Civilian vessel damaged in Russian strike on Odesa port infrastructure

"Russian forces attacked the port infrastructure in Odesa with an Iskander-M ballistic missile in the afternoon injuring four people and damaging a civilian vessel flying the flag of Antigua." Ukrin

Russia uses heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A near Vovchansk

"In the Kharkiv region, the enemy used a heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A near Vovchansk, and the enemy is building up a communications system near Lukianets. At the same time, the Defense Forces destroyed more than 90 occupants and 74 pieces of enemy weapons and military equipment over the past day." Ukrin

Israeli Attack On Beirut Kills Hezbollah Commander, Decimates Building

"Huge explosions could be seen and heard for miles, in an apparent "targeted strike" on a southern suburb of the capital city. Reports say that senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil was killed in the attack. An official has told AFP he was killed in the strike." ZH

Israeli man arrested over plot to kill Netanyahu

"An Israeli man has been arrested for allegedly participating in an Iranian plot to assassinate top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Jewish state's authorities have said.
Moti Maman, 73, who is Jewish, was arrested last month, but Israeli security agency Shin Bet only made the details of the case public on Thursday. According to investigators, Maman, a resident of Ashkelon, traveled to Iran twice and accepted money to act as an Iranian agent." RT

Von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv

"European Commission Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in the Ukrainian capital.

She announced this on the social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.
"My 8th visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season starts soon, and Russia keeps targeting energy infrastructure. We will help Ukraine in its brave efforts," she wrote." Ukrin

Zelensky Could Be Overthrown If He Fails To Hold Elections: Ukraine Lawmaker

"An opposition lawmaker in Ukrainian parliament is warning that President Vladimir

Zelensky could eventually face a coup if he persists in banning national elections. The Verkhovna Rada lawmaker, Alexander Dubinsky, wrote on Telegram that "a coup is possible."
He warned this will be the case "if Zelensky, who has done everything contrary to the interests of Ukraine, remains in power bypassing the elections. Surely no one will tolerate this."
One potential coup scenario, however, might involve elements connected to Ukraine's military - such as Azov Brigade - stirring strong dissent in the scenario of Zelensky being willing to go quickly to the negotiating table with Moscow. While much of the Ukrainian populace is surely tired of the war, and might be willing to let go of some pro-Russian far eastern territories for the sake of peace, groups like Azov would be out for blood." ZH

Russian paratroopers ambush Ukrainian forces in Kursk Region

"Russian paratroopers have ambushed Kiev’s forces in Russia’s Kursk Region, eliminating Ukrainian personnel together with several units of hardware...An ambush was set up on a road, and the “confident actions” of the Russian drone operators led to the elimination of a Ukrainian all-terrain vehicle with its crew, an infantry fighting vehicle, and a Western-made armored car." RT

Iran Hacked Trump Campaign, Sent Stolen Material to Biden-Harris Campaign

 "U.S. investigators revealed Wednesday that Iranian hackers actually sent stolen, sensitive information from the Trump campaign directly to President Joe Biden’s campaign earlier this summer.

"Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden’s campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump’s campaign as text in the emails," the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a joint statement. "Furthermore, Iranian malicious cyber actors have continued their efforts since June to send stolen, non-public material associated with former President Trump’s campaign to U.S. media organizations."
Let that sink in—foreign actors handed over stolen data to a sitting president’s campaign in order to stop President Trump from getting back into office.
This isn’t just a breach of security; it’s an assault on the integrity of our elections." 

PJMedia

187 combat clashes on front lines in past day, fierce fighting raging in Pokrovsk, Kurakhove sectors

"As many as 187 combat engagements between Ukrainian forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front lines. On the Kharkiv axis, the enemy made two attempts to storm Ukrainian positions near Vovchansk and Tykhe. Russian aircraft hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure in Vovchansk with glide bombs. In addition, the invaders struck Kharkiv with glide bombs and ballistic missiles, injuring people and damaging civilian infrastructure.

