Good Morning. 

Iran is facing a major strategic setback as Assad's fall disrupted its regional influence network and threatened access to Hezbollah, the US successfully tested a ballistic missile intercept system on Guam using new Aegis defense capabilities, the US Treasury sanctioned a Chinese company for a 2020 cyberattack that compromised 81,000 firewalls globally, victims filed a class-action lawsuit against Securitas over mishandling spy cameras found in Expedia bathrooms, and Mexican congressman Benito Aguas was assassinated in Veracruz state, continuing a wave of political violence under Sheinbaum's presidency.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

China Launches Largest Maritime Operation Near Taiwan Since 1996

• Taiwan reports China has deployed nearly 90 naval and coast guard vessels in regional waters, creating the biggest maritime operation in almost three decades.

• Chinese forces are forming two "walls" in the western Pacific, apparently aimed at preventing Japan and Philippines from aiding Taiwan in a potential conflict.

• The operation coincides with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's Pacific trip, though China has not officially announced or confirmed the exercises.

Counterterrorism

• Iran faces major strategic setback as Assad's fall disrupts its regional influence network and threatens access to Hezbollah. ➚

• US urges Syrian rebel group HTS not to assume automatic control, pushing for inclusive transitional government despite terrorist designation. ➚

• Russian parliament takes first step toward recognizing Taliban government by voting to potentially remove them from terrorist list. ➚

• North Korea breaks week-long silence to report on South Korea's martial law crisis, focusing on protests and impeachment calls. ➚

Military & Defense

• US successfully tests ballistic missile intercept system on Guam using new Aegis defense capabilities against regional threats. ➚

• Syrian rebels appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as interim leader after Assad fled to Russia, while Israel conducts airstrikes. ➚

• South Korea's political crisis deepens as President Yoon faces impeachment, potentially impacting US-led efforts against China's influence. ➚

• Netanyahu testified for the first time in his corruption trial while managing Israel's war efforts and denying media bias charges. ➚

• Russian naval vessels relocated offshore from their Syrian base at Tartous following Assad's overthrow by rebel forces. ➚

• France begins military withdrawal from Chad with two warplanes departing, marking the end of decades-long presence in Sahel. ➚

• Israel conducted massive airstrikes across Syria, destroying strategic weapons and establishing a buffer zone near its border. ➚

Cybersecurity

• US Treasury sanctions Chinese company for 2020 cyberattack that compromised 81,000 firewalls globally, including critical infrastructure. ➚

• Web application firewall vulnerability dubbed "BreakingWAF" exposed 40% of Fortune 100 companies through flaws in Akamai, Cloudflare systems. ➚

• Chinese hackers weaponized Visual Studio Code Remote Tunnels to target European IT providers in sophisticated cyber espionage campaign. ➚

• Critical zero-day vulnerability in Cleo file-transfer software is under active exploitation, affecting multiple companies despite previous patches. ➚

• New "Termite" ransomware group claims responsibility for Blue Yonder attack that disrupted Starbucks and UK grocery chains. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Victims file class-action lawsuit against Securitas over mishandling spy cameras found in Expedia bathrooms targeting 60+ people. ➚

• Foreign Policy analysis warns of new era in supply-chain espionage as US faces sophisticated threats from China and Russia. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Mexican congressman Benito Aguas was assassinated in Veracruz state, continuing a wave of political violence under Sheinbaum's presidency. ➚

• Nicaragua's government tortured 229 political prisoners through beatings, rape, and other abuses over seven years, rights group reports. ➚

• Colorado auto theft ring stole 190 vehicles worth $9.5 million for Mexican cartel, leading to 17 indictments. ➚

• Colorado law enforcement investigates 100 burglaries targeting Asian homes and businesses, using sophisticated tactics like WiFi jammers. ➚

• Two Homeland Security agents in Utah illegally sold seized "bath salts" drugs through informant, profiting up to $300,000. ➚

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.