Darkness changes the fight. Screaming Eagles assigned to 3rd... Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conducted nighttime Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain training during a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 17, 2026.show more

This is what the fight of the future looks... like. Supported by a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) executed a rapid air assault during a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana #AirAssault 📷 #BrilliantAtTheBasicsshow more

Watch the Screaming Eagles putting in the work! Soldiers... from the 101st Airborne Div. conduct an air movement during JRTC at Fort Polk, La. 🎥 Sgt. Timothy Jackson, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)show more

It takes a strong team to fire heavy artillery.... 💥 Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Div. train on live-fire artillery operations at Fort Polk, Louisiana. 🎥 Spc. Sandy Vera Vazquezshow more

Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 - the 7th edition of the... India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, is being conducted at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan, from 12 to 25 April 2026. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint operational capability in semi-mountainous terrain, with focus on joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills and special operations against unlawful armed groups. During the exercise, troops of both contingents have undertaken area familiarisation, exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures, ambidextrous pistol firing, reflex shooting, RPG firing, unarmed combat, bayonet fighting, UAV application, Fire and Move drills in urban terrain, Combat Casualty Evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance, house intervention drills, mountaineering, rappelling, sniper training and navigation exercises to strengthen tactical synergy and operational readiness. Physical endurance and team spirit have also been reinforced through runs, calisthenics, yoga and other confidence-building activities. In the coming days, the exercise is expected to advance to more complex joint missions in semi-mountainous terrain, including strike operations against hostile objectives, capture of designated targets, heliborne employment, establishment of a joint command and control structure and validation of integrated special operations procedures, further deepening coordination and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.show more

🇮🇳 K9 Warriors of the #IndianArmy's #RedShieldDivision conducted a... specialised slithering exercise at Leimakhong Military Station, #Manipur on 08 May 2026. 🐕 05 dog teams participated in the training to enhance heli-borne insertion, operational coordination and combat readiness. 🚁 The exercise highlighted the professionalism and vital role of #military dogs in search & rescue, disaster response and counter-terrorism operations. ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY EasternCommand_IA SpearCorps.IndianArmy Government of Manipur LOK BHAVAN MANIPURshow more

🇵🇰 🇮🇶 Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu,... NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to Iraq, called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force. The Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, symbolizing the strong bond of mutual respect. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training, capacity building and improving operational cooperation. The Air Chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability. The Iraqi Air Chief praised PAF’s professionalism and technological advancement, expressed interest in benefiting from PAF’s world-class training and expressed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability. The visit underscored the shared resolve of both Air Forces to further strengthen defence ties and professional collaboration.show more

If you had a bad day at work, at... least you didn´t f*** up like this past Thursday. During an exercise, a Spanish Air Force A400 Atlas airdropped an armored vehicle. However, the parachute didn´t deploy, and this happened... More info below On April 23, 2026, a Spanish Army URO VAMTAC armored vehicle was completely destroyed during a failed airdrop in a military exercise near Uceda, in the province of Guadalajara, Spain.The vehicle was released from an Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft as part of a BRIPAC (Paratrooper Brigade) training exercise. Moments after extraction, the parachutes failed to deploy, causing the unmanned vehicle to fall from approximately 300 meters and be destroyed on impact. Early reports indicate the cause was a rigging failure in the securing straps or parachute system, resulting in uncontrolled detachment. The VAMTAC—an off-road, high-mobility tactical vehicle used by the Spanish Army—was deemed beyond repair, with damage estimated at roughly €600,000. No injuries were reported. Authorities have launched a technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the parachute malfunction.show more

