Journalist calls Blinken a ‘criminal’ over US support for Israel during briefing
Several journalists who are not members of the regular State Department press corps and reportedly outspoken critics against U.S. support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza repeatedly interrupted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, Jan. 16, during his final press conference. Blinken was interrupted by several journalists, but the situation quickly escalated after one reporter had to be removed by security.
The scene unfolded in the State Department briefing room. Independent journalist Sam Husseini, a long-time critic of U.S. foreign policy, yelled at Blinken over U.S. support for Israel.
Hussein reportedly called Blinken a “criminal” and said he belonged in The Hague, which is the capital city of South Holland, where the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is located.
The interruption ended once security picked Husseini up and forcefully carried him out of the room, as he continued to yell at Blinken and accused Israel of war crimes.
Blinken, who leaves office on Monday, Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, later took questions from reporters. Blinken has been heckled during appearances in Washington, D.C., since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago.
Pro-Palestinian activists have also reportedly camped outside Blinken’s home in Virginia and repeatedly threw red paint to symbolize blood on a car carrying the secretary of state and his family.
Blinken has been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters because of the U.S. supplying weapons to Israel, and diplomatic support of the country.
Israel’s war against Hamas started after the terror group’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023, left 1,200 people dead and 250 more kidnapped. More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
While Israel has been accused of war crimes, the Biden administration said it cannot determine if Israel violated international law, because Hamas hides within the Palestinian civilian population.
AI-Powered Shield: Axon Vision’s Drone Defense: Weapon of the Week
Spend any time on social media and it’s easy to find examples of Ukrainian drones inflicting damage on Russian troops and equipment. Less visible, however, are examples of counter-drone efforts. That’s why Axon Vision and its UAV counter-AI is the weapon of the week.
Axon Vision’s co-founder and CTO, Ido Rozenberg, sees the problem facing ground troops in modern combat very clearly when it comes to drone warfare.
“Loitering ammunition is basically a fixed wing or quadcopter drone used like a guided missile,” Rozenberg said. “They fly slow and low, meaning they’re under the radar dome. Most militaries have issues with this type of loitering ammunition.”
Companies didn’t build air defenses to defend against a threat as small as a shoebox. That’s where Axon Vision’s AI-based counter-defense systems come in. Using a suite of sensors, they automatically detect, track and classify targets to protect the battle space.
“So what we did, we built an optical radar using thermal images and cameras to pick up those drones when they’re close,” Rozenberg explained. “We’re in the domain of personal protection or tactical protection of counter UAVs, for maneuvering forces and armed vehicles.”
Rozenberg said Axon Vision’s tech is already in use in Israel. Troops can also fit their technology for use in any weapon station the end-user wants.
“Our system, called Edge RCWS, can connect to every remote weapon station,” he said. “It can be formed from an automated assault rifle up to a 120-millimeter main dive attack cannon.”
American military leadership is looking for this kind of innovation as it modernizes and prepares for future conflicts.
“We’ve been hearing for the past year that the US might be in active conflict soon,” Rozenberg noted. “They figure out that long-range programs are not sufficient for the next conflict. They’re saying, ‘If it’s working somewhere, bring it here, Americanize it, and we’ll put it on our systems.’”
Rozenberg emphasized that dealing with threats often involves split-second decisions. The company built its AI to provide the kind of detection, decision-making and action that gives operators an unfair advantage in the fight.
“Our technology is designed to give ground troops the upper hand in combat situations,” he said. “By integrating advanced AI and sensor systems, we can ensure that our forces are always one step ahead of the enemy.”
Axon Vision continues to innovate and adapt its technology to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare. With a focus on enhancing the capabilities of ground troops and providing robust counter-drone solutions, the company is at the forefront of defense technology.
As drone warfare becomes increasingly prevalent, the importance of effective countermeasures cannot be overstated. Axon Vision’s UAV counter-AI represents a significant advancement in this field, offering a reliable and efficient solution to a growing threat.
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IDF finds and destroys Hezbollah weapon supplies in southern Lebanon
Just because the Israel Defense Force (IDF) is adhering to the rules of a ceasefire with Hezbollah doesn’t mean that it’s not dismantling the terrorist network in other ways. This week, the IDF announced it found a trove of Hezbollah weaponry and military equipment in southern Lebanon.
The IDF’s 769th “Hiram” Brigade said the latest discovery announced on Friday, Jan. 10, included rocket launchers, mortar shells, rocket-propelled grenades, missiles and explosives.
Soldiers also found weapons in a depot containing dozens of shoulder-launched missiles along with a stache of other equipment.
Meanwhile, the IDF’s 300th Brigade also made some notable finds just days before on, Wednesday, Jan. 8, uncovering and destroying five Hezbollah weapons facilities.
Inside the weapons storage lockers were more than 200 mortar shells, ready-to-fire rocket launchers and personal body armor.
The soldiers also found a truck with Hezbollah insignia containing three medium-range rocket launchers.
All the weapons were destroyed, and the IDF made sure to stress the military is continuing to carry out the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, which is allowed under the current Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement.
It also looks like Israel may be getting help soon.
The Lebanese prime minister said on Friday, Jan. 10, that Lebanon’s army will soon begin efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
All of this is coming as Lebanon elected President Joesph Aoun on Thursday, Jan. 9, after a two-year vacuum at the position, adding some stability to the war-torn country that is trying to fight its way out of an economic collapse.
Aoun’s election has garnered some praise from President Joe Biden and Israel’s foreign minister, who expressed optimism Aoun’s win could mean better and more stable futures for both countries.
