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(SeaPRwire) - LVIV, Ukraine: Exclusive — The Iranian-made Shahed drones that frequently strike Lviv are now being countered by weapons manufactured nearby — in concealed facilities where former students and office employees work nonstop to assemble kamikaze drones and interceptor systems.What started as an ad-hoc wartime initiative has transformed into one of the globe's most rapidly expanding military drone sectors. A Ukrainian official claims Kyiv now outpaces NATO in battlefield innovation and can provide valuable, hard-earned insights for the U.S. and Israel as they face similar Iranian drone technology in the Gulf region."Drone technology has completely altered the frontline situation," Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi stated in an exclusive interview with Digital. "Perhaps in six months or a year, we will possess the capability to deploy 1,000 drones simultaneously.""With deeper cooperation between Ukraine, the United States, Israel, and Europe, we can develop the specialized equipment needed for our victory," he added.Dmytro, the CEO of a Ukrainian drone company producing about 1,000 drones weekly, told Digital, "We are three or four steps ahead of other nations... this is a new type of warfare," he explained. "It is a war of information technology."Inexpensive drones now enable small combat units to locate and eliminate tanks, armored vehicles, and even advanced air defense systems that previously required costly missiles or fighter jets.This shift is evident across western Ukraine, where defense tech hubs, clandestine workshops, and testing sites now function, even as city life is routinely disrupted by air raid alarms.Inside a workshop visited by Digital, workers swiftly moved between tables laden with propellers, fiber-optic cables, and other classified drone parts. The employees stated they no longer consider themselves civilians offering temporary aid. Many now see drone manufacturing as critical to Ukraine's continued existence.Vitaliy, a technician assembling kamikaze drones for the front, said he now produces hundreds of drone components daily. "Targets include vehicles, tanks, soldiers, and positions," he told Digital.Commenting on former President Donald Trump's pledge to end the war, Vitaliy remarked, "I feel honored to be helping my country achieve peace more quickly." He continued, "Peace through strength is our motivation. But the responsibility lies primarily with us, certainly."Ukraine's domestic drone output has grown at an astonishing rate. Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boev said earlier this year the nation plans to manufacture over seven million drones in 2026, a significant increase from an estimated four million in 2025.From AI-enhanced battlefield systems to drones hardened against Russian electronic jamming, Ukraine's wartime advancements are revealing weaknesses in conventional Western military strategy.At another defense technology center in Lviv, a showroom filled with rows of interceptor drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and remote weapon stations showcases Ukraine's fast-developing combat ecosystem."We have approximately 250 technology companies in our network," said Volodymyr Cherniuk, co-founder of the Ukrainian defense tech cluster Iron.Some drones are built for reconnaissance. Others serve evacuation, logistics, or direct attack roles. One heavy-lift drone used in nocturnal assaults has been dubbed "Baba Yaga" by Russian soldiers, which Cherniuk equated to "the boogeyman."A separate interceptor drone is engineered specifically to track and destroy the Iranian Shahed drones Russia employs in nightly strikes on Ukrainian urban centers."They can reach speeds of 300 kilometers per hour," Cherniuk noted. "One hundred grams of payload is sufficient to disable a Shahed.""We receive many Americans, Canadians, and Europeans who visit seeking our data and frontline feedback," Dmytro said.As Digital reported from Lviv, air raid sirens frequently sounded across the city, underscoring that western Ukraine is still vulnerable to Russia's intensifying drone offensive.Russia has significantly increased its air attacks in the past week following the brief ceasefire's end, unleashing large-scale drone salvos aimed at cities and logistics hubs throughout Ukraine, including regions near NATO territory adjacent to the Polish border.Ukraine has also shown a growing capacity to hit deep inside Russian territory using long-range drone strikes targeting the Moscow area and Russian energy infrastructure.However, the escalating drone conflict is also spreading beyond Ukrainian and Russian borders into NATO airspace.Recently, drones associated with Ukrainian long-range strike missions entered the skies of Baltic NATO members Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, causing political repercussions and raising fresh alarms about regional air defense. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds resigned after drones crashed near fuel storage sites close to the Russian border.Ukrainian and Baltic authorities attributed the incidents to Russian electronic warfare and GPS spoofing diverting the drones, contending that Moscow is increasingly using such tactics not just for defense, but to sow instability and exert political pressure within NATO states.These events highlight how the same Iranian-designed Shahed drones Russia uses against Ukrainian cities nightly — along with comparable long-range drone tech now used by both sides — is transforming modern warfare well past the confines of the battlefield. