Syria, Kuweires Air Base: First aircraft took off.

Reportedly an L-39 Albatros trainer/light attack aircraft.

Comparison of noise from traditional diesel vs. hybrid powerpacks on Chinese ZTZ-99B and new ZTZ-100 tanks.

Hybrid is significantly quieter.

Sudan: UNICEF says child malnutrition surged 48% in early 2025, topping 315,000 cases and exceeding emergency levels in most regions.

Israeli agent Hikmat al-Hijri:

Our people, by their free will, have expressed their demand for an independent entity.

We will not back down from our right to self-determination regardless of the sacrifices.

Somalia: Al-Shabaab claimed an attack on U.S. forces at Kismayo airport, but U.S. military reported only indirect fire with no casualties or damage.

Somalia: Al-Shabaab said the Kismayo attack was revenge for U.S. support to Israel in Gaza and vowed more strikes on American forces.

BREAKING: Trump will sign an executive order on Friday to rename the Department of Defense back to its historic title, the Department of War. Pete Hegseth will also be referred to as the "Secretary of War."

Source: Fox News

Pete Hegseth:

DEPARTMENT OF WAR

The Trump administration plans to make the US citizenship test harder, possibly adding essays and raising the passing bar. Officials argue the current test is too easy.

Source: POLITICO

The US sanctioned three Palestinian human rights groups, Al Haq, Al Mezan, and PCHR, for supporting the International Criminal Court’s war crimes probe against Israeli leaders.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the groups helped the ICC investigate and prosecute Israelis without Israel’s consent, calling it an overreach since the US and Israel reject ICC authority.

Sudan: Air Force reportedly carried out night strikes on RSF positions in El Fasher.

Kremlin:

Putin invited Zelensky to Moscow to talk, not to capitulate.

Kremlin:

There is light at the end of the tunnel in the Ukrainian settlement.

Putin:

The symbol of Russia is a bear, but the largest tiger in the world is also Russian.