Pakistan goes to Africa: What's really in the Somalia... defense MoU? Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation with Pakistan. The memorandum envisages strengthening bilateral ties in defense and security, conducting joint exercises, and exchanging experiences, according to Somalia's Ministry of Defense. Media previously reported on a potential $900 million deal for 24 JF-17 fighter jets, though this was not confirmed by either side. "Pakistan is likely to provide training in intelligence-led counterterrorism, special operations, logistics, communication, and Somali military institutional building," Prof Basim Raza, assistant director at NUST Institute of Policy Studies, tells Sputnik. The relationship will be asymmetrical, the expert believes. Pakistan will provide most of the formal training, while Somalia will contribute with local intelligence and operational understanding of African realities. He also notes that the memorandum does not authorize a permanent Pakistani military base in Somalia. In the near term, cooperation is more likely to involve Somali officers training inside Pakistan. "Somalia can become a useful strategic partner near the Gulf of Aden, but describing the MoU as a confirmed plan to secure Bab al-Mandeb would be premature," Raza notes.show more

Over the weekend, more than 140 Hezbollah sites in... Lebanon were struck by the Israeli Air Force and by ground troops, the military says. The IDF says the targets included a Hezbollah training camp, weapon depots, rocket launching sites, and command centers of the elite Radwan Force. Earlier, the IDF announced bombing several command centers in Beirut. During ground operations in southern Lebanon, the IDF says, troops killed Hezbollah operatives in close-quarters combat and by directing strikes, as well as captured weapons and located Hezbollah infrastructure. One strike carried out by the 215th Artillery Regiment hit a Hezbollah command center used by the terror group to launch drones at troops and Israel, the IDF adds.show more

Troops stand firm, repel ISWAP attack on Pulka in... Borno By Zagazola Makama Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military position in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack occurred on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, as the troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area. Sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched an aggressive assault on the military location, apparently attempting to overwhelm the troops and disrupt ongoing security operations around the community. However, the soldiers stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower, frustrating the attackers and preventing them from gaining access to or overrunning the military position. The determined resistance reportedly forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area with casualties, while the military positions in Pulka remained firmly under the control of the security forces. The engagement was reinforced by the timely intervention of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to the ground troops. The aerial surveillance enhanced the troops’ situational awareness and enabled closer coordination between the ground and air components during the engagement. As the terrorists attempted to withdraw following the resistance from the ground troops, the air component reportedly conducted precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their movement and frustrating their attempt to regroup. The CJTF also supported the operation by providing local information and assisting the security forces with situational awareness within the area. Zagazola Makama gathered that one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to his left arm during the encounter. The injured soldier was immediately evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment. His condition was said to be stable. Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops commenced exploitation operations within the area to assess the damage inflicted on the attackers, recover any abandoned weapons or equipment and gather intelligence that could support follow-up operations against the fleeing elements. The successful defence of the position highlights the resilience, combat readiness and determination of troops deployed under Operation HADIN KAI to prevent terrorist groups from regaining ground or disrupting security operations in the North-East. The coordinated response involving the ground troops, Nigerian Air Force and CJTF also underscores the importance of joint operations and timely intelligence in countering terrorist attacks in the theatre. Military sources said troops remained deployed in and around Pulka and had been placed on heightened alert following the attack. They are continuing aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of movement and preventing them from establishing operational footholds in the area. The troops are also expected to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorist elements and exploit available intelligence to track their movements and disrupt their activities. Meanwhile, residents and other members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest security formation. The military reiterated its commitment to protecting communities, safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and sustaining ongoing operations to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East.show more

‼️‼️🇹🇼 🇨🇳 BIG | Taiwan has successfully concluded a... large-scale crisis management drill designed around a highly complex, multi-layered threat environment. The simulation tested the island's preparedness against a "worst-case scenario" involving a simultaneous Chinese naval blockade and full-scale military invasion, compounded by a major earthquake, domestic sabotage, widespread disinformation campaigns, and civil unrest. Held in Nantou County, the exercise brought together over 370 military and government officials to evaluate cross-sector operations. Key focus areas included civil-military coordination, the activation of backup command systems, food rationing protocols, counter-drone defense strategies, and emergency responses to cyberattacks on public broadcasts and critical infrastructure. The Reality of Hybrid Warfare This comprehensive drill underscores Taiwan’s realistic and forward-looking assessment of modern hybrid warfare. National security is no longer confined solely to conventional frontline combat; today, informational resilience and civilian readiness are just as critical as military hardware. By integrating a natural disaster (an earthquake) with foreign military aggression into a single training model, Taiwanese planners demonstrated a clear intent to prepare for compound crises where an adversary might exploit vulnerabilities during an ongoing domestic emergency. Ultimately, these exercises do more than just refine operational readiness—they serve as a potent strategic signal to potential aggressors, demonstrating that the island is systematically preparing for every facet of a coordinated assault. Video is made Grok AIshow more

