Morning Brief: USS Ford Sent to South America, UK and Germany to Launch Joint Patrols, Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks Collapse

Experts warn the shift could reduce US deterrence in Europe and the Middle East and increase pressure on Venezuela, while some US officials have suggested land strikes remain a possibility. Lawmakers have also expressed concern that the White House has not fully briefed Congress on the operations.   White House Pushed Navy to Use Live Bombs in Anniversary Show, Sources Say White House officials pressed the US Navy to use live 2,000-pound bombs instead of dummy munitions during a large-scale demonstration for the service’s 250th anniversary attended by President Donald Trump, according to three people familiar with the event’s planning. The demonstration, held on October 5 at Naval Base Norfolk, featured missile launches, live-fire from destroyers, and airstrikes by carrier-based aircraft. Sources said the White House insisted Trump “needed to see explosions,” prompting a late change from inert to live ordnance, though the White House denied any switch occurred. The event proceeded despite a government shutdown, and safety measures were adjusted to accommodate live fire. The White House pressed officials with the U.S. Navy to launch 2,000lb live bombs instead of dummy explosives during the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review, an elaborate military demonstration for the 250th Anniversary of the Navy celebrated earlier this month at Naval Station… pic.twitter.com/jEq3rduKE3 — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 29, 2025 The move drew new scrutiny following an October 18 Marine Corps event in California, where a misfired artillery round scattered shrapnel across a freeway. Critics say the administration has increasingly used the military for political spectacle, while the Pentagon defended the use of live munitions as standard for training purposes.   Vance Says Troops Will Be Paid as Shutdown Deepens and Food Aid Nears Cutoff Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday that US troops are expected to receive paychecks at the end of the week, even as the government shutdown threatens food assistance, preschool programs, and other services. Vance did not specify how the Trump administration will fund troop pay after previously redirecting $8 billion in military research funds earlier this month. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves 42 million Americans, will run out Friday unless the Agriculture Department releases contingency funds—a step the administration has rejected. Democrats and 25 states sued to compel continued SNAP payments. The shutdown has also put over 65,000 Head Start seats at risk and delayed access to Affordable Care Act plan information. J.D. Vance says administration can continue paying troops during shutdown ‘at least for now’https://t.co/vSADr4xyTA pic.twitter.com/V1InuYUzcK — The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 28, 2025 A federal judge in San Francisco barred the administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown, calling the layoffs politically driven. Despite growing public pressure, Congress remains deadlocked after 13 failed Senate votes to reopen the government, with Republicans insisting on a stopgap funding bill and Democrats demanding healthcare subsidy extensions.   Trump Administration Reassigns Half of ICE’s Top Field Leaders in Nationwide Shake-Up The Trump administration is reassigning at least 12 of the nation’s 25 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office directors in one of the agency’s largest leadership overhauls, according to current and former officials. The reshuffle, directed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replaces half the posts with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and the rest with ICE officers. Additional changes through retirements and reassignments affect leaders in key cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington. TENSE TIMES: A mass shakeup of ICE leadership is underway at DHS with up to a dozen ICE chiefs at field offices around the country being removed from their positions and reassigned, four senior DHS officials tell Fox News. pic.twitter.com/guQXI3xqt7 — Fox News (@FoxNews) October 28, 2025 The move signals closer integration between ICE and Border Patrol amid the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement drive. Homeland Security and the White House declined to explain the shake-up but said all immigration enforcement components are operating as a unified team. It marks the third major leadership change at ICE under Trump, reinforcing his focus on mass deportations and tougher interior enforcement.   Judge Disqualifies Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli for Exceeding Legal Term Limit A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli has served illegally beyond the 120-day limit set by law, disqualifying him from overseeing several criminal cases in Southern California. US District Judge J. Michael Seabright found Essayli’s continued tenure as acting US attorney since July 29 violates federal law but allowed him to remain as First Assistant US Attorney, leaving him as the office’s top prosecutor in practice. The decision follows similar rulings against acting US attorneys in Nevada and New Jersey, signaling broader judicial pushback against the Trump administration’s extensions of temporary appointments. Essayli, a former California lawmaker and Trump ally, defended his position and said his work will continue. For those who didn’t read the entire order, nothing is changing. I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California. It ‘s an honor and privilege to serve President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, and I look forward to advancing their agenda… pic.twitter.com/0T7AILbLi1 — Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) October 29, 2025 The ruling stemmed from a motion by defendants in federal firearms cases, though their indictments remain valid. The Justice Department argues Essayli’s appointment complies with the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, but the judge rejected that reasoning, saying the law doesn’t apply under current circumstances.   