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - On Thursday, an Ebola treatment center at the epicenter of the deadly outbreak in eastern Congo was set on fire after angry residents clashed with authorities over the remains of a suspected Ebola victim. A witness told The Associated Press that Rwampara Hospital was attacked by local young people trying to retrieve the body of a friend who was reported to have died of Ebola. "Police stepped in to try to calm the situation, but unfortunately their efforts failed," Alexis Burata, a local student who was present in the area, told the outlet. "The young people ultimately set fire to the center. That is what happened." AP reports that intruders broke into the center and set items inside on fire. A reporter also witnessed what appeared to be the body of at least one suspected Ebola victim burned inside the facility. The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) stated that two tents used to treat Ebola patients at the hospital were set on fire. The organization added that six people were receiving Ebola treatment at the center at the time of the attack. Patrick Muyaya, a government spokesperson for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said medical care is continuing as normal, and all six patients have been accounted for. He called for calm and condemned violence targeting health facilities and medical staff. Deputy Senior Commissioner Jean Claude Mukendi, head of the public security department in Ituri Province, said the people who burned the tents do not understand the official protocols for Ebola burials. The incident highlights rising tensions between health officials enforcing strict Ebola containment measures and local customs for funerals and burial rites. "His family, friends, and other young people wanted to take his body home for a funeral, even though authorities' rules during this Ebola outbreak are clear," Mukendi said. "All bodies must be buried in line with official regulations." In its statement, ALIMA condemned the spread of "incorrect or unconfirmed information on social media and the internet," warning that misinformation can stoke fear and mistrust of health facilities. This violent clash comes as Congolese health officials have reported 160 suspected deaths and 671 suspected Ebola cases across two provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Earlier this week, the United Nations said neighboring Uganda has recorded two cases, including one death. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency on Sunday, and the U.S. issued an urgent travel warning for the DRC shortly after the announcement. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this week he was "deeply concerned about the scale and speed of this epidemic." Officials said the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a rarer variant that existing vaccines may be less effective against. The WHO has approved nearly $4 million in emergency funding to support national authorities responding to the outbreak. Anders Hagstrom from Digital and This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - New York City’s Democratic-Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism from Jewish groups over his choice to skip the city’s longstanding Israel Day Parade. This decision comes at a time when the Big Apple is grappling with unprecedented rates of antisemitism.As the city with the world’s largest Jewish population outside Israel, Jewish New Yorkers have long seen the yearly parade as one of the most visible public shows of support for both the Jewish state and their own community. This Tuesday, two major Jewish organizations in the city turned down an invitation to a Jewish heritage event at Gracie Mansion in reaction to Mamdani’s recent snub."Since the very first Israel Parade in 1964, every single sitting Mayor of New York City has joined in the festive celebrations. New York has historically been proud of its deep relationship with Israel. Not joining the parade is an affront to the history of New York City," Moshe Davis, ex-Executive Director of Mayor Adams’ Office to Combat Antisemitism, told Digital.Earlier this month, Mamdani formally announced he would skip the event—even as antisemitism in NYC reaches all-time highs and anti-Israel protests have been taking place outside synagogues and Jewish community centers citywide for weeks. Parade organizers note that the May 31st gathering is projected to have a record number of attendees in response to Mamdani’s decision.Though Mamdani had previously suggested in an October 2025 interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he probably wouldn’t attend due to political beliefs, his recent public reaffirmation has sparked increasing backlash. Digital contacted Mayor Mamdani’s office about the criticism from Jewish leaders concerning his absence from the parade, and his spokesperson directed them to a statement he had already provided