Good Morning. 

AFRICOM reports the Islamic State has doubled in size in northern Somalia, new Japanese PM Ishiba calls the security situation "most severe since WWII," a multinational law enforcement operation targets the LockBit ransomware group, Evil Corp. worked with Kremlin spies in cyberattacks, and a U.S. trade rule change that eased import rules aids fentanyl chemical smuggling from China via America to Mexico.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Iran Launches Massive Missile Attack on Israel, Risking Wider Conflict

• Iran fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions following Israel's recent actions against Iran-backed groups.

• Israel, with assistance from the U.S. and other allies, successfully intercepted the majority of incoming missiles, resulting in minimal damage and no reported casualties from the attack.

• Israel has signaled its intent to retaliate, while Iran has warned of a "crushing response" to any Israeli counterattack, raising concerns about further escalation and the potential for a broader Middle East conflict.

Counterterrorism

• AFRICOM chief reports Islamic State doubled in size in northern Somalia. ➚

• North Korea reveals uranium enrichment facility and new missile launch vehicle. ➚

• Three Iranian policemen killed in separate attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan province. ➚

• South Korea displays powerful new missile capable of hitting North Korean bunkers. ➚

Military & Defense

• New Japanese PM Ishiba calls security situation "most severe since WWII," plans to strengthen alliances. ➚

• Israel reveals secret raids into Lebanon over past year, begins larger ground operation. ➚

• Russian troops reach center of Ukrainian town Vuhledar. ➚

• U.S. Navy warships helped intercept Iranian missiles attacking Israel. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Multinational law enforcement operation targets LockBit ransomware group. ➚

• UAE and Saudi Arabia face increasing cyberattacks. ➚

• T-Mobile agrees to $31.5M settlement with FCC over past data breaches. ➚

• Major Texas hospital system hit by ransomware attack, forced to divert ambulances. ➚

• California passes law requiring connected car manufacturers to allow drivers to cut off remote access to prevent stalking by abusers. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Evil Corp. worked with Kremlin spies in cyberattacks, faces international sanctions. ➚

• Chinese woman arrested in Germany for suspected espionage. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• U.S. trade rule change easing import rules aids fentanyl chemical smuggling from China via America to Mexico. ➚

• U.S. sanctions extremist settler group Hilltop Youth for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. ➚

• Mexican city Culiacan's police force disarmed and pulled off streets amid cartel violence, replaced by military. ➚

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.