On the Kupiansk axis, Ukrainian forces repelled 15 enemy attacks near Synkivka, Kruhliakivka, Stelmakhivka, and Pishchane.
On the Lyman axis, the enemy carried out 18 attacks near Druzheliubivka, Cherneshchyna, Nevske, Makiivka, Novosadove, and Bilohorivka.
On the Siversk axis, Ukrainian defenders repelled three assaults by Russian invaders near Verkhniokamianske and Ivano-Darivka.
On the Kramatorsk axis, Russian troops launched four attacks outside Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Bila Hora.
On the Toretsk axis, the enemy, supported by aircraft, carried out 12 attacks near Dachne, Nelipivka, Toretsk, and Shcherbynivka.
On the Pokrovsk axis, Ukrainian defenders stopped 46 assault and offensive operations of the Russian army toward Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Krasnyi Yar, Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Marynivka, Myroliubivka, and Mykhailivka. The greatest concentration of enemy attacks was recorded near Novohrodivka.
On the Kurakhove axis, Ukrainian forces repelled 40 attacks. The invaders most actively tried to advance near Kostiantynivka and Heorhiivka. The enemy also attacked Ukrainian positions in the direction of Tsukuryne, Ukrainsk, Dalne, and Zhelanne Pershe.
On the Vremivka axis, Russian forces carried out seven assaults near Katerynivka, Bohoiavlenka, Solodke, and Zolota Nyva, actively using attack and bomber aircraft.
On the Huliaipole axis, Russian invaders launched unsuccessful attacks in the Huliaipole area.
On the Orikhiv axis, Russian troops stormed Ukrainian positions in the areas of Mala Tokmachka and Novodanylivka five times.
The enemy also launched five unsuccessful attacks on the Dnipro River axis.
Ukraine's operation in the Kursk region is ongoing. Enemy aircraft continued to raze Russian towns and villages to the ground, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said. Over the past 24 hours, Russian aircraft launched 19 airstrikes, using 39 glide bombs, against their own territory." Ukrin

Netanyahu Posts Mysterious 10-second Video, Hinting at War Against Hezbollah

"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a mysterious ten-second video, the second day of a series of attacks targeting Hezbollah terrorists throughout Lebanon through their communications devices.

Netanyahu says, in Hebrew: “I already said, we will return the residents of the north in safety to their homes. And that is exactly what we will do.” Breitbart

Israel's War Cabinet Greenlights Offensive War Against Hezbollah, Sends Elite Brigade North

"As many suspected and feared, this deadly two-day Israeli covert operation to blow up

Hezbollah pagers, walkie-talkies, and small electronic devices was but preparation for a likely Israeli military ground operation in southern Lebanon. It appears war is here. According to breaking news wires:
"Israeli cabinet has given PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant the authorization to undertake military action against Hezbollah -- even if it leads to an all-out war."
So far the second day of explosions across Beirut and Lebanon have led to 20 killed and 450 wounded, but the casualty toll could be much higher." ZH

Russian Sappers Use Smart Mines to Tackle Ukrainian Forces at Avdeyevka Front Line

"A crew of the advanced Zemledeliye (lit. Agriculture) remote mine-laying engineering system has laid smart minefields in the Avdeyevka area.

Equipped with seismic sensors and electronic chips, the mines [used by Zemledeliye] can detect the type of approaching target and are only triggered by strictly programmed targets, be it military equipment or a passing person.
Zemledeliye, which operates as a multiple-launch rocket system, is capable of firing 122mm rockets containing anti-personnel, or anti-tank mines, at a distance of up to 15 kilometers away. A single salvo from Zemledeliye can transform several thousand square meters of land into a deadly minefield." Sputnik

194 combat clashes in past day, mostly in Pokrovsk, Kurakhove axes

"Ukraine’s Defense Forces reported a total of 194 combat engagements with Russian invasion troops along the front lines. Russians launched 72 airstrikes against the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, including dropping 120 anti-aircraft missiles. Also, the enemy fired 4,800 shots, 154 of them from rocket salvo systems.

