Good Morning. 

At least 81 were killed in Nigeria in a suspected Boko Haram attack, Zelenskyy ordered a major Ukrainian government reshuffle, the U.S. accused Russia of using state media to spread disinformation ahead of the November election, a trial began in Florida for 4 activists accused of illegally acting as Russian agents, and U.S. federal agents seized $33M worth of cocaine in Puerto Rico.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

China's Maritime Assertiveness Challenges U.S. Influence in Indo-Pacific

• China has increased maritime and aerial operations near the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan, seen as a test of U.S. commitment to regional allies amid upcoming elections in Japan and the US.

• Recent incidents include collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, Chinese military aircraft breaching Japanese airspace, and increased military activity around Taiwan.

• Experts suggest that warnings from the U.S. and allies are insufficient, calling for more forceful measures such as increased naval presence, joint training, and potential sanctions to counter China's persistent aggression in the region.

Counterterrorism

• At least 81 killed in Nigeria in suspected Boko Haram attack. ➚

• North Korea reportedly executes officials after deadly floods. ➚ 

• 4 killed and at least 9 injured in shooting at high school near Atlanta, with 1 suspect in custody. ➚

Military & Defense

• U.S. to send Pentagon representative to China's top security forum this month. ➚

• Zelenskyy orders major Ukrainian government reshuffle. ➚

• Netanyahu insists Israel must maintain military presence in Gaza strip bordering Egypt. ➚

• Russian air attack kills 7 in Ukraine's western city of Lviv. ➚

• Britain defends decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel. ➚

• China gifts 2 warships to Cambodia. ➚

Cybersecurity

• U.S. accuses Russia of using state media to spread disinformation ahead of November election. ➚

• U.S.-wanted cybercriminal Kadariya evades arrest for 15 years across multiple countries. ➚

• New "Voldemort" malware conducts global espionage via tax agency impersonation. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Trial begins in Florida for 4 activists accused of illegally acting as Russian agents to sow political discord in the U.S. ➚

• Turkey charges Kosovan national with financing Mossad agents. ➚

• Former Philippine mayor accused of spying for China arrested in Indonesia. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• U.S. federal agents seize $33M worth of cocaine in Puerto Rico. ➚

• Lebanon charges former central bank governor with embezzling $42M. ➚

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.