to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency."I look forward to joining and hosting many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city. While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety. I’ve been very clear: I believe in equal rights for all people everywhere. That principle guides me consistently."Community leaders argue that this choice violates decades of nonpartisan tradition in a city where taking part in the parade has long been considered both a symbolic and standard practice.Even though the mayor turned down the invitation, a spokesperson for New York Governor Kathy Hochul told Digital that she will take part in the parade.Organizers state that this year’s parade will likely include more marching groups than in any previous year, fueled both by support for Israel and worry about the growing antisemitism.A parade insider told Digital that the event is anticipated to be “safer at the parade than in your own home,” pointing to the comprehensive security planning for this year’s march.Nevertheless, most of the discussion around the parade has focused on Mamdani’s nonattendance.During his mayoral run, Mamdani hinted that he would probably “miss a lot” of NYC’s traditional parades because of his political stances, adding that he would assess each appearance on a “case-by-case” basis.Critics contend that the Israel Day Parade isn’t just another political gathering—it’s a long-established civic tradition deeply connected to NYC’s Jewish identity and history."The Israel Day Parade is a testament to one of New York City's most important relationships. From healthcare to technology to innovation, Israel and New York City are partners in building a better future. I want every New Yorker to join the Parade on Fifth Avenue because celebrating this bond isn't just for the Jewish community, it's for our entire city," ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Digital.The controversy around Mamdani has expanded beyond the parade: the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York have refused to attend his first Jewish Heritage event (for the upcoming Shavuot holiday) at Gracie Mansion. They stated they wouldn’t take part in an event hosted by a mayor who “denies the core pillar of our heritage—the State of Israel as the Jewish people’s homeland.”At the event, Mamdani recognized the extent of antisemitism affecting NYC’s Jewish community, saying: “Jewish New Yorkers, who make up roughly 12% of our city’s population, are the targets of over 50% of all hate crimes.”He also unveiled a proposed $26 million annual investment to expand hate crime prevention initiatives through the city’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. At the time of writing, details on how this proposal would address antisemitism were not yet clear.Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, former President Trump’s special envoy for monitoring and combating antisemitism, told Digital when asked about Mamdani’s stance that, "It is important we recognize the need for leaders to uphold their responsibility to protect religious freedom and refrain from making incendiary comments that contribute to the rise of antisemitism. Leaders who fail to do so bear responsibility for the increase in antisemitic activity."This year’s parade will also see increased interfaith involvement. For the first time in the event’s 61-year history, several Muslim groups will march alongside Jewish organizations, along with more participation from Asian American groups and other communities. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - LASK, Poland — Poland is set to take delivery of its first F-35 fighter jets "very, very soon," according to Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski, who spoke to Digital, as American and Polish forces train together at a key NATO air base near the alliance’s eastern flank.Digital was granted exclusive access to Poland's 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, where commanders highlighted hangars being readied for the U.S.-built fifth-generation aircraft, part of Poland’s $4.6 billion acquisition of 32 F-35s from Lockheed Martin.Although the jets have not yet arrived, the partnership supporting them already has.Polish and American personnel train, operate and, in some instances, are co-located on the base, underscoring an unusually close military relationship between Warsaw and Washington amid ongoing scrutiny of NATO burden-sharing.Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski, commander of the 52nd Operations Group Detachment 1 of the U.S. Air Force, originally from New York and stationed in Poland for the past five years, told Digital that Poland’s military modernization has substantially deepened cooperation between the two forces."We are receiving tremendous support from Polish logistics and infrastructure," Nanoslawski said while standing alongside Polish commanders on the base.He noted that Poland’s investments in American military systems and joint operations signal how seriously Warsaw regards threats from Russia. "Their foreign military sales portfolio is insatiable, and justifiably so."The close military ties were evident throughout the visit. As Polish commanders discussed cooperation with the United States, they often turned to their American counterparts with familiarity that extended beyond standard alliance language."We speak the same language, just with different accents," Col. pilot Krzysztof Duda, commander of the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, told Digital.Duda, who studied in the United States and attended the U.S. Air War College, described himself as "a product of the American education system.""The union we have with the U.S. militarily, even if we wanted to end it, we could not," Duda said with a smile. "But we have no intention of ending it."Nanoslawski added that the American presence in Poland delivers "enhanced forward presence and the ability to maneuver and adapt swiftly."The partnership is now entering a new phase with the integration of the U.S.