Good Morning. 

A suspected terrorist attack at a major Turkish defense facility near Ankara killed at least 4 people, a Beirut hospital has been evacuated after Israel accused Hezbollah of stashing $500M in cash and gold underneath it, Russia says its Foreign Ministry was targeted by a "severe" cyber attack on Wednesday, Israel has arrested two separate cells of alleged Iranian spies suspected of planning attacks, and Mexican troops killed 19 suspected cartel members and arrested a local cartel leader in Sinaloa.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

North Korean Troops Enter Russia: U.S. Reports Major Military Deployment

• The U.S. reports that 3K North Korean troops were sent to Russia in early-mid October 2024, traveling from Wonsan to Vladivostok and then to various military training sites in eastern Russia, potentially preparing to join Russia's war effort in Ukraine.

• U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Spokesperson John Kirby view this development as a sign of Russia's "growing desperation" and weakness due to high casualties, noting it would violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions if the troops engage in combat.

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for a "firm, concrete response from the world," while NATO officials are consulting with allies about this significant escalation in North Korea's support for Russia's war effort, as both countries continue to exchange drone attacks in various regions.

Counterterrorism

• A suspected terrorist attack at a major Turkish defense facility near Ankara killed at least 4 people and injured 14 others. ➚

• Hezbollah confirmed that Hashem Safieddine, the group's top official expected to succeed the late Hassan Nasrallah as secretary general, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. ➚

Military & Defense

• After Israel accused Hezbollah of stashing $500M in cash and gold underneath a Beirut hospital, the facility has been evacuated amid fears of an impending Israeli strike, though Lebanese officials deny the allegations. ➚

• Taiwan is unveiling plans to strengthen its capabilities to respond to a potential military blockade by China, including boosting food and energy reserves. ➚

• A Russian cargo plane was shot down by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, who claim it was resupplying the besieged city of al-Fashir, offering a glimpse into the war's supply networks. ➚

• Blinken says there is a 'real opportunity' to free hostages after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, which has left the militant group in disarray. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Russia says its Foreign Ministry was targeted by a "severe" cyber attack on Wednesday, coinciding with the BRICS summit taking place in the country. ➚

• CISA has warned of active exploitation of a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-38094) in Microsoft SharePoint that could lead to remote code execution. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Israel has arrested two separate cells of alleged Iranian spies suspected of planning attacks, including the assassination of an Israeli scientist and a city mayor. ➚

• The EU is being urged to create its own intelligence body to better counter threats from foreign actors and respond more forcefully to espionage within its borders. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Mexican troops killed 19 suspected cartel members and arrested a local cartel leader in Sinaloa, raising questions about the new president's approach to cartels. ➚

• Hundreds of bus drivers in Peru struck to protest attacks and extortion, disrupting Lima as the government deployed soldiers amid rising crime concerns. ➚

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.