Hurricane Melissa Slams Cuba After Devastating Jamaica as One of Atlantic’s Strongest Storms Hurricane Melissa made landfall early Wednesday near Chivirico, Cuba, as a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph (193 kph), after striking Jamaica with 185 mph winds—the strongest hurricane ever recorded there. The storm prompted mass evacuations in eastern Cuba, where heavy rain and storm surges up to 12 feet are expected to cause severe flooding and landslides. Provinces including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas remain under hurricane warning, while a watch is in effect for Bermuda. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned of widespread damage and pledged full mobilization of resources. Good morning! Melissa made its second landfall near Santiago de Cuba at 3:10 AM as a Category 3 hurricane. pic.twitter.com/pUrsJ973cp — Florida Tropics (@FloridaTropics1) October 29, 2025 Jamaica suffered extensive destruction, with hundreds of thousands losing power, four hospitals damaged, and at least three deaths confirmed among seven storm-related fatalities across the Caribbean. Melissa is forecast to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday.   UK and Germany to Launch Joint Patrols Tracking Russian Submarines in North Atlantic The United Kingdom and Germany will begin joint P-8A Poseidon surveillance missions in the coming months to monitor Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic, defense officials recently announced. Under the plan, German Navy Poseidon aircraft will operate from the UK’s RAF Lossiemouth base in Scotland alongside Royal Air Force P-8s. Defense ministers John Healey and Boris Pistorius said the deployments will strengthen NATO’s maritime deterrence and expand intelligence-sharing between the two allies. 🇩🇪🇬🇧 Germany and the United Kingdom intend to jointly strengthen the protection of strategically important maritime areas in the North Atlantic and the North Sea. For this purpose, new German P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol anti-submarine aircraft will be based at Lossiemouth… pic.twitter.com/X54C4myH22 — Visioner (@visionergeo) October 27, 2025 The patrols fall under the Trinity House Agreement, signed last year, which commits both nations to joint operations, training, and procurement — including the shared acquisition of British Sting Ray torpedoes for the Poseidon fleet. Germany, which is replacing its aging P-3C Orions with eight Poseidons, is also increasing its Arctic presence by using Icelandic ports for naval operations and collaborating with Canada, Norway, and Denmark on maritime security. Officials said the partnership underscores NATO’s renewed focus on protecting sea lanes and critical infrastructure from Russian naval threats.   Polish Jets Intercept Russian Recon Aircraft Over Baltic Sea Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft on Tuesday flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea without a flight plan and with its transponder switched off, the Polish military said. The aircraft did not enter Polish airspace. The incident follows heightened NATO vigilance after three Russian military jets violated Estonian airspace in September and over 20 Russian drones crossed into Poland. Polish officials said the interception demonstrated readiness to defend national airspace. Polish Army: Two Polish jets escorted a Russian reconnaissance plane flying in international airspace without a flight plan or active transponder; it did not enter Polish airspace. — Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) October 29, 2025 NATO commanders have warned that while recent firm responses have deterred Moscow’s direct incursions, Russia is likely to continue testing allied defenses.   Israeli Airstrikes Kill 60 in Gaza, Including Children, as Ceasefire Falters Israeli airstrikes overnight in Gaza killed at least 60 people, including many children, local hospital officials said Wednesday, marking the deadliest breach of the fragile ceasefire since it began earlier this month. The strikes followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for “powerful strikes” after Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce by firing on its troops and returning only partial remains of a hostage. Hamas denied the accusations and said Israel’s attacks violated the agreement. Hospitals in Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and other parts of Gaza reported receiving dozens of bodies, including women and children. Live: Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 60, including dozens of children ➡️ https://t.co/FvLxLGfOOk pic.twitter.com/uTlCX1Cgu4 — FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) October 29, 2025 US President Donald Trump, speaking during his Asia trip, defended Israel’s actions as retaliation for what he described as Hamas killing an Israeli soldier in Rafah, an incident Hamas denies. The escalation has raised fears that the ceasefire, in place since October 10, could collapse as both sides trade blame over violations.   Amnesty Calls for War Crimes Probe After US Airstrike Kills 60 Migrants in Yemen Prison Amnesty International has urged an investigation into a US airstrike in April that killed at least 60 African migrants held in a Houthi-run prison in Yemen’s Saada province, calling it a possible war crime. The April 28 attack, part of President Donald Trump’s Operation Rough Rider campaign against Houthi rebels disrupting Red Sea shipping, reportedly struck a facility long known to house detained migrants. Amnesty said debris from the site indicated US GBU-39 bombs were used and found no evidence of a military target. Survivors described the attack as indiscriminate. The Houthis said 61 people were killed and denied wrongdoing, though rights groups noted their repression of journalists and aid workers hindered investigation efforts. 