 315 so far, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The arrangement also saw 20 living hostages released earlier in October. Both sides have accused each other of violating ceasefire terms—Israel alleging staged returns and partial remains, and Hamas accusing Israel of firing on civilians and restricting aid. The recovery process has been slowed by Gaza’s extensive destruction and limited forensic resources. 🚨 Palestinian group Hamas returned the remains of another Israeli hostage under a Gaza ceasefire agreement https://t.co/6QfSYkrBa4 pic.twitter.com/q6fIysUyWH — Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) November 13, 2025 The ceasefire’s next phase, which includes forming an international stabilization force, will not proceed until all Israeli hostage remains are returned.   Sudan Paramilitary Warns US Remarks Could Undermine Ceasefire Efforts A senior adviser to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) warned Thursday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call to halt foreign military aid to the paramilitary group could jeopardize ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire. Rubio, speaking Wednesday, said Washington is pressuring nations supplying weapons to the RSF, which has been fighting Sudan’s army since 2023. He condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis and urged an end to external arms transfers. ⭕️ Rubio Says RSF Atrocities Have Reached “Horrifying” Levels, Warns US Will Pressure States Arming the Militia US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered one of the Trump administration’s strongest public condemnations of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing the… pic.twitter.com/OsVjjUebcm — Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 13, 2025 RSF adviser Elbasha Tibeig called Rubio’s remarks “an unsuccessful step” that could embolden the Sudanese army, accusing the US of bias and urging it to instead target weapons flowing to the military from Iran and Turkey. The RSF’s recent capture of North Darfur’s capital, el-Fasher, displaced nearly 90,000 people and left hundreds dead, according to the UN. The war, which erupted after a power struggle between former allies, has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced 12 million, though aid groups believe the true toll is higher. Both sides are accused of atrocities and rely on foreign backing, with the RSF allegedly receiving weapons from the United Arab Emirates and the army from Egypt and Turkey. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also urged an end to external arms flows, warning they are fueling one of the world’s deadliest conflicts.   NATO Launches Baltic Sea Anti-Submarine Exercise NATO allies are conducting a five-day anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Baltic Sea to strengthen defenses in a region seen as vulnerable to Russian interference. The operation, known as Playbook Merlin, involves nine nations including the United States, Sweden, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The drills, led by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command and hosted by Sweden, focus on protecting undersea infrastructure and improving coordination between submarine crews, surface vessels, and aircraft. Allied submarines, ships, and aircraft came together in the Baltic Sea 🌊 for a NATO exercise hosted by Sweden 🇸🇪 The training boosts teamwork and readiness to face threats beneath the surface 🤝 🔗 https://t.co/fD2QVAHx9z pic.twitter.com/OVd93fUt3V — NATO (@NATO) November 13, 2025 The exercise follows a series of undersea cable and pipeline disruptions earlier this year that spurred NATO to establish Baltic Sentry, a regional mission to safeguard critical infrastructure. The US has contributed assets such as the destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG-84) and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to the effort. NATO officials said the current training reinforces allied readiness to secure sea lines of communication and deter potential Russian activity in northern Europe.   EU Warns Ukraine to Tackle Corruption Amid Scandal, Pledges More Financial Aid European Union leaders urged Ukraine on Thursday to intensify its anti-corruption efforts following a major embezzlement scandal involving the state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom, while also reaffirming their commitment to continued financial support. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to uphold transparency and the rule of law during a phone call, warning that graft could undermine Ukraine’s bid for EU membership. Zelenskyy promised full cooperation with investigators and renewed backing for anti-corruption agencies. The scandal, involving roughly $100 million in kickbacks, has led to the resignation of Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers, as well as the firing of senior Energoatom officials. Investigators have implicated Tymur Mindich, a close Zelenskyy associate, as the scheme’s alleged mastermind. The EU said the probe shows Ukraine’s watchdogs are functioning but emphasized that lasting reform is essential. We stand with Ukraine. Together with President @ZelenskyyUa and our international partners, we are continuing our efforts to achieve a lasting peace. We expect Ukraine to press ahead with anti-corruption measures and reforms in its own country. https://t.co/nxCcv5Ce7L — Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) November 13, 2025 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 6 billion euros ($7 billion) loan to Ukraine and pledged to cover Kyiv’s financial needs for the next two years. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military launched new strikes using its domestically produced FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile against Russian positions in Crimea and other occupied areas, as fighting continues around Pokrovsk in eastern Donetsk.   Pakistan Grants Field Marshal Munir Lifelong Immunity, Expands Military Power Pakistan’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment Thursday granting lifelong immunity to Field Marshal Asim Munir and expanding his authority over the armed forces, a move seen as consolidating military dominance in national governance. The amendment also gives the prime minister power to appoint and remove Supreme Court judges and establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court, curbing the judiciary’s independence. Munir, promoted after Pakistan’s brief conflict with India in May, is viewed as the country’s most powerful figure, with significant influence over foreign policy and domestic affairs. Analysts and opposition parties, including Imran Khan’s jailed-led Tehreek-e-Insaf, condemned the amendment as a blow to civilian rule, pledging to reverse it when in power. 🇵🇰 NEW: Pakistan’s parliament has passed the 27th Amendment, enshrining permanent military supremacy over state institutions. The reform cements Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s control over all armed forces, grants him lifelong legal immunity, and subordinates the judiciary to… pic.twitter.com/brXP8xLWo1 — Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 12, 2025 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the changes as a step toward “national unity,” while critics said he has further ceded authority to the military. The bill passed both houses of parliament and was ratified by President Asif Ali Zardari. The move follows rising regional tensions and recent bombings in India and Pakistan. Experts warn the amendment marks one of the strongest periods of military influence in Pakistan’s civilian era.   Sources: News Agencies