-built F-35 into Poland’s air force.Poland signed a $4.6 billion agreement in 2020 to acquire 32 F-35A fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin.Duda, who is overseeing implementation at Lask, said the transition involves years of training, infrastructure upgrades and coordination with the United States.Training to become an F-35 pilot is not only lengthy but also costly — Duda estimates roughly $55 million per pilot.The base itself has undergone extensive modernization to accommodate the aircraft, including new operational infrastructure, maintenance systems and secure facilities required under American certification standards.In an interview with Digital in Warsaw, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski confirmed the first F-35 arrival is imminent. "I can confirm it will be very, very soon," Zalewski said."The F-35 provides critical capabilities, offering air dominance that is vital on today’s battlefield," he added. "It will be a capability developed together with the Americans."As NATO burden-sharing remains a recurring topic in Washington, Poland has emerged as one of the alliance’s strongest military partners, sharply increasing defense spending, procuring American weapons systems and hosting U.S. forces.For many Polish officers, the threat from Moscow is deeply personal.Lt. Col. "Shooter," a Polish F-16 pilot at the base, told Digital that nations on NATO’s eastern flank still carry memories of Soviet domination."There are people who lived through communism," he said. "We remember, and we do not want anything like that to happen again."Pointing to Russia’s actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea and Ukraine, he said Poland sees deterrence as essential."We have this instinct probably ingrained in our DNA," Shooter said. "When they act, they will not stop unless the cost of continuing exceeds what they stand to gain."According to the U.S. Air Force, Polish pilots began F-35 training in the United States in 2024, including at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The 33rd Fighter Wing announced in February that a Polish pilot had completed the first flight in Poland’s new F-35A as part of the training program.Lockheed Martin told Digital that "integrating the F-35 into the Polish Air Force fleet advances regional deterrence, enhances interoperability and strengthens European security.""As demonstrated in recent combat and air policing operations, the F-35 is actively helping defend NATO and allied airspace by deterring and countering threats, and it will safeguard Poland’s national security for decades," a company spokesperson said.The company added that preparations are continuing for Poland’s first in-country F-35 arrival ceremony at Lask in June. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - The head of the World Health Organization announced a meeting of his emergency committee regarding the "scale and speed" of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on Tuesday.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cited data showing that more than 500 suspected cases have been reported in the DRC in recent weeks, with 33 confirmed cases. In Uganda, there have been two confirmed cases. So far, the outbreak has resulted in 131 deaths."I'm deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic," Tedros said in a statement issued on Tuesday.Tedros is scheduled to meet with the WHO's Emergency Committee later on Tuesday.Several factors have raised concerns within the WHO about the potential for further spread, including cases in urban areas such as Kampala, Uganda, and Goma in the DRC, as well as the conflict-affected province of Ituri.The WHO has approved $3.9 million in emergency funding to support national authorities in their response efforts.The organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency on Sunday, followed shortly by an urgent travel warning issued by the U.S. government for the DRC on Monday.Officials confirmed that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a rarer variant for which existing vaccines may be less effective.The State Department describes Ebola as a "rare, severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever illness."The virus spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, bodily fluids, infected corpses, and objects contaminated with the virus."The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province," the advisory stated. "Do not travel to this area for any reason."This development occurs as global health officials continue