Russian airstrikes targeted the areas of Tymofiivka, Senkove, Osynove, Kivsharivka, Hlushkivka, Novo-osynivka, and Bohuslavka in Kharkiv region; Tverdokhlibove in Luhansk region; Chasiv Yar, Kramatorsk, Druzhba, Shcherbynivka, Petrivka, Yelizavetivka, Kostiantynivka, and Kurakhove in Donetsk region, and Verbove in Zaporizhzhia region. Yesterday, Ukraine’s Air Force, missile and artillery units five times hit Russian manpower clusters and targeted an anti-aircraft missile system, three control points, and a field ammunition depot.
Kharkiv axis: a single combat clash was reported in the Vovchansk area.
Kupiansk axis: with air support, the enemy attacked 13 times. Ukraine repelled assaults near Synkivka, Novo-osynove, Kruhliakivka, Andriivka, Kolisnykivka, Petropavlivka, and Lozova.
Lyman axis: the enemy attacked 14 times, trying to advance near Cherneshchyna, Druzheliubivka, Makiivka, Torske, and Nevske.
Siversk axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled two assaults by Russian invaders near Verkhniokamianske and Vyimka.
Kramatorsk axis: the Russians attacked ten times near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Klishchiivka, and Bila Hora. The situation is under Ukraine’s control.
Toretsk axis: the enemy, with air support, unleashed 15 assaults near Shcherbynivka, Toretsk, Dachne, and Nelypivka.
Pokrovsk axis: the Defense Forces repelled 51 assault and offensive actions of the aggressor troops in the direction of Hrodivka, Novotoretske, Novohrodivka, Mykolaivka, Ukrainsk, Oleksandropil, Vozdvyzhenka, Marynivka, and Zelene Pole. The greatest number of attacks was reported Hrodivka and Novohrodivka.
Kurakhove axis: the Defense Forces repelled 49 attacks toward Tsukuryne, Zhelanne Pershe, Hirnyk, Katerynivka, Heorhiivka, and Kostiantynivka, where enemy actively employed tactical aviation.
Vremivka axis: according to an update, the Russians carried out six assaults near Vuhledar and Novoukrainka.
Huliaipole axis remained tense as the enemy made two unsuccessful offensives.
Orikhiv axis: Russia went for eight attacks, achieving no gains near Mala Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Novoandriivka, and Shcherbaky.
Prydniprovia axis: none of the four attempts by the enemy to capture Ukraine’s positions achieved success.
No signs of enemy offensive groupings being formed were detected in the Volyn and Polissia axes." Ukrin

Eighteen quakes recorded in Russia’s Tver region after drone hits ammo depot

"In Russia's Tver region, 18 earthquakes were recorded after an unmanned aerial vehicle hit an ammunition warehouse, causing mass detonations. The series of earthquakes with a magnitude between 2 and 3.2 started at about 4:00 local time lasting for over two hours." Ukrin

9 Killed, 2700+ Wounded In Israel's Pager Attack On Hezbollah

"Official Lebanese Health Ministry figures are that nine people were killed in the

simultaneous pager explosions and some 2,750 wounded. The Lebanese government has identified "Israeli aggression" as being behind the attack, while Hezbollah also says it holds Israel "fully responsible". Israel has yet to issue official comment, but there are several reports from the region that war preparations are underway. There are reports of evening Israeli shelling of Hezbollah positions in south Lebanese .
Israel's Channel 14 is reporting that "senior Israeli military officials are preparing for a third Hezbollah war which is expected to begin almost immediately." ZH

Putin Orders Third Troop Expansion Of War, Making Army 2nd Largest After China's

"For the third time since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, President Putin has approved an expansion of Russia's military, on Monday signing a decree to boost the number of soldiers by 180,000.