Massive show of force | U.S. + allied forces... conducted large-scale amphibious exercises in late July as part of Talisman Sabre 25. New details via USNI: • "The U.S. teamed with Australia, South Korea, and Japan to conduct a major amphibious assault, an amphibious raid, surface warfare combat operations, and strike warfare on training areas across coastal Australia." • "The pinnacle exercise saw Amphibious Task Group 1 land at Freshwater Beach in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central Queensland, while Amphibious Task Group 2 came ashore in Stanage Bay farther north. U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion employed Amphibious Combat Vehicles for the major amphibious assault." • "In what was a massive show of force, these amphibious lodgments put forces ashore to act as pincers of a blocking force, while a separate motorized force moved in to defeat the 'red force' from the fictitious People’s Republic of Olvana." U.S. Navy Participants: Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), including USS America (LHA 6), USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and USS San Diego (LPD 22), USS Higgins (DDG 76) from DESRON-15, and expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6). Source: USNI News, U.S. Navy/DVIDSshow more

AFP, U.S., Partner Nations Conduct Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise... in Palawan The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and New Zealand Defence Force, conducted a Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise (CLLFX-West) on April 27, 2026 at the Apurawan Beach Landing Site in Aborlan, Palawan, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41–2026. Led by the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade, the exercise simulated a maritime threat involving an enemy amphibious landing along the coastline, showcasing combined forces’ capability to detect, disrupt, and deny hostile elements from establishing a beachhead. The activity demonstrated strong coordination and interoperability among participating forces in a complex littoral environment. The exercise highlighted a layered, multi-domain defense employing synchronized air, land, and indirect fire assets. The Philippine Air Force deployed FA-50 fighter jets for air interdiction, while U.S. forces provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) capabilities. Ground forces executed mid- to close-range engagements using artillery, mortars, light armored vehicles, anti-armor systems, heavy machine guns, and infantry weapons, supported by precision strikes and reconnaissance. In addition, a simulated Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) was conducted in Sitio Bubusawin and Sitio Long Point, alongside a community outreach activity in coordination with the local government of Aborlan and Barangay Apurawan, underscoring the AFP’s role in both defense and humanitarian operations. General Romeo S. Brawner Jr, AFP Chief of Staff witnessed the live fire exercise as one of the distinguished visitors together with Vice Admiral Alan M Javier, Commander of Western Command. Also present were Major General James Bartholomees, Commander of the 25th Infantry Division, US Army; Major General Thomas Savage, Commander of the U.S. JTF for Exercise Balikatan 2026; and Rear Admiral Brent DeVore, Commander of the Expeditionary Strike Group THREE, U.S. Navy. “The Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise demonstrates our capability to defend our shores through coordinated, combined arms operations in a littoral environment. By integrating fires from land, air, and maritime forces, we are able to detect, engage, and neutralize potential threats approaching from the sea, ensuring that any attempt to breach our coastline is met with a swift and unified response,” said Marine Colonel Dennis Hernandez, PH Balikatan 41-2026 Spokesperson. “More importantly, this activity strengthens joint fire support coordination and interoperability among participating forces. Beach defense is not the responsibility of a single unit or domain, it requires seamless integration across services and with our allies. Exercises like this ensure that we are prepared to protect our coastal communities and territorial integrity with precision, speed, and overwhelming coordination,” Col Hernandez added./// Photos and Videos by: SSG Ambay PA/PAOAFP; 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps; and Staff Sgt. Brandon Rickert, 7th Infantry Division, US Army #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #SaferTogetherUSPH #StrongerTogethershow more

