Good Morning. 

A bomb hit a diplomatic convoy in Pakistan, Zelenskyy plans to press for long-range missiles during his U.S. visit, Russian AI bots evolved from cheating tools to industry tech, the Biden Administration is proposing a ban on Chinese cars over spying concerns, and Kenya is pledging to send 600 more police officers to Haiti to help fight gangs.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Espionage Across the Border: Russia's Strategic Intelligence Buildup in Mexico

• Russian intelligence services are significantly expanding their presence in Mexico, using it as a base for spying operations against the United States, reminiscent of Cold War-era tactics.

• U.S. officials, including CIA Director William Burns, have expressed concern over Russia's growing footprint in Mexico, partly attributed to Russian spies being expelled from Europe following the invasion of Ukraine.

• The expansion of Russian intelligence activities in Mexico poses multiple threats, including potential sabotage operations, propaganda efforts to undermine support for Ukraine, and exploitation of Mexico's proximity to the U.S. for various espionage activities.

Counterterrorism

• Bomb hits diplomatic convoy in Pakistan, killing one officer. ➚

• Exiled Iranian prince urges Israeli support for regime change. ➚

• Iran arrests 12 for alleged collaboration with Israel. ➚

• Iranian mine explosion kills 51, injures 20. ➚

• Jihadists attacked Mali's international airport, leaving the junta government rattled. ➚

Military & Defense

• Zelenskyy plans to press for long-range missiles during his U.S. visit. ➚

• Russia and China began joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan. ➚

• Quad leaders discuss Indo-Pacific security, focus on China. ➚

• A Russian strike on Kharkiv wounded 21 people, including three minors. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Russian AI bots evolved from cheating tools to industry tech. ➚

• Lula seeks Global South input on AI rules at G-20. ➚

• UnitedHealth rebuilds systems after major cyberattack. ➚

• Hacker behind Snowflake breaches still active, extorted $2.7M. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Biden Administration proposes ban on Chinese cars over spying concerns. ➚

• U.S. spy drone tests Arctic capabilities amid Russia tensions. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Kenya pledges to send 600 more police officers to Haiti to help fight gangs. ➚

• U.S. denies blame for Sinaloa cartel violence. ➚

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.