This means Russia's armed forces will include 1.5 million active servicemen going into winter. It is also a clear signal that Russia doesn't plan on reducing the intensity of the fight in the Donbass anytime soon. This will bring the overall number of military personnel within Russia’s army, including all reserve forces, to over 2,300,000.
With this latest troop increase, Putin could also be signaling NATO that Russia will not back down, at a moment the US and UK are mulling approving Ukraine's use of long-range missiles to attack inside Russian territory.
President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the regular size of the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen in a move that would make it the second largest in the world after China's." ZeroHedge

Convict, Zelensky fanboy, would-be Trump assassin: Who is Ryan Routh?

"Ryan Wesley Routh, identified in US media as the gunman who allegedly targeted former President Donald Trump on Sunday, is to be subjected to a mental health evaluation, according to sources cited by CNN. Federal authorities reportedly requested the measure due to “unusual rants” the suspect posted online.

The 58-year-old apparently has an unusual past which includes a criminal conviction, trying to recruit US-trained Afghan fighters to join the Ukrainian military, and writing a self-published book, in which he ponders, among other things, why Russian President Vladimir Putin “has not been killed yet.”
The presumed would-be shooter was taken into custody on Sunday shortly after fleeing Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the time of writing, officials have not named him or charged him with any crime, but images and reports by media leave few doubts about the man’s identity.
A profile posted by Associated Press says that Routh lived most of his life in North Carolina, but moved to Kaaawa, Hawaii in 2018. In 2020, he donated to the Democratic Party’s presidential campaign of then-US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, according to records....said he’d voted for the Republican in 2016. His political preference appears to have switched to the Democrats since.
Criminal records reveal that while living in Greensboro, North Carolina Routh had multiple run-ins with the police. In 2002, he was convicted of possession of a weapon of mass destruction. The charge, according to local press, related to a fully automatic machine gun, over which he had a three-hour armed standoff with law enforcement. Routh, who was 36 at the time, barricaded himself at his business following a combative traffic stop.
Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, he had been declaring online his willingness to go to Ukraine and die for the country. " RT

157 combat clashes along frontlines over past day

"157 combat clashes between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and the Russian invaders were

recorded.
The Russian forces carried out airstrikes, in particular near Shalyhine, Nova Sloboda, Richki, Novomykolaivka, Pysarivka, Vovchansk, Kupiansk, Petropavlivka, Kucherivka, Radkivka, Novoyehorivka, Chasiv Yar, Shcherbynivka, Pokrovsk, Mykhailivka, Mirnohrad, Oleksandropil, Bohoyavlenka, Novodonetske, Urozhaine, Vuhledar, Novooleksandrivka, Ukrainka and Shevchenkivka.
Yesterday, Ukrainian air forces, missile and artillery units launched eight strikes on Russian manpower clusters, two radars and two other important enemy targets." Ukrin

Russians launch massive airstrike on Sumy

"Russians launched a massive air strike on Sumy. "Tonight, the enemy, using Shahed-type UAVs, carried out a massive air strike on the city of Sumy," the post reads." Ukrin

Russia launches missile and drone barrage on Ukraine

"In the early hours Russian forces launched an attack on Ukraine using two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, one Kh-59 air-launched missile, and 14 Shahed kamikaze drones." NV

Injury toll in enemy strike on apartment block in Kharkiv rises to 43

"The number of those injured in a Russian airstrike on Kharkiv has increased to 43. According to the State Emergency Service, the enemy strike damaged seven apartment buildings and 20 cars in the city." Ukrin

US, UK Scramble to Supply Ukraine With AMRAAM Missiles

"Western enablers of the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev are struggling to meet its insatiable

demands for defense systems.
The Pentagon has allocated $1.2 billion for the production of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), including for Ukraine, by the US company Raytheon.
AMRAAM missiles, capable of hitting targets at a reported range of 160 kilometers, can be used as interceptors for Ukraine’s US-donated National Advanced Surface-to Air-Missile (NASAMS) air defense systems or mounted on F-16 fighter aircraft." Sputnik

Again? Trump Reported Safe After Gunfire Near His Location: AK-47 Found at West Palm Beach Golf Course

“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity,” Trump campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement. “No further details at this time.” According to one report, the gunshots were fired while Trump was at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was golfing today.

Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., said a suspect has been apprehended and an AK-47 rifle was found in the bushes at Trump National, citing law enforcement officials.

Update 5:56 p.m.: Multiple media outlets have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh.
Update 4:51 p.m.: The FBI now says it is investigating "what appears to be an attempted assassination of Trump. The shots came from "a few hundred feet from where Trump was playing," according to Fox News. "It was the Secret Service that fired the gunshots" after they saw a man carrying a long gun," Fox reported. He reportedly dropped the gun and ran and was apprehended by Secret Service." Breitbart

RFK Jr urges Biden not to approve long-range missiles for Ukraine: ‘Reckless escalation’

"Robert F. Kennedy Jr. slammed President Biden’s administration for continuing to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles arguing it was a major escalation of the conflict.

Kennedy called out both Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. He made the comment in relation to reporting that the U.S. is set to approve Ukraine using long-range missiles to strike inside Russia.
“Secretary Blinken, President Biden — STOP IT! Stop this reckless escalation. I say this not as a political partisan, but simply as a citizen of the world,” Kennedy wrote." FOX

Venezuela Arrests Navy SEAL Among Several Foreigners Behind Alleged Maduro Assassination Plot

"Venezuela has announced the arrest of three Americans, two Spaniards and a Czech citizen, accusing them of plotting to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The arrests were first

announced Saturday by the country's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who said that one of the Americans is Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez - a Navy SEAL - who state television said served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Colombia.
Cabello alleged this was all part of another CIA plot to overthrow the Maduro government, which comes after Washington has contested the official results July 28 election which ensured the longtime strongman another six-year term as leader.
Cabello further held up rifles he claimed were used by the six foreigners as part of the anti-government plot. Below is an image circulated by state media of Gomez, who is being described as an active elite SEAL" ZH

German warships a ‘security risk’ – Chinese military

"The passage of two German Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Friday “increased security risks” in the region, the Chinese military has said." RT

164 combat clashes at front in past day, almost half of them in Pokrovsk, Kurakhove sectors

"164 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders occurred on the front lines, with almost half of them in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors.
The Russian army launched air strikes on the areas of Khotin, Obody, Iskryskivshchyna, Pavlivka, Bilopillia, Kindrativka, Novoivanivka, Velyka Cherneshchyna, Katerynivka, Yunakivka, Pervomaiske in the Sumy region; Novoosynove, Kivsharivka, Berestove in the Kharkiv region; Druzhba, Kostiantynivka, Katerynivka, Kleban-Byk, Nelipivka, Oleksandropil, Myrnohrad, Antonivka, Vuhledar in the Donetsk region; Verkhnia Tersa, Piatykhatky, Lobkove in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Over the past day, the Ukrainian Air Force, missile forces, and artillery conducted six strikes on the areas where Russian troops and weapons were concentrated and one strike on a command center. One enemy artillery system and one pontoon bridge were also hit.
In the Kharkiv sector, three combat engagements took place in the vicinity of Vovchansk.
In the Kupiansk sector, 17 enemy attacks were recorded over the past day. The defense forces repelled Russian assaults near Kolisnykivka, Stelmakhivka, Lozova and Synkivka.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked 19 times, particularly attempting to advance near Druzheliubivka, Makiivka, Nevske, Novosadove, Zarichne, Cherneshchyna, Serebrianka and Terny.
In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 13 enemy assault attacks in the vicinity of Bilohorivka, Verkhniokamianske and Vyimka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the Russian army attacked twice - near Chasiv Yar and Andriivka.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy, supported by aircraft, launched 12 attacks near Druzhba, Dachne, Nelipivka and Toretsk.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders thwarted 41 aggressor attacks towards the localities of Sukha Balka, Vozdvyzhenka, Zelene Pole, Novooleksandrivka, Novotoretsk, Hrodivka, Krasnyi Yar, Novohrodivka, Mykhailivka and Marynivka.
In the Kurakhove sector, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled 39 attacks near Selydove, Ukrainske, Krasnohorivka, Dolyna, Zhelanne Druhe. Heorhiivka, Kostiantynivka, Katerynivka and Zhelanne Pershe.
In the Vremivka sector, according to updated information, the enemy launched six attacks on Ukrainian positions in the vicinity of Vodiane, Zolota Nyva, Katerynivka and Vuhledar.
In the Huliaipole sector, the village of Verkhnia Tersa was attacked with guided aerial bombs.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attacked the settlements of Piatykhatky and Lobkove with unguided aerial missiles.
In the Dnipro River sector, Russian invaders attacked Ukrainian positions eight times but received a tough rebuff and suffered losses.
In the Volyn and Polissia sectors, no signs of enemy offensive groups have been recorded.
On the border with the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, the Russian army deploys artillery from its territory to fire at Ukrainian settlements." Ukrin

