Geopolitics Weekly
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🌎 Middle East tensions take turn for worst

🌎 Middle East tensions take turn for worst

and Wagner Mali woes

Ross Crabtree
August 04, 2024

Welcome back,

This week has seen tensions skyrocket in the Middle East, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel.

Meanwhile, the US has revoked a plea deal that would have spared multiple 9/11 suspects from the death penalty.

This and more below ⤵️

Major Story

Washington is preparing for potential regional escalation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Tehran attributes to Israel. In response, the US military is deploying additional fighter jets and navy warships to the Middle East, with the Pentagon announcing these movements on Friday. This strategic redeployment aims to bolster US force protection, support Israel's defense, and ensure readiness for various contingencies.

The assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut the evening before has sparked a flurry of diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale regional war. Major airlines, including Lufthansa, Delta, and Air India, have canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut. Meanwhile, France has advised its citizens to leave Iran, and Cyprus has expanded plans for large-scale evacuations from the region if the conflict spreads.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the additional deployments on Friday, which include Navy cruisers and destroyers equipped to shoot down ballistic missiles. The US will also send an additional squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized that while tensions are high, escalation is not inevitable, highlighting ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire. Despite these tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel in a state of high readiness, preparing for any possible scenario as the threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon poses unique challenges due to its proximity and arsenal.

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Other News

1️⃣🇺🇦 Ukraine: The Ukrainian military announced a successful strike on the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" in Sevastopol, resulting in the vessel sinking. This Kilo-class attack submarine had previously been damaged by a Ukrainian missile in September 2023. Additionally, Ukraine reported significant damage to four S-400 air defense system launchers during the same operation.

2️⃣🇲🇱 Mali: Separatist rebels in northern Mali reported killing 84 fighters from the Russian Wagner Group and 47 Malian soldiers in intense fighting near the Algerian border. The clashes, which began on July 25 at a military camp in Tinzaouatene, marked the heaviest losses for Wagner in Africa. The separatists, fighting for an independent homeland, also claimed to have captured vehicles and weapons.

What Went Under the Radar?

🇺🇦 Ukraine: Russian forces have intensified assaults in Donetsk, seizing settlements and threatening key Ukrainian supply routes. These attacks mark the largest offensive since October, with significant casualties reported. Concurrently, Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian energy and military infrastructure, including strikes on airfields and oil depots, showcasing its strategic depth in the conflict.