Good Morning. 

Iran's Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has been out of contact since Israeli strikes on Beirut, the Dutch Defense Minister pledges $440M for drone development with Ukraine, a China-linked cyberattack breaches U.S. broadband providers' networks, ICE signs a $2M contract with Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions, and a record 973 migrants cross the Channel into the UK.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Iran's Shadow War: Escalating Assassination Plots Target Western Interests

• There has been a sharp rise in alleged Iran-linked assassination and kidnapping attempts in the West since 2020, with at least 33 such plots reported.

• These plots often involve hired hit men targeting Israeli or Jewish civilians, U.S. officials, and Iranian dissidents, as part of Iran's proxy conflict with Israel and the West.

• A case study in Greece details how an Iran-based Pakistani man allegedly recruited others to attack a Jewish center in Athens, demonstrating the methods used in these plots.

Counterterrorism

• Iran's Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has been out of contact since Israeli strikes on Beirut. ➚

• A massive explosion outside Karachi Airport in Pakistan killed two people and injured at least eight. ➚

• Iran's Supreme Leader decorated the Revolutionary Guards aerospace commander for planning Iran's missile attack on Israel. ➚

• North Korea and China marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties by expressing hopes for stronger relations. ➚

Military & Defense

• Dutch Defense Minister pledges $440M for drone development with Ukraine and promises more F-16 deliveries. ➚

• Israel bombs Lebanon and Gaza ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary, while Hezbollah rockets hit Israeli cities. ➚

• Saudi Arabia seeks UN Human Rights Council seat while setting record for executions in 2024. ➚

• Former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen plans sensitive visit to Prague, likely to meet European politicians. ➚

Cybersecurity

• A China-linked cyberattack breached U.S. broadband providers' networks, potentially accessing court-authorized wiretapping systems. ➚

• License plate readers are capturing and storing data beyond just vehicle information, including images of political signs and personal information. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• ICE signs a $2M contract with Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions, despite the U.S. government's broader efforts to restrict commercial spyware use. ➚

• President Kiir of South Sudan sacks powerful spy chief Gen Akol Koor Kuc, appointing him governor of Warrup state amid speculation about power shifts. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Record 973 migrants cross Channel into UK and four die in attempted crossing. ➚ 

• Haiti's PM seeks UAE and Kenyan aid after 70 killed in gang massacre. ➚

• Rwandan Foreign Minister claims Congo refused to sign an agreed deal to resolve the M23 conflict. ➚

• Mexico’s Sheinbaum targets cartels and fentanyl in Mexico's 10 deadliest cities. ➚ 

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.