Good Morning. 

The FBI caught America's only domestic most-wanted terrorist in Wales after a twenty-year manhunt, Russia tested a new ballistic missile with dummy warheads in a Ukraine strike causing minimal damage, a ransomware attack on technology provider Blue Yonder disrupted operations at major retailers like Starbucks and Sainsbury's, Russia expelled a British diplomat and banned thirty UK officials over alleged espionage, and U.S. lawmakers warned Hong Kong has become a major hub for money laundering and sanctions evasion benefiting Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Israel-Hezbollah Cease-Fire Deal Marks Major Diplomatic Breakthrough

• Israel and Lebanon approved a cease-fire beginning Wednesday, ending over a year of conflict with Hezbollah and potentially defusing broader regional tensions – a deal facilitated by U.S. and French diplomacy and announced by President Biden.

• The agreement requires Hezbollah to withdraw forces from the Israeli border, allows Israeli military withdrawal over two months, and includes international monitoring – coming after Israel's devastating campaign that weakened Hezbollah's leadership and missile capabilities in recent months.

• This breakthrough could help Israel focus on its ongoing Gaza conflict and represents a significant diplomatic win for the Biden administration, though some Israelis criticize the deal for allowing Hezbollah time to rebuild rather than pursuing its complete destruction.

Counterterrorism

• The FBI captured America's only domestic most-wanted terrorist in Wales, ending twenty-year hunt over California animal-rights bombings. ➚

• The Taliban has arbitrarily detained 256 journalists since taking power, highlighting deteriorating press freedom in Afghanistan. ➚

• President-elect Trump's team considers direct talks with North Korea's Kim Jong Un to reduce conflict risks. ➚

• ISIS is expanding rapidly across Africa, with U.S. counterterrorism chief warning it poses major long-term threat to American interests. ➚

• Iranian activist Hossein Ronaghi continues protest with sewn lips after brief arrest, plans demonstration outside Tehran's Evin Prison. ➚

Military & Defense

• Russia tested new ballistic missile with dummy warheads in Ukraine strike, causing minimal damage while demonstrating advanced capabilities. ➚

• Jordan's military conducted its first humanitarian airdrop to northern Gaza since June, delivering essential supplies to crisis areas. ➚

• European countries pioneer "Danish Model" to directly fund Ukrainian weapons production as Western arsenals struggle to meet wartime needs. ➚

• A regional stability forum opened in Djibouti as tensions escalate between Somalia and Ethiopia over a disputed Somaliland deal. ➚

• New research suggests Sudan's civil war has killed over 61,000 in Khartoum alone, far exceeding previous nationwide estimates. ➚

• British military deploys personnel and counter-drone technology after mysterious drone sightings over American air bases in eastern England. ➚

Cybersecurity

• A ransomware attack on Blue Yonder disrupted operations at major retailers like Starbucks, affecting employee payments and inventory management. ➚

• Security researchers reveal Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon targeting telecom companies worldwide with advanced malware techniques. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Russia expelled a British diplomat and banned thirty UK officials over alleged espionage, further straining diplomatic relations amid Ukraine conflict. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• U.S. lawmakers warn Hong Kong has become a major hub for money laundering and sanctions evasion benefiting Russia, Iran, and North Korea. ➚

• African displacement triples to 35 million as conflict, violence, and climate disasters force millions from homes across five nations. ➚

• Trump team plans aggressive fentanyl policy against China, considering tariffs and bank sanctions to combat drug trafficking networks. ➚

• Thai authorities arrest fraud gang using mobile SMS blasting equipment to send millions of phishing messages across Bangkok. ➚

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.