Russia Ups the Ante in Libya

Russia Ups the Ante in Libya

Violence in this war-torn country has moved up to the next level, according to the U.S. Africa Command, since Russian fighter planes are now based at Al Jufra Airfield, which is about 200 miles southeast of Tripoli. American intelligence officers believe that the MiG-29 and Su-24 aircraft flew to Syria, where they were repainted to conceal their Russian Air Force …

Instability Continues in Mozambique

Instability Continues in Mozambique

In June 2020, a Bat Hawk ultralight aircraft crashed under suspicious circumstances while on routine patrol near the city of Mudimbe. Rescuers located the badly-injured Dyck Advisory Group pilot in a heavily wooded area. He is recovering in a South African hospital. Military commanders are concerned about the crash. In April, Islamic militants shot down a contractor’s helicopter. And, Bat …

Syrian Doctor Faces Charges of Crimes Against Humanity

Syrian Doctor Faces Charges of Crimes Against Humanity

Former prison doctor Alaa Mousa may soon become the third Assad-affiliated physician to face such charges. Authorities arrested Mousa in Germany, where he was apparently trying to evade capture. Along with millions of other refugees, Mousa fled to Germany in 2015, where he resumed practicing medicine. Before then, he was on the medical staff at an undisclosed facility near Homs. …

Japanese Armed Forces Prepare for Possible Clash With China

Japanese Armed Forces Prepare for Possible Clash With China

Fears that China’s most recent land-grabbing moves might involve Japan prompted officials to redeploy advanced ballistic missiles provided and maintained by Lockheed Martin. Territorial expansion is a basic tenant of the Chinese Communist Party, so China’s neighbors are understandably alarmed over the latest acts of aggression at the Indian border. By summer 2020, The Land of the Rising Sun intends …

Burn Pit Survivors at Greater Risk for Coronavirus

Burn Pit Survivors at Greater Risk for Coronavirus

COVID-19 is a dangerous virus that attacks the respiratory system. That is bad news for everyone, especially people who are physically weak due to burn pit exposure in Iraq or elsewhere. An estimated 3.5 million people were exposed to toxic burn pit smoke in Iraq or Afghanistan. Doctors say these people should take extra precautions so they do not get …

Violence Escalating in Mozambique

Violence Escalating in Mozambique

A revolving door of contractors and mercenaries from around the world have tried to quell an Islamist insurgency in this East African nation, but so far, the only result has been more brutality. A contractor’s gunship helicopter went down in April 2020. According to Dyck Advisory Group, the chopper developed mechanical problems and made an emergency landing. When contractors returned …

Did the Wagner Group Use Chemical Weapons in Libya?

Did the Wagner Group Use Chemical Weapons in Libya?

The shadowy Kremlin-linked mercenary group used chemical weapons against government fighters during an operation in southern Tripoli, according to multiple reports. For the last year, these Russian fighters have supported Khalifa Haftar’s efforts to occupy the Libyan capital. The country’s interior minister, Fathi Bashaga, claims that Wagner fighters used nerve gas to paralyze and then snipe at government forces. “Wherever …

Taliban Refuses to Observe Ramadan Cease-Fire

Taliban Refuses to Observe Ramadan Cease-Fire

Frustrated with the slow peace process and a delayed prisoner swap, the Taliban refused to stop fighting during Islam’s holiest month. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said a ceasefire was “not rational” because “hurdles” in the peace process remained. Although the two sides signed a deal in February, dozens of Afghan soldiers have been killed in recent weeks. Afghan President Ashraf …

Back to the Drawing Board for New Iraqi Government

Back to the Drawing Board for New Iraqi Government

Political stalemate and the spreading coronavirus have made it difficult for Iraq’s leaders to agree on a new government. According to reports, Prime Minister Designate Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is having trouble forming a coalition government. This delicate process involves apportioning cabinet positions to multiple minority parties. Al-Kadhimi, a lawyer, former government minister, and outspoken political pundit, is the third PM-designate in …

Coronavirus Concerns in Syria

Coronavirus Concerns in Syria

A COVID-19 outbreak in Syria could have devastating consequences for the war-torn country, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Officials are particularly concerned about the situation in the northwest. Vicious fighting there has replaced almost a million people. The survivors live together in huddled masses without food or basic utilities. That stressful and dangerous …

Vets Demand Action on Toxic Exposure Illnesses

Vets Demand Action on Toxic Exposure Illnesses

During an appearance on Capitol Hill, injured veterans told Congress they would push hard for toxic exposure compensation during 2020. Many Gulf War and War on Terror veterans are worried about inaction over long-term health problems, mostly because of what Agent Orange veterans had to endure. So, groups are speaking out. Disabled American Veterans National Commander Stephen Whitehead bemoaned the …

AFRICOM Awards Monster Contract to CACI International

AFRICOM Awards Monster Contract to CACI International

The contract, which could be worth up to $249 million, directs CACI to provide high-level support for U.S. Africa Command, as well as its partners and allies in the region. CACI CEO John Mengucci said his company would do more than provide combat support. Contractors will also work to improve existing systems and make them more efficient. “This contract represents …