Good Morning. 

Iran backs Maduro's disputed Venezuela reelection, Egypt delivers more weapons to Somalia, Ukraine bans Telegram for official use, Pakistan appoints a new ISI spy chief amid tensions, and rebels control a major coca zone in Colombia.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Pentagon: U.S. Deploys Additional Troops to Middle East As War Risks Increase

• Pentagon announces deployment of small number of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East.

• Troops' primary task is preparing for potential evacuation of U.S. citizens if regional war escalates.

• Decision follows spike in violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with hundreds killed in Lebanon in the last day.

Counterterrorism

• Iran backs Maduro's disputed Venezuela reelection. ➚

• U.S. soldier pleads guilty to desertion after crossing into North Korea. ➚

• Iran suspends IRGC devices after Hezbollah equipment blasts. ➚

Military & Defense

• Egypt delivers more weapons to Somalia, straining Ethiopia ties. ➚

• Israeli airstrikes kill 492 in Lebanon, sparking mass evacuations. ➚

• Lithuania partners with U.S. for ammo production. ➚

• Tanzania arrests opposition leaders, blocks protest. ➚

• U.S. supports Israel after weekend Hezbollah rocket attacks. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Ukraine bans Telegram for official use over security. ➚

• China accuses Taiwan of cyberattacks; Taiwan denies claims. ➚

• OIG audit praises CISA but notes disinformation challenges. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Pakistan appoints new ISI spy chief amid political tensions. ➚

• Ukrainian man jailed for espionage in occupied Crimea. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Rebels control major coca zone in Colombia. ➚

• Malaysia rescues 187 more children in abuse investigation. ➚

• Organized crime fuels surge in cargo theft across Mexico. ➚

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.