Iranian general threatens US with a ‘strong slap in the face’

Iranian general threatens US with a ‘strong slap in the face’

Since taking office, President Trump has repeatedly pledged to take a harder line on Iran – a promise he upheld earlier this month when he levied sanctions against twenty-five individuals and organizations tied to Iran’s ballistic missile program on February 3rd.  The sanctions came days after the Iranian military tested a nuclear capable missile that […]

Iran bans private drones from skies over Tehran amid security fears

Iran bans private drones from skies over Tehran amid security fears

Iran has banned privately-owned drones from flying over Tehran after at least two devices were shot at in recent weeks over security fears. Licences will now only be granted to “relevant bodies and not individuals”, military officials said. The unmanned aerial devices have caused several security scares after approaching sensitive areas. Drones have become increasingly […]

Jihadist clashes in Syria signal deteriorating situation for opposition

Jihadist clashes in Syria signal deteriorating situation for opposition

Fighting occurred between jihadist opposition groups in northwest Syria on Monday, highlighting the fractious differences that remain among rebel forces in Syria. Following the seizure of Aleppo in December 2016 by Assad government forces, armed opposition groups in northwest Syria have begun to battle over remaining territory and resources. As Assad regime troops re-consolidate following […]

Iran says holds eight foreigners planning attacks

Iran says holds eight foreigners planning attacks

Iranian security forces have arrested eight hardline Sunni Islamists suspected of planning attacks to disrupt celebrations for Iran’s Islamic revolution in the past week, Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi said on Saturday. Alavi said the eight were “Takfiri” foreigners, some of whom were linked to a “Takfiri” leader who had been killed in Iran, IRNA reported. […]

How the Iranians fed us our lines

How the Iranians fed us our lines

As a career intelligence officer I understand that the world around us in often seen in shifting shades of gray partially obscured by a fog of uncertainty and ambiguity. I also know that sometimes that fog lifts, and all is revealed in the crystal clear light of day. Such was the moment, late last month, […]

Administration considers ‘terrorist group’ label for Iranian Revolutionary Guards

Administration considers ‘terrorist group’ label for Iranian Revolutionary Guards

The Trump administration is reportedly considering using an executive order to officially recognize the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a complex military and political machine within Iran, as a ‘terrorist organization’, according to Reuters. This potential classification would almost certainly further complicate the already strained relations between the U.S. and Iran. Readers recognize the Iranian Revolutionary […]

Yemen Civil War: Small progress for Saudi-backed government forces

Yemen Civil War: Small progress for Saudi-backed government forces

Forces loyal to Saudi-backed President Abrabbuh Mansur Hadi have seized the coastal town of Al-Mokha in Yemen, according to a report by Reuters. The action represents progress for the embattled president and his Gulf Arab allies as the civil war with regional and global implications approaches its second anniversary. Following the Iranian-backed Houthi offensive to […]

Detachment A: counter-terrorism and Operation Eagle Claw (Part 3)

Detachment A: counter-terrorism and Operation Eagle Claw (Part 3)

Read Part One HERE and Part Two HERE. As the Cold War matured, the mission of Det A evolved, shifting gears to face a new threat that the Western World was unprepared for. In the early 1970’s there had been a rash of aircraft hijackings, many perpetrated by the Palestinian nationalists belonging to the Popular […]

Amnesty International accuses Assad regime of mass executions in military prison

Amnesty International accuses Assad regime of mass executions in military prison

A report released by human rights group Amnesty International has accused the Assad regime of executing thousands of prisoners in mass hangings and conducting systematic torture in a military prison near Damascus. The executions took place over a four-year span, though the report indicated that torture and mass executions are likely ongoing. The organization has called on […]

Iran’s missile test ‘not a message’ to Trump

Iran’s missile test ‘not a message’ to Trump

Iran said on Monday a recent missile trial launch was not intended to send a message to new U.S. President Donald Trump and to test him, since after a series of policy statements Iranian officials already “know him quite well”. Iran test-fired a new ballistic missile last week, prompting Washington to impose some new sanctions […]