monitoring a rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has sickened multiple passengers and crew members and led to three fatalities.As of May 13, the WHO reported 11 hantavirus cases associated with the cruise outbreak, including eight confirmed cases, two probable cases, and one inconclusive case.' Andrea Margolis and Michael Sinkewicz and Reuters contributed to this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - Rescuers located the bodies of four Italian divers deep within an underwater cave in the Maldives, days after the group vanished during a dangerous dive far beyond recreational limits, Italy’s Foreign Ministry reported Monday.Officials confirmed that Finnish cave-diving specialists discovered the bodies in the innermost section of the cave system in Vaavu Atoll, where the divers disappeared Thursday while exploring at a depth of approximately 160 feet. The recreational diving limit in the Maldives is 98 feet."As previously believed, the four bodies were found inside the cave—not just inside but well into the third segment of the cave, which is the largest part," Maldives government spokesman Ahmed Shaam stated, adding that the victims were found "pretty much together."The Thinwana Kandu cave system where the bodies were found is locally known as the "shark cave."Recovery crews intend to retrieve two bodies on Tuesday and the remaining two the following day, officials announced.The discovery followed the resumption of the search after the death of a Maldivian military diver involved in the rescue mission. Mohamed Mahdi died Saturday from decompression sickness while attempting to reach the trapped divers.A fifth Italian diver, earlier identified as a diving instructor, was previously found dead outside the cave.The specialized Finnish team utilized advanced closed-circuit rebreather systems, enabling longer and deeper dives within the confined environment of the cave.Rough seas and hazardous underwater conditions repeatedly delayed search operations as crews mapped and marked the cave entrance before advancing further inside.Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and what led to the divers' deaths. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - Canadian health officials confirmed on Sunday that one of four Canadians who had returned from the MV Hondius cruise ship—the center of an international Andes hantavirus outbreak—tested positive for hantavirus. Three individuals linked to the outbreak have died.The Public Health Agency of Canada verified the diagnosis after British Columbia’s chief public health officer initially described it as a "presumptive positive" case."One individual’s sample has been confirmed positive for hantavirus," the agency stated.Officials indicated that further testing would be conducted at a national laboratory, though it was unclear at the time whether this would be for confirmation, strain analysis, or another purpose.This update comes as global health authorities continue monitoring the rare hantavirus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius, which has affected multiple passengers.As of May 13, the World Health Organization reported 11 cases connected to the cruise outbreak: eight confirmed, two probable, and one inconclusive. Among them were three fatalities. The Associated Press later noted that Canada’s confirmation raised the total number of ship passengers who tested positive to 10.Four Canadians had traveled on the MV Hondius and returned home, but only one has tested positive for the virus.The confirmed patient and their traveling companion—a couple in their 70s from Yukon—had returned together. Officials confirmed the companion later tested negative.A third person in their 70s from Vancouver Island remains isolated, along with a British Columbia resident in their 50s.No confirmed U.S. cases related to the cruise ship have been reported so far. However, as of May 13, the WHO said one U.S.-repatriated passenger had inconclusive lab results and was undergoing retesting.Last week, health officials in Ontario County, New York, announced they were investigating a suspected locally acquired hantavirus case unrelated to the cruise ship.The Ontario County Public Health Department emphasized there was no risk to the general public and noted that the strain commonly seen in the United States does not spread from person to person.The outbreak tied to the MV Hondius began after the Dutch cruise ship, carrying 147 passengers and crew, departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic journey.The incident has prompted heightened precautions internationally, including in the Netherlands, where Radboud University Medical Center placed 12 staff members under quarantine after authorities found that blood and urine samples from a hantavirus patient had not been handled according to the strictest recommended protocols for the virus strain.The outbreak has also drawn comparisons to the coronavirus pandemic. However, senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel previously told Digital that there is "no comparison."He explained that hantavirus is difficult to transmit."It's not airborne ... in terms of respiratory droplets hanging in the air," he said. "Transmission is very difficult."While the coronavirus "moved in the direction of humans in a significant way," hantavirus has not—except for "very rare" instances of human-to-human transmission, he added.The World Health Organization assesses the overall risk to the global population as low. However, current evidence suggests possible subsequent human-to-human transmission occurred aboard the ship. The Andes virus is the only hantavirus known to have documented person-to-person transmission, though such spread remains uncommon.Siegel also pointed out that hantavirus cases have been recorded in the United States for decades, though they remain "very rare."Contributions to this report were made by Digital’s Brittany Miller and Angelica Stabile, along with The Associated Press. