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💥 Israel hits Yemen

💥 Israel hits Yemen

and IT outage causes chaos

Ross Crabtree
July 21, 2024

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Welcome back,

This week has seen Israel strike targets in Yemen raising questions over regional escalation, as well as a major IT outage impacting computer systems across the globe. The ICJ also dished out a major ruling regarding Israel and Palestine.

As usual, all of the details are below ⤵️

Major Story

Israel strikes Yemen port after Houthi rebels attack Tel Aviv

Powerful airstrikes shook the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, following an Israeli promise of retaliation for a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv. The strikes hit a refinery and electricity infrastructure, causing a massive blaze. Almasirah, the Houthi-run television channel, reported three fatalities and 87 injuries from the airstrikes on the oil facilities.

This was the first direct hit on Yemen since the Houthi rebels began targeting Israel with missiles and drones last year. Previously, all such attacks had been intercepted, until the recent drone strike on Tel Aviv, which resulted in one death and at least ten injuries. The Houthis vowed to continue their attacks, leading to another missile launch intercepted by Israeli air defenses over the Red Sea port city of Eilat.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the significance of the strike, stating that it demonstrated Israel's far-reaching capabilities and willingness to respond to threats. Despite initial reports by Almasirah TV implicating US and British forces in the strikes, it was later clarified that the operation was solely conducted by Israel. The escalation follows increased rocket attacks from Hezbollah and a barrage of missiles targeting northern Israel, challenging the nation's air defenses.

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Other News

1️⃣🇩🇪 Germany: US intelligence foiled a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, Germany's top arms manufacturer supplying Ukraine. The plot, reportedly advanced, was part of broader Russian efforts to target defense industry executives in Europe. Security around Papperger and Rheinmetall has been heightened, with the company vowing to continue supporting Ukraine despite these threats.

2️⃣🇧🇩 Bangladesh: The Supreme Court has cut government job quotas, reducing allocations for independence war veterans and their descendants from 30% to 5%, following deadly student protests. The demonstrations, which erupted due to perceived unfair benefits amid economic decline, turned violent with over 100 killed and thousands injured. Despite the ruling, student protests continue under strict curfew, demanding justice for the fatalities and government accountability.

3️⃣🇺🇸 United States: JD Vance, Republican vice-presidential nominee, has criticized U.S. support for Ukraine, favoring a reduction in aid and potential concessions to Russia. His stance raises concerns in Kyiv and among NATO allies about America's future commitment to Ukraine's defense. Ukrainians fear the implications of Vance's position, though his influence in a potential Trump administration remains uncertain.

4️⃣🇰🇷 South Korea: In response to North Korea's balloons carrying trash across the border, South Korea's military announced it will resume "full-scale" loudspeaker broadcasts. Starting at 1 p.m. today, the broadcasts will include propaganda, world news, and K-pop music. The South warned the North that these actions near the heavily armed border could have fatal consequences, holding the North Korean regime solely responsible.

5️⃣🇻🇳 Vietnam: Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party and its most powerful politician, died at age 80, creating a power vacuum. Trong, known for his "blazing furnace" anti-corruption campaign, oversaw significant economic growth and balanced ties with China and the US. His death leaves uncertainty in Vietnam's political landscape, with concerns about a potential succession crisis.

What Went Under the Radar?

🇨🇳 China: The Chinese and Russian navies concluded a joint naval patrol from the northern Pacific to the South China Sea, marking their fourth collaboration. The operation included training in boarding procedures, helicopter landings, and replenishments. The navies then began the sea phase of the Joint Sea-2024 live-fire exercise, practicing defense, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations.

Next Week’s Geopolitical Milestones

1️⃣🇫🇷 Global: The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held from 26 July to 11 August in Paris, with events also taking place across France and in French overseas territories.

2️⃣🇻🇪 Venezuela: President Nicolás Maduro is expected to use legal tactics and repression to weaken the opposition and deter voter participation ahead of the 28 July presidential election. Despite facing a challenging race, Maduro likely maintains enough control over state institutions and the military to stay in power.