A lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb seeks to end the deployment, while 45 states have filed briefs divided over the issue. A federal judge has not yet ruled on the case.
Several states indicated they plan to withdraw their troops by the end of November unless their orders are also extended.
Congress Briefed on Trump Administration’s Secretive Anti-Drug Boat Strikes
Top Trump administration officials briefed congressional leaders on Wednesday on the US military campaign targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in waters off South America, amid growing scrutiny over the legality and scope of the strikes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a classified meeting with bipartisan lawmakers, defending the strikes that have killed at least 66 people in 16 operations across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Republicans largely supported the effort, while Democrats demanded more transparency and questioned the administration’s authority to carry out such attacks without congressional approval.
EVERY TIME WE HIT A NARCO-TRAFFICKING VESSEL, WE SAVE TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND LIVES. pic.twitter.com/C2mDZJsCL6
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) November 5, 2025
Senator Chuck Schumer called for a full Senate briefing, and several Democrats, including Senators Tim Kaine and Chris Coons, said the administration’s 40-page legal justification contained “logical fallacies” and failed to address potential strikes near Venezuela.
Lawmakers are set to vote Thursday on a resolution requiring congressional consent for any US military action inside Venezuela.
The Trump administration maintains that the strikes are lawful under counterterrorism authorities, labeling cartel members “unlawful combatants.” Critics argue the campaign risks violating international law and could escalate tensions with Venezuela’s government, which faces US narcoterrorism charges.
Democrats Urge GOP Not to Politicize Veterans’ Benefits
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Representative Mark Takano, the top Democrat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, urged Republicans on Wednesday to avoid politicizing veterans’ disability benefits as some GOP lawmakers push for reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Speaking at a Capitol Hill roundtable with major veterans’ groups, Jeffries called veterans’ care “an American issue,” while Takano warned of efforts to scale back benefits following reports alleging widespread fraud in the VA system.
Veterans’ advocates rejected the claims, saying they risk undermining trust and support for disabled veterans.
Here’s the truth – Democrats are playing politics with veterans.
Chairman @RepBost and @GOPMajorityWhip’s op-ed explains how the Democrat shutdown is impacting vital veteran programs. pic.twitter.com/uLTDZjFUQn
— House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (@HouseVetAffairs) November 6, 2025
Takano and other Democrats said they plan to expand access to VA health benefits and protect the PACT Act, which provides compensation for toxic-exposed veterans.
Some participants warned that recent VA workforce cuts and conservative policy proposals could erode essential services.
FAA to Cut Flights at Major US Airports as Staffing Crisis Deepens in Longest Government Shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will announce Thursday which major US airports will face a 10 percent reduction in flights as the government shutdown enters its second month, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.
The cuts, set to begin Friday, aim to maintain air safety amid severe staffing shortages caused by unpaid and overworked air traffic controllers.
Bedford said the agency is operating under “unprecedented conditions” and warned that normal flight operations would not immediately resume even if the shutdown ends soon.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that missed paychecks could trigger “chaos in the skies” as controllers struggle to meet basic expenses.
🚨@USDOT is initiating a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 major airports.
This data-based decision is designed to alleviate pressure on our air traffic controllers required to keep the skies safe. pic.twitter.com/9J9fCw84MA
— USDOT Rapid Response (@USDOTRapid) November 5, 2025
The FAA and Transportation Department have not yet identified the affected airports but plan to coordinate with airlines before announcing details. Industry groups, including the US Travel Association, criticized the shutdown for disrupting travel and undermining public confidence in aviation safety.
An Associated Press report found that 39 air traffic facilities reported staffing shortages last weekend, nearly five times the pre-shutdown average, marking the most severe disruptions since the shutdown began on October 1.
US Signals Warmer Ties With Mali’s Junta Amid Islamist Threat in Sahel
A senior US diplomat praised Mali’s military government and suggested closer cooperation after years of strained relations, marking a shift in Washington’s approach to junta-led Sahel states.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau recently commended Mali’s armed forces for their fight against al-Qaeda-linked militants and said he had a “productive discussion” with Mali’s foreign minister about shared security interests.
The comments came just days after the US ordered its diplomats and citizens to leave the country.