Air defense forces shoot down 72 of 76 Russian kamikaze drones overnight

"Air Defense Forces shot down 72 Shahed attack drones launched by Russia at Ukraine. The Air Force, anti-aircraft missile troops, mobile fire groups, and EW units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces were involved in repelling the enemy air attack. As many as 72 attack UAVs were shot down over the Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Sumy regions.

The Air Force added that it lost track of two more drones on the territory of Ukraine, while two more returned to Russia." Ukrin

Russian Army Ousts Ukrainian Troops From 10 Settlements in Kursk Region

"Russia’s Battlegroup Sever has liberated 10 settlements in the Kursk region in two days.....Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnevka, Viktorovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeevka, Krasnooktyabrskoye, Obukhovka, Snagost..." Sputnik

Shots fired outside Israeli consulate in Munich

"A gunman fired several shots outside the Israeli consulate in Munich, Germany, on Thursday, several outlets have reported. The suspect was reportedly subsequently killed by police officers and the city’s downtown area has been sealed off by law enforcement.

In a string of posts on X on Thursday, Munich police reported that the incident took place near the Munich Documentation Center, a museum that focuses on the history of the Nazi regime, and the Israeli consulate.
The authorities wrote that officers opened fire after seeing “a person who was apparently carrying a firearm.” The individual in question was “shot and wounded,” according to one of the tweets.
In a subsequent message, the police clarified that the “suspect was fatally injured during the exchange of fire.” He is said to have been armed with an “old long-barrel weapon.” RT

Syrian man arrested over plot to kill German soldiers

"Police in the German state of Bavaria have arrested a Syrian migrant for allegedly plotting to stab multiple soldiers to death. The arrest comes as Germany tightens its border security in a

crackdown on “Islamist terror groups.”
The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with plotting a “serious act of violence endangering the state,” prosecutors in Munich said in a statement to German media.
The suspect, whom prosecutors described as an “alleged follower of a radical Islamic ideology,” recently acquired two 40cm knives and planned to “attack Bundeswehr soldiers” in the Bavarian city of Hof, where they would be congregating near a military barracks on their lunch break, the statement said." RT

Military Court Sentences 3 Americans, 34 Others to Death

"A military court in Congo handed down death sentences Friday to 37 people, including three Americans, after convicting them on charges of taking part in a coup attempt.The defendants, who also included a Briton, Belgian, Canadian and several Congolese, can appeal the verdict on charges that included terrorism, murder and criminal association. Fourteen people were acquitted in the trial, which opened in June.

Six people were killed during the botched coup attempt led by the little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga in May that targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. Malanga was fatally shot while resisting arrest soon after live-streaming the attack on his social media, the Congolese army said. A website in Christian Malanga’s name said his family settled in Salt Lake City in the 1990s as part of a refugee-resettlement program. He participated in the U.S. Army Junior ROTC, it said. He returned to Congo to run for political office in 2011 but was arrested “on bogus charges” and held for several weeks by police officers who beat him, it said. 

