Good Morning. 

Iran warned diplomats it planned a "strong and complex" attack on Israel, the U.S. Arctic ambassador expressed concern over growing Russia-China military cooperation in the Arctic region, Georgia's Secretary of State confirmed a viral video showing a Haitian immigrant voting multiple times was Russian disinformation, a Netanyahu aide was under investigation for allegedly leaking classified Gaza documents, and gang violence and extortion in Ecuador were forcing residents to flee to the U.S.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

B-52 bombers arrive in Middle East

• The U.S. military has deployed B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing to the Central Command area, along with additional fighter aircraft, tankers, and missile defense destroyers.

• Pentagon officials issued a stern warning to Iran, stating they will "take every measure necessary" to defend American personnel and interests if Iran or its proxies attempt to target them in the region.

• This military buildup comes amid escalating tensions following Israel's October 26 strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and Iran's two major retaliatory attacks against Israel in 2024.

Counterterrorism

• Iran is warning diplomats it plans a "strong and complex" attack on Israel using more powerful warheads and weapons, though timing will wait until after U.S. elections. ➚

• North Korea released a white paper accusing President Yoon Suk Yeol of exposing South Korea to the danger of nuclear war through his policies and U.S. alliance. ➚

• Militants threw a grenade at Indian security forces in a Srinagar flea market, injuring 11 civilians, following recent escalations in militant activity. ➚

Military & Defense

• The U.S. Arctic ambassador expressed concern over growing Russia-China military cooperation in the Arctic region, including joint bomber runs and naval activities. ➚

• A second Taiwanese volunteer fighting in Ukraine's Foreign Legion has been killed, with five to six Taiwanese fighters still serving there. ➚

• Turkey hosted a 14-nation African summit in Djibouti, highlighting $35B in trade and calling for African support on Palestinian issues. ➚

• Taiwan detected 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters and bombers, conducting exercises near the island days before the U.S. election. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Georgia's Secretary of State confirmed a viral video showing a Haitian immigrant voting multiple times is Russian disinformation. ➚

• Pro-Russian hackers claimed responsibility for cyber attacks on multiple UK councils including Portsmouth. ➚

• The FBI warned about fake videos circulating online that falsely claim the bureau has uncovered Democratic ballot fraud. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• A Netanyahu aide is under investigation for allegedly leaking classified Gaza documents that may have compromised security and hostage negotiations. ➚

• The US State Department is investigating reports of an American citizen's detention in Iran, believed to be journalist Reza Valizadeh. ➚

• Former British soldier Daniel Khalife testified he deliberately sabotaged an Iranian intelligence operation by pretending to cooperate but never actually traveling to Tehran. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Gang violence and extortion in Ecuador are forcing residents to flee to the U.S., making Ecuadorians the fourth-largest group arrested at the U.S. border. ➚

• Canadian police dismantled the country's largest fentanyl lab in British Columbia, seizing drugs, 89 firearms, and $500K in cash. ➚

The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. Hosts Will Allen and Hayley Menser interview the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.