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the shadow commander of ISIS in West Africa, was eliminated on May 16 via a method that an extremism analyst identifies as one of the most difficult types of intelligence for targets to detect—following years of protection by "deep local networks" throughout the region.Though this elimination struck one of the most significant blows to ISIS’s global network in recent years, disrupting activities in northeastern Nigeria, the terrorist group’s top leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, remains at large as Africa emerges as the movement’s global hub."There isn’t a single ISIS headquarters in Nigeria; ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) runs dozens of small, mobile camps spread across the Lake Chad islands and the Borno wilderness," Dr. Omar Mohammed, Senior Research Fellow at the GW Program on Extremism, told Digital."Al-Minuki likely did not use smartphones, instead depending on courier-driven communication and frequent travel between these small camps," he said.President Donald Trump’s clear mention of "sources who kept us informed" directly refers to human intelligence (HUMINT), which is the most challenging type of intelligence for a target to spot or counteract, Mohammed clarified.The precision strike managed to break through defenses that had been in place for years."He likely used deep local networks that the Nigerian military has found it hard to penetrate for more than a decade," Mohammed added."His operational security was likely strict," Mohammed stated. "But two factors eventually bring down even cautious targets: time creates patterns, and human sources are very hard to overcome.""Even with strict operational security, al-Minuki was finally exposed via consistent human intelligence," he pointed out. "Al-Minuki was aware he was a target."The Nigerian army characterized the strike as "a carefully planned and highly complex precision air-land operation" conducted on Saturday between midnight and 4 a.m. in Metele, a town in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria.U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike occurred in northeastern Nigeria, while Nigerian army communications specified the Metele area.In spite of this tactical victory, the current ISIS "caliph"—or overall leader—continues to be at large, per reports.Al-Qurashi was "appointed after his predecessor died in Syria," Mohammed asserted."He intentionally keeps his identity hidden, with analysts referring to this series of leaders as the ‘caliphs of the shadows,’" Mohammed said, adding that al-Qurashi took over leadership after Turkish authorities killed his predecessor in 2023.Although al-Qurashi’s precise whereabouts are unclear, reports suggest he journeyed from Syria or Iraq through Yemen to Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region."This is also where the financial hub is located, which means the entire core of the organization—leadership, finance, operational guidance—has been quietly moving to Africa over the past several years," Mohammed explained.Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project supports this regional shift, revealing that over two-thirds of all global Islamic State activity now occurs in Africa."Africa has moved from being a secondary theater to the operational and financial heart of global ISIS activity," Mohammed said. "Africa is no longer a peripheral area; it’s the primary one. Funding is mostly local and comes from extractive activities—taxation, ransom payments, smuggling—which is exactly why these networks are so tough to break.""Al-Minuki, for instance, climbed the ranks in ISWAP and operated across the Lake Chad Basin and into the broader Sahel region," he noted."Even so, targeting al-Minuki is the most impactful hit to ISIS’ global leadership structure since the 2019 al-Baghdadi raid, which took place in the theater that has quietly become the group’s core," Mohammed stated, then added that the strike was "not an isolated military action." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - The U.S.