Nigerian Army Says 80 Militants Killed in a Major Anti-Terror Operation

Nigerian Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Sani Uba announced troops repelled a militant attack in Borno near Niger, killing at least 80, in the aftermath of a string of civilian attacks by armed groups & bandits in the country.

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Spain plans to relocate its troops stationed in Iraq in the coming days due to escalating risks linked to the Iran conflict and wider Gulf tensions, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said.

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The military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam, released a video expressing support for Hezbollah’s campaign against Israel:

“We are confident that you will complete the mission.”

China’s J-20 fighter jet designer Yang Wei has been quietly removed from an official academy website.

He’s been missing from public view for over a year.

Source: SCMP

A small French town’s mayoral race went viral because of the candidates’ names: Hittler vs Zielinski.

Mayor Charles Hittler says the attention spiraled—“it has gone completely crazy”.

His family is distressed, noting even headlines joking that locals are “Hitlerites.”

Senator Graham on Iran:

The idea that somehow Trump got hoodwinked by the Jews is — like, enough already.

If you know anything about Trump, nothing could be further from the truth.

And you’re just giving life to the idea that’s been around for like 2,000 years with the Jewish people. Enough!

Boys on a Taiwan beach suddenly startled as a low-flying cruise missile (likely a Hsiung Feng IIE / HF-2E) flies overhead during a test.

Senator Graham on Iran:

If you do not see this as an imminent threat, then you’re blind for your hatred of Trump.

There are people on the left and people in my own party that are more afraid of Trump being successful than the Ayatollah having a nuclear weapon.

That’s sick.

Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán:

Hungary will help Ukraine when we have our oil.

Rwanda, Congo Agree on Steps to De-escalate Tensions

U.S. State Department hosted DR Congo & Rwanda talks where both sides agreed on steps to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo amid M23 conflict & recent US sanctions.

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Senator Graham on Iran:

To those who have lost their lives and been injured, you died in the service of your country making the world safer, and that’s what military people sign up for.

And to those who’ve been injured, you’ve been hurt trying to stop something that matters.

This is not a foolish endeavor. This is something that had to be done.

Senator Graham on Iran:

The worst thing you can do to a military unit is ask them to sacrifice and not finish the job.

You want to help the military? let them finish the job they believe in that is necessary.

And you get nothing for finishing second in a war with mad people, crazy people.

NEW: Saudi Defense Ministry says a drone crashed at the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, with damage still being assessed.

SAMREF is a major oil refinery, jointly owned by Saudi Aramco & ExxonMobil, processing ~400,000 barrels/day.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever:

There is no desire in Belgium to be involved in the war against Iran. And I think that won't change.

I think it's a shared sentiment among European Union member countries that we didn't want this war, we didn't start this war.

Kuwait is battling fires at the ports of Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries after they were targeted by Iranian strikes.

Mina Al-Ahmadi & Mina Abdullah are Kuwait’s main oil refineries, run by KNPC, producing ~800,000 barrels/day combined.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever:

If you achieve peace, what should you do with Russia in the long term?

Live in eternal hostility, or aim for normalization? Yes, then you should aim for normalization.

I think that is completely normal, if you frame it correctly.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever:

Belgium wants to continue to fully support Ukraine and keep the pressure on Russia at the highest level.

We are strongly advocating for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. That is very important for us, including measures on oil and gas.

So we must continue: 100% support for Ukraine, 100% pressure on Russia—but also negotiations.

We must have a strategy to negotiate. It cannot be the intention to continue this war for years, to sacrifice many Ukrainian lives, and then in the end negotiate anyway.

Ukraine Peace Talks Paused Amid Iran War

Peace talks involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine have been paused amid the ongoing Iran war, according to a report by Russian newspaper Izvestia citing Kremlin officials.

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Vance Plans Hungary Visit to Back Orban Ahead of Election

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is planning a visit to Hungary in the coming days to signal support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of a closely contested election, according to sources familiar with the matter.

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Brent crude oil surged above $116 per barrel, rising about 8.5% in a day.

Iran has asked the UN for compensation from the UAE, accusing it of helping US attacks by allowing its territory to be used.

In a letter, Iran’s UN Envoy said the UAE committed an “internationally wrongful act” and should pay for material and moral damages.