SOFX Daily Brief - November 18th
North Korea’s potential deployment of 100,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine would occur incrementally, with rotations taking place over time.
North Korea May Deploy Up to 100,000 Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine Conflict, Reports Say
BLUF (bottom line up front): North Korea may deploy as many as 100,000 troops to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to assessments by some Group of 20 (G20) nations. The potential move is seen as a consequence of deepening ties between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Israeli Airstrike in Central Beirut Kills Hezbollah’s Media Relations Chief
BLUF (bottom line up front): An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah’s media relations chief, in the Ras al-Naba’a neighborhood of central Beirut. The attack also reportedly killed three others and caused significant damage to neighboring buildings.
US Air Force Honors Crew That Thwarted Major Iranian Drone Attack on Israel
BLUF (bottom line up front): The United States (U.S.) Air Force recognized 30 pilots, aircrew, and support personnel for their actions during the largest air-to-air engagement in more than 50 years. The ceremony, held last November 12 at Britain’s Royal Air Force Lakenheath station honored their role in intercepting a massive Iranian-led rocket and drone assault on Israel that occurred on April 13-14.
US, UK and France Allow Ukraine to Conduct Strikes Inside Russia Using Long-Range Missiles
BLUF (bottom line up front): The United States (U.S.), United Kingdom (U.K.), and France have authorized Ukraine to conduct strikes within Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles, according to multiple reports. The decision comes amid reports of Russia deploying thousands of North Korean troops to the Kursk region and intensifying military offensives.
Department of Defense Fails its Seventh Consecutive Audit
BLUF (bottom line up front): The Department of Defense (DOD) has failed its annual audit for the seventh consecutive year, unable to fully account for its $824 billion budget and $4.1 trillion in assets. The audit, released on Friday, examined 28 entities within the Pentagon, nine of which received clean results. Fifteen entities failed outright, and three audits are still pending.
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