Dear AlertsUSA Subscriber,
As you are well aware, the threat landscape facing the US and our interests abroad is one of the most complex and dangerous in the nation's history. From conventional wars in Europe and the Middle East, to nuclear threats from Russia and North Korea, to the renewed threat of Islamic terrorism, to deep social and political divisions, the next few years will be troubling.
As we move into the winter holidays, here are some important points from the global threat picture to keep on your radar:
Tensions are high on NATO’s eastern flank. Ukraine is now using western-supplied missiles to strike deep into the Russian homeland. In turn, Russia has lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. 10,000+ North Korean soldiers have deployed to the battlefield and are fighting alongside Russian forces. China and Iran are supplying Russia with armaments and other war materials, including nitrocellulose and manufacturing equipment.
Multiple European nations warn of an increasing Islamic terror threat. The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, and Germany have increased their internal defense posture as a result. Britain’s MI5 warns “an attack is likely.” An attack on a concert hall outside Moscow in April killed 130 and injured 500. The Islamic State claimed responsibility. A knife attack at a German music festival in August killed 4 and injured 7, with the Islamic State also claiming responsibility.
The Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread regionally. Dozens of Americans have died in the conflict, and five are believed to be among the remaining hostages. Houthi attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea have resulted in US/UK/Israeli air strikes in Yemen. Anti-Israel, pro-Palestine protests occur daily in cities around the globe. US military support for Israel has resulted in a dramatic rise in jihadist threats.
Iran carried out a guided missile strike on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of the political leader of Hamas in Tehran. Israel responded, effectively destroying Iran’s air defense network and several key nuclear facilities. Iran has again threatening retaliation. The Pentagon has moved significant military hardware to the region to expand protection of US troops, as well as aid in the defense of Israel.
A great-power war appears inevitable in the Western Pacific. China is increasingly aggressive across the Indo-Pacific region, using its growing military to bully neighbors, threaten shipping lanes, and destabilize territory along its periphery. China is angrily promising increasing military action until "complete reunification" is achieved. The multi-nation military buildup across the region includes more than one dozen new US bases.
North Korea has expanded its nuclear and missile programs and regularly threatens their use against the US, South Korea, and Japan. Russia is believed to have transferred ICBM capability to North Korea, (the Topol-L and Hwasong-18 missiles are nearly identical). Iran contributed to the development of North Korea's 80-ton rocket booster used to launch their first satellite. North Korea has also deployed more than 10K troops to bolster Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.
Australia raised its terrorism threat level to “probable” in August, with the country’s top intelligence official saying the move is due to a homegrown rise in “extreme ideologies.”
An active 'Worldwide Caution' from the State Department warns of the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests globally.
And that is just overseas. Here at home, the threats are even more directly impactful to you:
At least two attempts at assassinating Donald Trump have shocked the nation and the world. The Biden Administration is reported to have warned Iran that the US would view any Tehran-backed assassination attempts against former President Trump as an act of war.
Al Qaeda is calling on all faithful Muslims to carry out strikes on Jews and Americans in retaliation for events in Gaza.
The Islamic State is calling for followers to carry out attacks on Christians and Jews in the US, Europe, and Israel.
DHS and the FBI warn that the terrorist threat against the homeland is high, and that "critical infrastructure will likely continue to be targeted over the next year."
Anti-Israel, pro-Palestine protests are widespread at colleges and universities, and threats against synagogues and the broader Jewish community are rising.
Disastrous immigration and enforcement policies have resulted in millions of aliens from more than 120 countries entering the country in the last four years. Many are military-aged males with no accompanying family. Illegal alien crime is on the rise, including rape, child molestation, drug trafficking, and murder.
CBP reports that hundreds of individuals in the Terrorist Screening Dataset (the “watchlist”) have been encountered along the border just since 2022. The FBI and DNI have warned Congress of the existence of an ISIS-affiliated migrant network operating on the US/MX border.
Mass shootings are now a regular occurrence at malls, fairs, bars, and other gathering places, in both urban and rural settings.
Churches, synagogues, and schools are now regularly targeted across the US.
With just the items listed above, we think you would agree near-term outlook for the nation is deeply troubling. Having a dedicate information source providing overwatch for the bad developments is essential for the safety and security of yourself and family.