The US commends the armed forces of Mali 🇲🇱 in their fight against Islamic extremist militants (JNIM). Today I had an excellent conversation with Mali’s Foreign Minister @AbdoulayeDiop8 to discuss our shared security interests in the region. Look forward to greater cooperation! pic.twitter.com/E3tge3sLnJ
— Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) November 4, 2025
The outreach reflects the Trump administration’s broader effort to re-engage with West African countries ruled by military leaders following a series of coups since 2020. Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, forms the Alliance of Sahel States, which has faced escalating attacks despite joint counterterrorism operations.
Analysts say the US remains cautious, with no clear sign of imminent military cooperation.
Mali has faced worsening security and economic conditions due to a blockade by al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has cut off vital fuel supplies and threatens to advance toward the capital.
Ethiopia and Eritrea Trade Accusations Amid Rising Tensions Over Red Sea Access
Ethiopia accused Eritrea of preparing for war, while Eritrea warned that Addis Ababa’s rhetoric is fueling regional instability, raising fears of renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa.
The dispute follows Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s repeated calls for sea access for his landlocked nation, which lost its coastline when Eritrea gained independence in 1993.
Abiy told parliament on October 28 that Ethiopia “will not remain landlocked,” and urged US and European mediation for a peaceful solution. Eritrea, suspecting Ethiopia is eyeing its Assab port, condemned Abiy’s remarks as inflammatory.
In early October, Ethiopia told the United Nations that Eritrea was “actively preparing for war” and accused it of working with the Tigray regional government to destabilize Ethiopia — charges Eritrea rejected.
Ethiopia’s Afar region said late on Wednesday it was under attack from forces of the neighbouring Tigray region, saying they had seized villages and bombed civilians in the latest sign of internal conflict in the fractured nation ➡️ https://t.co/16glvVYkdH pic.twitter.com/ZRNxYeHMHn
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 6, 2025
Analysts warn that Abiy’s rhetoric could pave the way for military action under claims of self-defense.
Both countries fought a border war from 1998 to 2000 that killed tens of thousands. While there are no signs of imminent conflict, experts note rising regional tension, including Eritrea’s growing alignment with Egypt, which remains at odds with Ethiopia over its Nile dam project.
Hamas Hands Over More Hostage Remains as Ceasefire Progresses in Gaza
Hamas has transferred remains believed to belong to an Israeli hostage to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, the Israeli military said Wednesday, marking another step under the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
The remains are undergoing forensic testing in Israel.
Under the ceasefire that began October 10, Hamas has returned 21 sets of remains and 20 living hostages. Israel, in turn, has handed over 285 Palestinian bodies. Search operations in Gaza City’s Shijaiya neighborhood uncovered the latest remains, with Egyptian equipment and Red Cross vehicles assisting the recovery.
The exchange process has faced disputes, with Israel accusing Hamas of violating terms by returning partial remains and Hamas alleging Israeli attacks and aid restrictions.
◼️ The International Red Cross delivered the bodies of 15 more Palestinians who lost their lives in Israeli prisons to Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip
➡️ The move came as part of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas that took effect on Oct. 10… pic.twitter.com/1fuZzI4zNz
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) November 5, 2025
The ceasefire’s next phase, the creation of an international stabilization force in Gaza, will not begin until all Israeli hostage remains are returned.
The truce aims to end the war that began with Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 68,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strike on Russia, Igniting Fire in Volgograd and Halting Flights
Ukraine launched at least 75 drones across Russia early Thursday, killing one person and causing a major fire in an industrial area of Volgograd, Russian officials said.
The attack temporarily halted flights at 13 airports and marked one of Ukraine’s largest strikes inside Russian territory.
Volgograd Governor Andrei Bocharov said a 48-year-old man died from shrapnel wounds and confirmed the fire broke out in the Krasnoarmeysk district, home to Lukoil’s refinery, which has been repeatedly targeted.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 75 drones, including 49 over the Volgograd region.
NEW: Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to try to blame US President Donald Trump for the nuclear arms modernization and buildup program that Russia began years ago.