-brokered alliance aimed at countering Iran in the Middle East is experiencing strain amid rising tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, according to an analyst, as the risk of a wider conflict with Tehran grows on Sunday.Disagreements first emerged on May 13 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed he had a "historic breakthrough" meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a "secret visit" to Al Ain near the Oman border.In response, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly denied the report.The ministry stated, "Our relations with Israel are public and were established under the framework of the well-known and publicly announced Abraham Accords. These relations do not rely on secrecy or covert arrangements."It further added, "Therefore, any claims about undisclosed visits or secret deals are unfounded unless officially issued by the relevant UAE authorities.""The stakes are high," Middle East Institute analyst Natan Sachs told Digital."I expect the Israelis are working hard to repair ties with the UAE, but it's still too early to assess the situation," he said.President Donald Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Sunday amid escalating tensions over Iran, with the Israeli leader stating he was "ready for every scenario."The leaders discussed the possibility of restarting hostilities with Iran, as well as Trump’s recent trip to China, according to the Times of Israel.Sachs, a senior fellow at the institute, described Netanyahu’s claim of the UAE meeting as "a diplomatic blunder because it embarrasses the UAE.""This was an unusual move, especially since the UAE has been a close partner of Israel, even during this war," Sachs said."Either Netanyahu acted without thinking, or he may have been focused on something else — possibly domestic politics. This wouldn't be the first time he did so.""If Emirati anger is genuine, it would mean efforts are needed to maintain trust with their Gulf Arab ally," Sachs added."I also can't rule out that the UAE is upset about the leak itself, which could be seen as a breach of trust — a matter of great importance to Emirati leadership."The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020, reshaped the regional landscape by normalizing relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.Security cooperation has significantly expanded since then due to shared concerns over Iran’s military ambitions.That alliance was tested when Iran launched attacks on UAE military and energy facilities during Operation Epic Fury.Israel reportedly deployed Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to the UAE, according to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The UAE confirmed on Sunday that it had intercepted three drones approaching from the west."The UAE bore much of the brunt from Iran. It is the most vulnerable to Iranian short-range missiles, which are more numerous and affordable than the medium-range missiles fired at Israel," Sachs said."While short-range missiles can be intercepted, Iran possesses far greater quantities. The UAE suffered the heaviest impact, yet it distinguished itself by firmly upholding its policy of open partnership with Israel.""But the public revelation that Netanyahu himself made the visit may have crossed a line," Sachs concluded. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

(SeaPRwire) - Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III was "shocked and saddened" upon learning of the death of a British soldier who fell during a performance by the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery at the Royal Windsor Horse Show this week.The incident occurred on Friday evening when the unidentified soldier left the arena after the display. Despite receiving treatment, their injuries proved fatal, with Thames Valley Police confirming the death took place at the scene.The police stated that while the horse show would continue as scheduled on Saturday, no further performances by the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery would be held.King Charles attended the event, which is hosted on the grounds of Windsor Castle, accompanied by his younger brother Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, along with their daughter Lady Louise—who was participating in the show—and Princess Anne.After the tragic incident, the king met with members of the King’s Troop upon returning to the horse show on Saturday."Although His Majesty and other royal family members were present in the arena when the incident occurred, they were not informed of its severity until later," Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, according to The London Times.The spokesperson added: "The King was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the troop member's death and intends to reach out personally to offer his condolences to the family. The entire royal family extends their heartfelt sympathies to the victim’s loved ones and fellow military personnel during this difficult time."Buckingham Palace had not responded to Digital’s after-hours request for comment at the time of reporting.The annual Royal Windsor Horse Show is unique in being the only occasion when the private grounds of Windsor Castle are opened to the public.On Saturday morning, police issued an appeal for information regarding what they described as the soldier’s "unexplained but non-suspicious death." In a Facebook post, authorities clarified: "At this stage, there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances. We are collaborating closely with the British Army, Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, and the event organizers HPower to gather comprehensive details about how the incident unfolded." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.