🚨🇺🇦❗️ Ukraine has scored one of its most important... battlefield successes of 2026, with the 3rd Army Corps cutting off the Russian salient north of Lyman and liberating more than 200 km² after four months of counteroffensive operations. The operation has disrupted a Russian bridgehead that had threatened Lyman and could have opened further pressure toward Sloviansk and Izium. The breakthrough began on May 22, when mechanized units of the 3rd Assault Brigade, supported by at least the 60th and 66th brigades, attacked east of Izium under heavy electronic-warfare cover, suppressing most Russian drones and allowing Ukrainian armor to reach the area around Nove. Ukrainian troops then expanded the assault through nearby forest belts, cleared Nove and continued pushing south. The geography made the sector especially important: Russian forces had spent enormous resources crossing the Zherebets River and securing high ground west of it, while Ukraine used the river system, forest belts and elevated terrain to make further Russian advances toward the Nityrius, Oskil and Siverskyi Donets lines increasingly difficult. 🔥 Strategically, the counteroffensive appears to have delayed what had looked like a serious Russian threat to northern Donbas. Instead of preparing to push from Lyman toward Sloviansk and Izium, Russian forces may now have to fight again for crossings and positions they spent months, and heavy losses, trying to secure. That buys Ukraine valuable time, protects key northern supply routes and shows that well-prepared mechanized counterattacks can still reverse Russian gains in critical sectors.show more

💥 This is an online briefing circulating about the... incident (The incident site was only about four miles from Zhongnanhai) : Incident No.: 2026-06-26-STFS-01 Incident Type: Suspected crash after loss of contact during general aviation local training Date of Incident: June 26, 2026 Time of Incident: 17:30–17:40 Location: Beijing Shifosi General Aviation Airport and the airspace near the East Fifth Ring Road to its west Operating Unit: Dongshi Shuangyue (Beijing) General Aviation Co., Ltd. Aircraft Information: Registration No. B-12PP Flight Personnel: Liu Junhua, a club member conducting a local solo flight I. Flight Overview This was a solo training flight by a club member within the local airspace, with the planned training subject being local takeoffs and landings. At 17:30, the aircraft took off normally from Shifosi Airport. At 17:40, as the crew prepared to return for landing and join the westbound traffic pattern for Runway 18, abnormal control behavior occurred. The aircraft did not properly enter the local traffic pattern. Instead, it continued maintaining a heading of 270 degrees due west and flew beyond the local controlled airspace. Local ADS-B monitoring continued until the aircraft reached the area near Beijing’s East Fifth Ring Road, after which its signal disappeared. The ground control tower then coordinated with regional approach control and Air Force control authorities, making repeated radio calls, but received no response. The aircraft lost contact. II. Key Timeline At 17:30, B-12PP took off from Shifosi Airport for a local solo training flight. At 17:40, it prepared to join the west-side traffic pattern for Runway 18 for approach and landing. The aircraft’s heading became abnormal, continuing on a 270-degree heading and flying westward out of the local airspace. The flight track reached the area near the East Fifth Ring Road, where the ADS-B signal was lost. Approach control and Air Force control were contacted, but the aircraft never responded by radio and was considered missing. III. Preliminary Risk and Problem Analysis Insufficient solo-flight control: The member was flying alone, without instructor monitoring, meaning there was no condition for intervention or emergency handling once a special situation occurred. Severe deviation from the flight pattern: During the approach phase, the aircraft failed to fly according to the standard traffic pattern. Its heading continued to deviate, causing it to cross the boundary and enter sensitive airspace over the city. Complete failure of communication and surveillance: ADS-B and radio communication failed, creating extremely high risk. Serious airspace safety hazard: A low-altitude general aviation aircraft crossed the boundary into the airspace above a built-up urban area, posing major safety risks on the ground. IV. Possible Causes Pending confirmation by official investigation Human factors: Pilot error, spatial disorientation, physical incapacitation, etc. Mechanical failure: Failure of the flight control system, engine, or electrical system, causing the heading to become uncorrectable and communication/surveillance to be interrupted. Equipment failure: Failure of ADS-B or the radio transponder, resulting in loss of signal and inability to establish contact. Some people online also found a photo of a Liu Junhua who is deputy general manager of the Discretionary Mandate and Solutions Department at CITIC Bank’s Asset Management Business Center, and claimed that she was the aircraft’s pilot. The building that was struck, China Zun — also known as CITIC Tower — is precisely where CITIC Group is headquartered. However, others have come forward saying that the pilot was not the Liu Junhua from CITIC. There are also two LinkedIn photos of Liu Junhua from CITIC in the comment section.show more