Other Key Takeaways:
Russia’s grinding advances in the Pokrovsk direction continue to absorb… pic.twitter.com/nwoILQ9ljb
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 6, 2025
The strike is part of Kyiv’s campaign to disrupt Russia’s oil infrastructure and economy as Moscow continues to advance in eastern Ukraine.
Russia claims to control over 19 percent of Ukrainian territory, while independent assessments suggest it has captured roughly 3,400 square kilometers (1,313 square miles) since the start of 2024.
Afghanistan and Pakistan Resume Ceasefire Talks in Turkey After Deadly Border Clashes
Afghan and Pakistani negotiators will meet in Turkey on Thursday to continue ceasefire talks aimed at preventing renewed fighting after their worst border clashes in years.
The talks follow violence triggered by October 9 explosions in Kabul, which the Taliban blamed on Pakistan, prompting retaliatory attacks that killed more than 70 people and injured hundreds.
Turkey and Qatar brokered an initial ceasefire on October 19, and the current negotiations in Istanbul are expected to finalize a monitoring and verification mechanism to maintain peace. Both sides accuse the other of violating the truce and acting in bad faith.
Afghanistan and Pakistan return to Istanbul for more peace talks https://t.co/v6EwYB7euV
— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) November 6, 2025
Pakistan claims Afghanistan harbors militant groups responsible for cross-border attacks, while the Taliban government accuses Islamabad of repeated airstrikes inside Afghan territory.
The border closure since the fighting began has also disrupted trade and deepened tensions between the two neighbors.
Philippines Launches Large-Scale Anti-Invasion Drills
The Philippines began nationwide military exercises this week to test its defense readiness against potential invasions, particularly in the northern region near Taiwan and the South China Sea, amid growing tensions with China.
The annual “Dagat, Langit at Lupa” (Tagalog for sea, air and land) exercise, involving 2,000 troops along with police and Coast Guard personnel, will focus heavily on Northern Luzon and key South China Sea outposts.
The drills aim to strengthen the country’s new “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” designed to respond to threats beyond its borders.
Several field exercises will simulate counter-landing operations and the recapture of ports and airfields near the Luzon Strait, an area of concern should conflict erupt across the Taiwan Strait.
AJEX 2025 | The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) signaled the start of the AFP Joint Exercise “Dagit, Langit at Lupa” (AJEX “DAGITPA”) activities at the Laoag Sand Dunes, Barangay Navotas, Laoag City on November 4, 2025. The exercise brings together the Philippine Army,… pic.twitter.com/wtX3yrM7Yb
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) November 5, 2025
Troops will also train on Thitu Island in the Spratlys, where Manila has upgraded facilities amid Chinese maritime pressure.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner said the drills are part of broader efforts to safeguard sovereignty as Beijing increases activity around disputed maritime features, including Scarborough Shoal.
North Korea Condemns New US Sanctions Over Cybercrimes, Vows Retaliation
North Korea on Thursday condemned the Trump administration’s latest sanctions targeting its alleged cybercrime operations, accusing Washington of “wicked hostility” and promising unspecified countermeasures.
The statement followed the US Treasury Department’s move Tuesday to sanction eight individuals and two companies for laundering money from North Korean state-sponsored hacking schemes that reportedly stole more than $3 billion in digital assets over the past three years.
The US says the funds help finance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Un Chol said the sanctions confirm Washington’s enduring hostility and warned that Pyongyang will “take proper measures to counter it.”
North Korea CONDEMNS recent US sanctions imposed on its bankers — North Korean FM Chol
Saying it’s proof of US hostility and warning that such pressure won’t help resume dialogue pic.twitter.com/Vg0fh9ygOR
— RT (@RT_com) November 6, 2025
The remarks come as US President Trump continues to express interest in reviving nuclear talks with Kim Jong Un, which collapsed in 2019.
Kim has since turned toward closer ties with Russia, supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine and aligning more closely with countries opposing the US-led West.
Sources: News Agencies
Morning Brief: D.C. Guard Deployment Extended, Flight Cuts Expected at Major US Airports, Hamas Hands Over More Hostage Remains
D.C. Guard extended, FAA cuts flights, Ukraine hits Russia with drones. Here’s your Thursday Morning Brief rundown, November 6, 2025.
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