Good Morning. 

Interpol's Operation Claymore has led to 45 arrests and the seizure of 3,400 bombs in South America during a two-month anti-explosives operation, House Speaker Mike Johnson has spoken with Taiwan's President Lai during a Pacific tour stopover, the FCC has proposed first-ever cybersecurity rules for telecoms under wiretapping law in response to the Chinese Salt Typhoon hacking campaign, Russia has ordered the closure of Poland's consulate amid escalating diplomatic tensions over espionage accusations, and Mexican drug cartels are recruiting chemistry students from universities to develop stronger fentanyl and create precursor chemicals independently.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Syrian Rebels Capture Hama in Major Blow to Assad

• Syrian rebels captured the strategic city of Hama on December 5, 2024, marking their most significant victory in a lightning-fast offensive that began with taking Aleppo just a week prior.

• The rebels' rapid advance has been attributed to the weakening of Assad's forces due to Russia's focus on Ukraine and the recent losses suffered by Hezbollah, one of Assad's key allies, in its conflict with Israel.

• The capture of Hama positions rebels to potentially advance on Homs, which could cut Damascus off from coastal regions and potentially threaten Assad's regime, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate humanitarian access and a return to UN-facilitated political process.

Counterterrorism

• Interpol's Operation Claymore leads to 45 arrests and seizure of 3,400 bombs in South America during two-month anti-explosives operation. ➚

• Australia's spy chief reveals that young people account for 20% of priority counter-terrorism cases amid concerns over online radicalization. ➚

Military & Defense

• House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks with Taiwan's President Lai during Pacific tour stopover, dismissing Chinese objections to US transit visits. ➚

• South Korean President Yoon faces impeachment vote after a failed attempt to declare martial law, with opposition planning a Saturday vote. ➚

• Secret Service chief announces security overhaul following two assassination attempts on President-elect Trump, including a shooting that wounded him. ➚

• Taiwan President Lai's stopovers in Hawaii and Guam draw Chinese criticism while receiving support from US House Speaker Johnson. ➚

• Pakistan court indicts jailed former PM Imran Khan for allegedly inciting violence against military installations during 2023 protests. ➚

• Ethiopia's former peace minister Taye Dendea was released after being briefly rearrested following court-granted bail, highlighting political tensions. ➚

Cybersecurity

• FCC proposes first-ever cybersecurity rules for telecoms under wiretapping law in response to Chinese Salt Typhoon hacking campaign. ➚

• FBI urges telecoms to boost network security after Chinese hackers breach eight US companies in Salt Typhoon campaign. ➚

• UK cybersecurity chief warns of underestimated threats from hostile states as severe incidents triple amid Russian aggression. ➚

• Online criminal group "764" and "The Com" use cybercrime tactics for violent crimes, targeting children through social engineering. ➚

• Brain Cipher ransomware group claims to have stolen 1 terabyte of sensitive data from Deloitte UK in major breach. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Russia orders closure of Poland's consulate amid escalating diplomatic tensions over espionage accusations and consulate shutdowns between both nations. ➚

• UK trial reveals Russian spy ring attempted to track Ukrainian soldiers training at US base in Germany using surveillance equipment. ➚

• Think tank warns that Chinese-made LiDAR sensors in US military equipment could expose forces to cyber espionage and sabotage. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Mexican drug cartels recruit chemistry students from universities to develop stronger fentanyl and create precursor chemicals independently. ➚

• Medellin cartel leader Fabio Ochoa Vasquez released from US prison after serving 25 years of 30-year sentence. ➚

• FBI indicts eighteen Cleveland gang members on federal charges including murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking in major RICO case. ➚

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.