War in #Yemen | After four hours of sustained... attacks, and with the assault still ongoing, the Houthis have launched dozens of missiles, one-way unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and one-way unmanned surface vessels (USVs) against targets across Yemen’s West Red Sea Coast, stretching from Bab al-Mandab, Dhubab, northward through Mocha and up to Khawkhah. Mocha appears to be at the center of the attacks, with its commercial seaport, power station, solar energy field, civilian facilities, and military positions all reportedly targeted. Local authorities reported around 20 Houthi drone attacks targeting Mocha Port alone. The director of Mocha Port said the strikes caused extensive damage to port infrastructure and housing used by port employees. According to the National Resistance المقاومة الوطنية military media, air defenses have shot down 11 Houthi drones involved in attacks on Mocha Port and other locations. Air defenses continue to engage incoming drones targeting the solar power field and other areas as the attacks continue. The reported death toll so far stands at 7, including 4 military personnel and 3 civilians, with at least 15 other civilians injured in attacks on Mocha Port and other civilian and military sites. Forces in the area appear to have dispersed and taken cover in anticipation of further attacks. Saudi-led Coalition وزارة الدفاع aircraft have also reportedly conducted sorties over the region, though there is no confirmation that they carried out any strikes. Videos shared on social media appeared to point to Houthi launch areas in the mountains of Taiz, including Al-Akhur and the mountains around Al-Barh, which overlook Mocha’s infrastructure and remain under Houthi control. Military sources have also reported similar Houthi attacks along several sections of the Taiz front, indicating that the escalation extends beyond the coastal areas. Separately, الساحل الغربي | The West Coast reported that the Houthis cut Internet and telecommunications services across Hodeidah governorate during the escalation. The Houthis have acknowledged carrying out a major operation in the Mocha area. In their statement, they said they launched a large-scale attack using a large number of ballistic missiles and drones against what they described as Saudi military buildups and weapons depots. The Houthis claimed the strikes caused extensive destruction of weapons and military equipment and killed or wounded dozens, including Saudis. These casualty and damage claims have not been independently verified. The Houthis said the operation was in response to what they described as continued Saudi military buildups, weapons deliveries, and attacks along the West Coast and in Taiz. They threatened further strikes against military movements and buildups they consider a threat to Houthi-controlled territory. The attacks have continued for more than four hours and remain ongoing.show more

OPERATION HADIN KAI RECORDS SURRENDER OF SENIOR ISWAP FINANCE... OPERATIVE AS WAVE OF TERRORIST SURRENDERS GATHERS MOMENTUM Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East. The development comes amid a growing wave of terrorist surrenders, with approximately 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendering to troops in recent days, further highlighting the mounting pressure on terrorist strongholds. The terrorist surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route. His decision to lay down his arms follows the recent series of coordinated and decisive land and air offensives conducted by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist enclaves. Preliminary profiling indicates that the terrorist served as the Chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children. Items recovered from the terrorist include one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the sum of ₦40,000. The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre. The surrender of such a key finance operative represents another significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the growing erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability, and sustainment network under the relentless pressure of Operation HADIN KAI. Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps. Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to restore enduring peace, security, and stability across the North East. The Theatre Command therefore calls on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late. The Command also urges members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations. MOHAMMED GONI Captain Acting Military Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force(North East) Operates HADIN KAI MAIDUGURI 25 July, 2026show more