1/3 📢#Yemen: A new, in-depth investigation by Amnesty concludes that a US air strike on a migrant detention centre in Sa’ada, on 28 April 2025 that killed and injured dozens of migrants amounted to an indiscriminate attack and must be promptly investigated it as a war crime. — Amnesty Gulf (@amnestygulf) October 29, 2025 The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not publicly explained the strike but said a review is underway. Operation Rough Rider has targeted about 1,000 sites in Yemen, with rights groups estimating more than 200 civilian deaths, including from an April strike on an oil depot.   UN Investigator Condemns US Sanctions, Accuses Nations of Failing to Defend UN Independence Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian territories, criticized world governments Tuesday for not challenging US sanctions imposed on her, calling the move “unlawful and spiteful.” Speaking via video to the UN General Assembly from South Africa, Albanese said the sanctions undermined the organization’s independence and integrity. The US barred her entry earlier this year, accusing her of antisemitism and support for terrorism, charges she denies. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, dismissed the sanctions placed on her by the US, calling it her duty to “stand against a genocide”. Albanese said she would not stop her work, calling Trump’s Gaza plan “entirely inadequate”. pic.twitter.com/m8BndOUmL9 — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 24, 2025 Albanese reiterated her claim that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to “genocide” and “apartheid,” describing the enclave as “strangled, starved, [and] shattered” under a fragile ceasefire. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon denounced her remarks as “shameful” and “one-sided,” while the UN human rights chief and spokesperson have both called for the sanctions’ reversal. Albanese urged member states to press for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, rejecting what she called “Orwellian doublespeak” in peace efforts that allow continued violence.   Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks Collapse in Istanbul as Tensions Over Militants Persist Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended without agreement after four days of negotiations in Istanbul, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Wednesday, blaming Kabul for refusing to act against militants responsible for deadly cross-border attacks. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, followed an earlier round in Doha that produced an October 19 ceasefire after clashes left dozens dead. Despite the diplomatic breakdown, the ceasefire remains in place, and no new fighting was reported. Tarar accused the Taliban government of indifference toward Pakistan’s security concerns and warned that Islamabad would take all necessary steps to protect its citizens. Afghan state media countered that Pakistan was unwilling to engage constructively. Afganistan-Pakistan peace talks ‘fail’: Afghanistan-Pakistan talks end without agreement in Turkiye Pakistan’s information minister confirms a breakthrough in talks @samikshaa3 tells you more pic.twitter.com/iHMLeMt91A — WION (@WIONews) October 29, 2025 Analysts said Kabul’s delegation avoided making firm commitments to prevent its territory from being used by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). The failure to reach an agreement prolongs a tense standoff between the neighbors, with key border crossings closed for over two weeks and trade routes still blocked.   Myanmar’s Military Regime Launches Election Campaign Amid Ongoing Civil War Political parties in Myanmar began campaigning Tuesday ahead of national elections scheduled for December 28, a vote widely viewed as an attempt by the military junta to legitimize its 2021 coup. The campaign kickoff came a day after UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the election could heighten instability. Fifty-seven parties are participating, but Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy was banned along with dozens of others. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) launched its campaign in Naypyitaw and Yangon under the slogan “Stronger Myanmar.” Myanmar’s military government will hold the second phase of its multi-stage election on January 11, state media said, a vote dismissed as a sham by Western countries, the United Nations and human rights groups https://t.co/dZ6L0OpkEO — Reuters (@Reuters) October 29, 2025 Fighting across the country will prevent voting in many areas, with balloting planned in only 202 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. Opposition groups and protest organizers have called for an election boycott, labeling the polls a sham. The military has intensified airstrikes and operations to regain territory from resistance forces ahead of the vote.   North Korea Test-Fires Cruise Missiles as Trump Arrives in South Korea North Korea said Wednesday it successfully tested sea-to-surface cruise missiles that flew for more than two hours before striking targets in its western waters, describing the launch as a step toward expanding its nuclear military capabilities. The test occurred Tuesday, hours before US President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung. North Korea test-fires cruise missiles just hours before US President Donald Trump arrives in South Koreahttps://t.co/dP3sHgdlZs pic.twitter.com/qeWTvUnEL9 — AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 29, 2025 South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed detecting the launch and said Seoul and Washington are analyzing the missiles while maintaining readiness for any provocation. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump downplayed the tests but reiterated his openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite stalled diplomacy since 2019. North Korea’s state media said senior military official Pak Jong Chon oversaw the test and naval drills involving new destroyers. The launch follows recent short-range ballistic missile tests of a new hypersonic system and comes as Kim deepens ties with Russia while rejecting talks with the US unless sanctions are lifted.   US and South Korean Shipbuilders Forge Alliance to Boost Indo-Pacific Maritime Capabilities Huntington Ingalls Industries of the United States and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a joint strategy to expand military and commercial shipbuilding and maintenance across the Indo-Pacific. The agreement, announced during the APEC forum in Gyeongju, includes plans for joint investments, regional maintenance expansion, auxiliary shipbuilding, and research collaboration. The move builds on the companies’ earlier partnership to design the US Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship, a smaller, multi-role vessel for refueling and resupply missions. HD Hyundai Heavy, Huntington Ingalls to jointly build U.S. navy auxiliary ships https://t.co/aCAhJ3eJrP https://t.co/aCAhJ3eJrP — Reuters (@Reuters) October 26, 2025 The deal follows South Korea’s pledge to invest $150 billion in US shipbuilding projects, part of a broader $350 billion investment initiative. US Navy Secretary John Phelan has made expanding US shipbuilding and repair capacity a key priority to enhance fleet readiness and sustain US naval power in the Indo-Pacific.   US and Japan Advance Joint Command Upgrade to Counter China’s Military Expansion US Forces Japan has completed the first phase of its reorganization into a joint operational headquarters and is ready to move to the next stage, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday after meeting Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo. The upgrade aims to strengthen coordination between US and Japanese forces amid growing Chinese military activity near Japan and Taiwan. Hegseth said the shift will enhance warfighting capability, readiness, and lethality. The restructuring, announced in 2024, transitions US Forces Japan from an administrative liaison role to an integrated command capable of managing full-spectrum operations, from disaster relief to armed conflict. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding joint command and control and increasing military presence in Japan’s southwest islands. DM Koizumi and @SecWar Hegseth along with PM Takaichi and President Trump visited the USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base. They emphasized the importance of preserving peace through unwavering resolve and action under the Japan-U.S. Alliance. 🇯🇵🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Nrf52yH9Ty — Japan Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces (@ModJapan_en) October 29, 2025 Hegseth also praised Japan’s rising defense spending and vowed rapid investment to maintain deterrence. The announcement came a day after President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed new US-Japan agreements on defense and critical minerals.   Pacific Fleet Commander Urges Tech Industry to Accelerate Navy’s AI Integration Admiral Stephen Koehler, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, called on the technology industry Tuesday to help accelerate the Navy’s adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across operations. Speaking at the TechNet Indo-Pacific conference in Honolulu, Koehler said AI is already being used on most Navy networks to enhance decision-making and efficiency in areas such as command and control, logistics, cyber, and intelligence. He said the Pacific Fleet — which spans nearly half the globe and includes about 200 ships and 160,000 personnel — aims to integrate AI deeply into daily operations to outpace adversaries “from seabed to space.” Koehler emphasized a government–private sector partnership to fast-track innovation and experimentation, likening the process to “building an airplane while already flying it.” Speaking at a military technology conference Tuesday in Hawaii, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Stephen Koehler challenged the high-tech industry to boost the Navy’s ongoing efforts to empower sailors with artificial intelligence. (from @WyattwOlson) https://t.co/QRvBrcQr1u — Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 29, 2025 He also highlighted “The Forge,” a new advanced manufacturing hub in Hawaii using 3D printing and rapid prototyping to equip sailors with tools to repair and modify systems independently during missions.   WWI Soldiers’ Messages in a Bottle Found on Australian Beach After 108 Years A family cleaning up a beach in Western Australia discovered a century-old bottle containing letters written by two Australian soldiers en route to World War I. Deb Brown and her family found the intact Schweppes bottle on Wharton Beach near Esperance on October 9. Inside were messages from Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, written on August 15, 1916, days after their troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat departed Adelaide for France. Neville, who asked that his note be sent to his mother, was killed a year later in battle. Harley survived the war but died in 1934 from complications his family attributed to being gassed in the trenches. The letters described cheerful spirits and good food as the soldiers sailed “somewhere at sea.” Experts believe the bottle was buried in dunes for over a century before recent coastal erosion unearthed it. Century-old messages in bottle penned by WWI soldiers washes up on remote Australian beach https://t.co/5xMLauIBa3 pic.twitter.com/Nrk5bq0DvP — New York Post (@nypost) October 29, 2025 Relatives of both men described the discovery as emotional and miraculous, saying it reconnected them with their family’s wartime past.   Sources: News Agencies