Analysis & Reports

Israeli military conducted raids and demolitions across multiple locations in the West Bank on September 9, resulting in multiple injuries and the detention of over 20 Palestinians, including women and children. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the operation, which involved a joint effort with the Israeli Security Agency.

Israeli Defense Forces killed 4 armed personnel in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on September 9. The personnel emerged from a tunnel and opened fire on the Israeli forces, who reported no injuries among their soldiers. This incident is considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the Israeli military stated they would continue operations in the area to identify and eliminate armed personnel in the tunnels.

On February 8, the Israeli government approved measures to strengthen its control over the West Bank, leading to increased violence and displacement of Palestinians. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these actions as war crimes, while Hamas accused Israel of attempting to eliminate Palestinian existence. Reports indicate ongoing assaults by Israeli forces and settlers, resulting in injuries and forced displacements of Palestinian residents.

U.S. Navy sailors aboard USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) participated in a live-fire maritime gunnery exercise in the Arabian Gulf last week, supported by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The exercise, named Killer Tomato, focused on improving surface gunnery proficiency and joint air-maritime integration. A-10s were utilized for their effectiveness in close air support, allowing for enhanced coordination between naval and air forces.

A suspect with dual Russian-Ukrainian citizenship was arrested in the UAE following the attack on Russian General Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow on February 6, 2023. Two other suspects have been charged, while a female suspect has fled to Ukraine and is wanted internationally. The incident is characterized as a response from Ukrainian terrorists against the ongoing conflict negotiations.

The 7th UAE Special Police Challenge began on February 7 in Dubai, featuring 109 teams from 48 countries, including 10 women's teams. The Chinese women's special police teams, competing for the first time, achieved notable success, with the Sichuan Women's Special Police Team ranking first among all women's teams. The event focused on tactical operations and teamwork under pressure.

The Iranian Air Force is currently at the highest state of readiness, prepared to respond decisively to any threats or aggression. This declaration was made by Major General Mousavi on February 7, emphasizing the Air Force's role in deterrence and defense. Iran asserts it will protect its national security and territorial integrity, warning that any enemy actions could result in severe consequences.

The August 1st Aerobatics Team of the Chinese Air Force showcased the J-10C fighter jet at international air shows in Malaysia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Thailand in 2023. The J-10C, a third-generation multi-role fighter, features advanced avionics and weapon systems, enhancing its operational capabilities. This transition from the J-10B to the J-10C reflects China's rapid advancements in military aviation.

A fire occurred in a carpentry workshop at a military camp in Tehran on February 6, caused by electrical faults. The Iranian military reported that the fire has been controlled and there are no casualties.

Sailors aboard the USS Arleigh Burke were awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal for their role in ballistic missile defense operations during the '12-Day War' between Iran and Israel from June 12 to June 24, 2025. Israel conducted Operation Rising Lion targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to launch nearly 900 ballistic missiles at Israel. Subsequently, the U.S. executed Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying 125 aircraft and precision weapons against Iranian targets.

Masoud Barzani met with Mazloum Abdi in Eastern Syria on February 6, 2023, as the SDF faced significant territorial losses due to clashes with Syrian government forces. An agreement allowed Syrian forces to deploy into areas previously controlled by the SDF, raising questions about the future of U.S. support and the SDF's role in the region. The SDF, a crucial partner in the fight against ISIS, has seen its influence wane amid changing dynamics.

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted joint cold weather exercises in Hokkaido, focusing on fire support and mobility. Turkish forces tested the Free Bird aircraft in extreme cold, while UK forces enhanced Arctic capabilities through operations in Norway. Finland is providing training for NATO allies in cold weather operations, reflecting a broader trend of military readiness in response to geopolitical tensions.

Three U.S. Air National Guard pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their successful defense against Iranian drones and missiles targeting Israel on April 13, 2024, while deployed at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. The pilots, flying F-16s, intercepted and destroyed multiple aerial threats, contributing to a high success rate in intercepting Iranian attacks. Their actions were part of a larger operation involving U.S. Central Command.

The U.S. military conducted five airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria from January 27 to February 2, 2025, including a facility containing 50 precision-guided munitions. These operations resulted in the death or capture of over 50 ISIS terrorists. The airstrikes followed a previous attack on U.S. and allied forces near Palmyra.

In June 2025, seven B-2 Spirit bombers from the U.S. Air Force executed Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting a precision strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz. This mission marked the first combat use of the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, showcasing the B-2's advanced capabilities after decades of modernization. The operation involved non-stop flights from Missouri and required sophisticated planning and aerial refueling support.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Islamic State members in Syria between January 27 and Monday, destroying a communication site and weapons storage facilities. These operations resulted in the death or capture of over 50 Islamic State members, including a leader connected to a December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one civilian interpreter. U.S. Central Command emphasized the importance of these strikes in preventing an ISIS resurgence in the region.

Hamas denied firing at Israeli forces and condemned the Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that began at dawn on the 4th, resulting in at least 21 deaths and 38 injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by firing at their troops, leading to retaliatory strikes across Gaza.

The Israeli military conducted artillery shelling and airstrikes in multiple locations across Gaza early on October 4, resulting in at least 9 Palestinian deaths, including a child. The strikes targeted residential areas, including tents and homes in Gaza City and Khan Younis, with additional attacks reported in the Bureij refugee camp and southern coastal regions.

A vessel illegally entered Iranian territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz on February 3 and was warned by the Iranian regulatory team before leaving. Iranian officials stated that the vessel did not possess the necessary navigation permits. They also refuted claims of a security incident involving a U.S. tanker, which was reportedly escorted by a U.S. warship.

The U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on February 3, 2023. Following this, U.S. Navy forces escorted a U.S. oil tanker threatened by two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation was de-escalated, and the oil tanker is now safely navigating the waters.