⚠️‼️ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗸: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗜𝘀 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻... BLUF: Russia claims Ukraine killed “children” during a 21-22 May 2026 overnight strike on what the AFU identified as a Rubicon unmanned systems training and operations center in Starobilsk, occupied Luhansk. Russian sources report approximately 16 FP-1/FP-2 type loitering munitions were used in the strike. The evidence tells a more nuanced and damning story. On 24 May, Russia's own Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the names of 21 dead with dates of birth ranging from 2003 to 2007. That makes the youngest victims 18 or 19 years old and the oldest, 22 or 23. This is the recruitment and training age for Rubicon personnel and not students at a vocational college. Yet Russia immediately declared these were "children aged 14 to 18." Those two claims cannot both be true, and Russia produced both of them. The narrative was constructed from the first hour. Russian-installed governor Pasechnik, Children's Rights Commissioner Lvova-Belova, TASS, and Russian MFA statements all repeated the 14-to-18 framing within hours of the strike. It circulated globally before any casualty list appeared. However, there is a strong possibility Rubicon personnel were co-located with vocational students in the same complex. Some genuine students were likely among the wounded. The evidence instead points to a strike on a legitimate military target operating within a dual-use civilian complex. Moscow has a systematic pattern of militarizing civilian infrastructure across occupied territory. Placing military assets among civilians is a deliberate choice, not an accident. The timeline further exposes the pretext. Russia had already intensified strikes on Kyiv from 12-13 May, over 12 days before Starobilsk. The massive 23-24 May barrage of approximately 90 missiles and more than 600 drones just 24-48 hours after Starobilsk, one of the largest combined strike packages of the war, was also immediately branded retaliation. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that assembling a package of that scale requires weeks of preparation, not 24-48 hours. Russia used Starobilsk as a pretext to justify attacks it had already planned. Russia then called an emergency UN Security Council session to internationalize a narrative its own casualty list contradicts. The Rubicon Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies is a documented Russian Defense Ministry unit established in 2024 and involved in drone strikes on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Ukraine struck a legitimate military target operating from a dual-use site Russia deliberately embedded within civilian infrastructure. Moscow then reframed the casualties as murdered children to manufacture justification for escalation already in motion. It is the same pattern Russia has repeatedly used to legitimize attacks on civilians after the fact. #OSINT #Ukraineshow more

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI REPEL TERRORIST ATTACK ON... FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAIRARI The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has once again demonstrated its resilience and combat superiority as troops of CIB XIX at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari successfully repelled a determined night attack by ISWAP terrorists in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State. On 1 July 2026, at about 2325 hours, the terrorists launched an attack on the base. The troops responded with exceptional gallantry, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight and forcing them to withdraw in confusion after inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists and destroying their equipment. Items recovered include AK 47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, Rocket Propelled Gun tubes among others. Surveillance footage further confirmed the evacuation of several dead and wounded terrorists from the battlefield. It would be recalled that Mairari community had only recently been resettled, with over 950 households returning to the area. The attack was also a desperate attempt by the terrorists to instill fear among the residents and disrupt the ongoing resettlement process. However, their objective was thwarted, as no civilian casualties were recorded in the community during the attack. Regrettably, two soldiers and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme price during the intense encounter. Additionally, few equipments were damaged by Rocket Propelled Gun fire during the encounter. The Theatre Command mourns these gallant heroes and extends its heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. In a related development, a reinforcement team from Monguno successfully detected and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) emplaced along the route before engaging the fleeing terrorists. The swift intervention further disrupted the insurgents’ withdrawal and inflicted additional casualties on them. The successful repulsion of the attack underscores the high level of operational readiness, resilience, and combat effectiveness of troops of Operation HADIN KAI. Despite the terrorists’ desperate attempt to overrun the location, the troops maintained full control of the base and continue to dominate the operational environment through sustained offensive operations. The Theatre Command commends the courage, resilience, and fighting spirit of the troops for successfully defeating the terrorists and denying them any operational success. Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the North East. MOHAMMED GONI Captain Acting Military Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI MAIDUGURI 2 July, 2026show more