In July, Marcel Malanga told the court he was not involved in planning the coup and that he and Thompson had been forced to join in while visiting his father. “Dad had threatened to kill us if we did not follow his orders,” Reuters quoted him as saying." WJ

Biden scolds reporter asking about Putin’s threat of war with US: ‘Be quiet’

"President Biden scolded a journalist Friday for asking him to respond to Vladimir Putin’s statement that the US and Russia would effectively be at war if the American commander in chief lifts restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles inside Russia.

“I say you be quiet until I speak. Okay? That’s what I say. Good idea?” Biden, 81, snapped as he opened a meeting at the White House with visiting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The journalist persisted, “But what do you say to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin’s threat of war, sir? It’s a serious threat.”
“You’ve got to be quiet,” Biden replied. “I’m going to make a statement here, okay?” NYP

UK's Starmer, Canada's Trudeau, Pressure Biden To Escalate With Russia Despite Putin Warning Of 'War' With NATO

"Kirby came out on Friday and told reporters that there's been no change in US policy regarding Ukraine using Western arms for long-rage strikes inside Russia. But the pressure is quickly ramping up: first Canada's Trudeau said he supports greenlighting this, despite Putin making clear this would mean 'direct war' between Russia and NATO, and now UK Prime

Minister Keir Starmer is coming out in support. According to breaking reporting in The Wall Street Journal:
"U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to urge President Biden on Friday during a visit to Washington to sign off on allowing Ukraine to use long-range European-made cruise missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia, according to U.S. and Western officials.
...A decision to lift a ban on Kyiv using the Storm Shadow missile, which can hit targets 155 miles away, to fire into Russia would be a major win for Ukraine, which has been urging Western countries for months to loosen restrictions on long-range weapons."
Yes, Zelensky has been essentially begging for it, but we highly doubt a "win" will follow especially given as we detailed below Putin still holds many cards, and would likely escalate attacks on Kiev in a big way." ZeroHedge

Putin Puts West On Notice: Long-Range Arms For Ukraine Will Mean 'NATO At War With Russia'

"Putin says not so fast... First, here's a UK Times report within the last hour:
Britain and the United States are on the verge of allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia after accusing President Putin of “escalating” the conflict by accepting ballistic missiles from Iran.

David Lammy, the foreign secretary, and Anthony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said they would return to their respective countries to inform their leaders of the “operational details” surrounding Ukraine’s use of weapons such as Storm Shadow missiles after meeting President Zelensky in Kyiv.
Blinken promised to work quickly on Ukraine’s requests to ease the restrictions, saying he would take what he had learnt “back to President Biden.” —Putin escalating conflict, say western allies as missile approval moves closer
President Putin is currently speaking at the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, which addresses current events related to Russia. Below is the breaking AFP note:
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the West giving Kyiv a green-light to use longer-range weapons to strike Russian targets would mean NATO will be "at war" with Russia.
"This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict... It would mean that NATO countries are at war with Russia," Putin told a state television reporter.
Just prior to this warning, Russian Senator Aleksey Pushkov wrote on Telegram in response to the UK prepping more, longer-range Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine, "The decision to strike Russian territory is clearly being prepared." ZH

Vance reveals Trump’s plan for Ukraine

"Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has a concrete proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, has claimed. To end the war, “you need somebody that first of all people are terrified of,” Vance told former US Navy SEAL and CIA contractor Shawn Ryan, in a podcast interview. “You need to be worried that if Donald Trump – or God forbid, Kamala Harris – says something, that they actually mean it. But you believe it with Donald Trump, you don’t believe that with Kamala Harris. That’s deterrence.” RT

Hamas Battalions Are ‘Shattered’ in Gaza; Now Reduced to ‘Guerrilla’ Force

"Hamas’s 24 battalions have been almost completely “shattered,” and the terror organization has been reduced to a “guerrilla” force, according to Israeli government spokesman David Mencer in a media." Breitbart

143 combat clashes on front lines

"143 combat engagements were recorded on the front lines in Ukraine.
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy attacked four times in the area of Vovchansk. Russian aircraft also launched two attacks with five anti-aircraft missiles against civilian infrastructure.

