Key Takeaways
- The White House continues its campaign against narco-terrorists amid lawmaker questions regarding a controversial September strike.
- New reports indicate survivors of the September 2nd strike were attempting to recover drugs, fueling legal scrutiny.
- Iran conducted large-scale naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, firing missiles and issuing warnings to U.S. forces.
- Iran also hosted a joint anti-terrorism exercise with Shanghai Cooperation Organization members, including China and Russia.
Deep Dive
- Lawmakers are questioning the legality of a September strike against narco-terrorists as the White House destroys another suspected narco-vessel.
- The September strike killed four men on board and is part of a campaign that has seen 22 strikes and 86 alleged narco-terrorists killed.
- The latest destruction of a suspected narco-vessel occurred on Thursday.
- New reporting suggests survivors of the September 2nd strike were attempting to recover drugs, contradicting earlier claims.
- Admiral Frank Bradley, head of Special Operations Command, denied a 'kill everybody' order from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
- Senator Tom Cotton confirmed legal oversight by a JAG officer, with hundreds of personnel monitoring the operation in real-time.
- Congressional Democrats, including Representative Jim Hines and Senator Chris Coons, expressed concern over the mission's legal basis.
- Lawmakers on both sides seek public testimony from Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Bradley regarding the September strikes.
- Instagram has implemented new protections for teen accounts.
- These accounts will now default to enhanced privacy settings and content filters.
- Iran conducted a large-scale military exercise in the Gulf of Oman, firing ballistic and cruise missiles.
- The drills signaled Iran's defensive capabilities and included a warning to approaching U.S. ships.
- This marked Iran's first major naval drill since the 12-Day War with Israel.
- Iran hosted an anti-terrorism exercise in East Azerbaijan province.
- The exercise included members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, specifically China and Russia.