In the Kupiansk sector, eight enemy attacks were recorded over the past day. The defense forces repelled assaults near Synkivka, Hlushkivka, Kolisnykivka, Stelmakhivka and Lozova.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked six times, trying to advance toward Nevske and Druzheliubivka.
In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled five assault attacks by Russian invaders near Verkhniokamianske. Enemy aircraft attacked the Fedorivka community with 10 unguided aerial missiles.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops attacked four times in the areas of Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy, supported by aircraft, carried out six attacks near Nelipivka, Toretsk and in the vicinity of New York.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces thwarted 36 enemy assaults and offensive actions towards Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Zelenyi Pole, Novotroitske, Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Selydove and Mykhailivka. The highest concentration of enemy attacks was recorded in the areas of Hrodivka and Novohrodivka.
In the Kurakhove sector, the Defense Forces repelled 64 attacks. The Russians were most active in advancing in the areas of Kostiantynivka and Heorhiivka, where about 75% of all combat clashes took place. The enemy also attacked in the direction of Oleksandropil and Zhelanne Pershe.
In the Vremivka direction, the invaders carried out five assaults in the areas of Vodiane and Zolota Nyva, actively using attack and bomber aircraft.
In the Orikhiv sector, the Russians attacked near Robotyne and launched air strikes on Kamianske, Stepnohirsk, and Shcherbaky.
In the Dnipro River sector, the Russian invaders launched six assaults against the Ukrainian positions but were repelled with significant losses.
In the Volyn and Polissia sectors, no signs of enemy offensive group formation were recorded.
On the border with the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, Russian troops are actively using artillery and aircraft in the vicinity of Ukrainian settlements from their territory." Ukrin

105 combat clashes along frontlines over past day

"105 combat clashes were recorded on the battlefield. Russian airstrikes targeted Ivashchenkove, Volodymyrivka, Bila Bereza, Vilna Sloboda, Kindrativka, Yastrubyne, Smolyne in Sumy region; Semenivka, Mykolaivka in Chernihiv region; Kupiansk in Kharkiv region; Shcherbynivka, Oleksandropol, Ozarianivka, Druzhba, Chasiv Yar, Mykolaivka, Shchurove, Kostiantynivka, Vuhledar, Urozhaine, Rozivka, Velyka Novosilka, Blahodatne in Donetsk region; Bilohirya in Zaporizhzhia region.

Over the past day, Ukraine’s Air Force, missile and artillery units launched 32 strikes on enemy manpower and equipment clusters, hit six air defense systems, three guns in firing positions, one electronic warfare station, two remote mining installations and two other important targets.
In the Kupiansk sector the enemy launched 16 attacks. Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled enemy assaults near Lozova, Synkivka, Hlushkivka, Stelmakhivka, and Andriivka.
In the Lyman sector, the Ukrainian troops repelled 11 enemy assaults near Makiivka, Nevske, Terniv, Hrekivka, Druzheliubivka, and Tverdokhlibove and Dibrova.
In the Siversk sector, the Ukrainian forces repelled one attack near Vyimka.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy, supported by aviation, launched six attacks. They concentrated their efforts near Toretsk, Nelipivka and Dachne.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 30 attacks. The enemy’s main efforts were concentrated towards Vozdvyzhenka, Zelene Pole, Novooleksandrivka, Hrodivka, Novotroitske, Novohrodivka, Selydove, and Mykhailivka.
In the Kurakhove sector, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding the enemy back near Kostiantynivka, Ukrainsk, and Heorhiivka. The enemy attempted to break through the Ukrainian defenses in this direction 23 times.
In the Vremivka sector, Russian forces launched four assaults on Ukrainian positions near Vuhledar. The enemy had no success.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy conducted two assaults near Mala Tokmachka, achieving no gains.
In the Prydniprovske sector, no losses of positions or territories were allowed. The Ukrainian soldiers successfully repelled seven attacks by Russian invaders." Ukrin