Marijuana in peanut butter, meth in crutches: TSA’s top 2024 contraband
TSA agents encounter all kinds of unusual items but the Transportation Security Administration has released its list of the most bizarre discoveries at airport security checkpoints in 2024. The list includes hidden weapons, live animals and other strange items travelers attempted to smuggle.
At Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, agents found a hollowed-out jar of peanut butter concealing marijuana.
In Virginia, TSA officers at Williamsburg International Airport discovered a knife stuffed inside a shoe. The passenger claimed they were unaware of its presence.
At Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, gun parts were hidden inside a red combat boot, which was then stashed in a LEGO box. TSA agents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport said a knife was found inside the shell of a laptop.
Chicago’s Midway International Airport had an unusual find — a vape pen hidden inside a travel-size toothpaste tube. While vapes are allowed in carry-on bags, this creative concealment violated TSA rules.
Portland International Airport agents uncovered a gun wrapped in tinfoil and hidden in a teapot alongside shot glasses. At Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire, methamphetamine was found wrapped in electrical tape and hidden inside crutches.
In Miami, agents discovered two live snakes concealed inside a passenger’s pants. TSA officials in El Paso, Texas, said they found a replica improvised explosive device disguised as a walkie-talkie in a carry-on bag.
The top discovery of 2024? A gun was found in the seat pocket of a baby stroller at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. TSA officers immediately alerted local law enforcement.
The TSA urges travelers to pack responsibly and review the list of prohibited items before heading to the airport. For travel tips and updates, visit TSA.gov.
Alleged Yakuza leader pleads guilty to trafficking nuclear materials
An alleged high-ranking leader of Japan’s Yakuza crime syndicate has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to trafficking weapons-grade nuclear material, believing it was destined for Iran’s nuclear program. The case sheds light on a sprawling international smuggling operation involving drugs, weapons and radioactive materials.
Takeshi Ebisawa, 60, entered his plea Wednesday, Jan. 8, in a Manhattan federal court, admitting to charges of nuclear and narcotics trafficking. Prosecutors said Ebisawa attempted to sell weapons-grade plutonium and uranium sourced from Myanmar to an individual he believed was an Iranian general. The “general” was, in fact, an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.
Between 2020 and 2022, Ebisawa reportedly provided photographs, Geiger counter readings and supposed laboratory analyses to verify the material’s radioactivity. U.S. officials later confirmed the material was weapons-grade and suitable for constructing nuclear weapons.
One of Ebisawa’s co-conspirators claimed access to over 4,400 pounds of thorium-232 and more than 220 pounds of uranium in the form of U3O8, a compound commonly found in the uranium concentrate powder known as “yellowcake.”
Prosecutors said Ebisawa planned to use the proceeds from the nuclear material sale to purchase military-grade weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, for insurgent groups in Myanmar. But his scheme extended beyond nuclear materials.
He also conspired to traffic approximately 1,100 pounds each of heroin and methamphetamine into the United States. Additionally, he sought to launder $100,000 in drug proceeds between New York and Tokyo.
Ebisawa’s arrest in 2022 followed a DEA-led sting operation, which intercepted materials and dismantled parts of his narcotics and weapons trafficking networks. Thai authorities collaborated with U.S. agents during the operation.
Additional charges were filed in 2024 after investigators uncovered the full scope of Ebisawa’s criminal enterprise. His charges now include nuclear material trafficking, narcotics importation and money laundering.
Ebisawa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted. Sentencing is scheduled for April.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram praised the investigation, calling it a testament to the agency’s ability to dismantle some of the world’s most dangerous criminal networks.
“This case exposed the shocking extent of international organized crime, dealing in drugs, weapons and even nuclear materials,” Milgram said.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim of the Southern District of New York described the plan as “brazen,” emphasizing the catastrophic risks posed by Ebisawa’s actions had the nuclear materials been sold or weaponized.
Once a dominant force in international crime, the Yakuza has seen its membership shrink to about one-third of its size two decades ago, according to Japan’s National Police Agency.
Strict anti-organized crime laws in Japan have limited the group’s ability to operate openly and financially, forcing members to adapt.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
Five wildfires now burn in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, leaving death, destruction and devastation in their paths. And the infernos led President Joe Biden to cancel his final international trip in office. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
At least five wildfires were burning in the heavily populated Los Angeles area of California on Thursday, Jan. 9, destroying thousands of homes and putting millions of lives in danger. At least five people died from the blaze and more than 100,000 evacuated their homes.
Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the flames.
The newest fire, the Sunset Fire, sparked Wednesday night in the famous Hollywood Hills region. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s latest update at 11:50 p.m. PST on Wednesday, the blaze engulfed 60 acres at 0% contained.
The Palisades Fire remains the biggest threat, covering over 17,000 acres at 0% containment.
Officials said it destroyed at least 1,000 buildings, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
The deadly Eaton Fire near Pasadena and Altadena spanned more than 10,000 acres at 0% contained. All five reported deaths were linked to the Eaton Fire.
Fire crews made headway on the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, containing about 10% of the blaze that spread to almost 900 acres, according to CalFire.
Crews made the most progress in fighting the Lidia Fire in Acton, about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. That fire scorched about 350 acres, but CalFire said it was 40% contained.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 firefighters, including crews from Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state, are battling the flames.
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires.
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're…
While mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for certain areas, officials told everyone in the area to pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.
Celebrities among victims to lose homes in California wildfires
With tens of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in California, come countless personal stories of loss, grief, shock and, in some cases, gratitude. Among those affected in the Los Angeles County and Hollywood area are some famous names.
Celebrities shared their accounts of the devastating scenes, something many said is like out of a movie.
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore posted videos to her Instagram account of the fiery destruction in Altadena, writing, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late. Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all, so many have lost, including my family … our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”
“Seeing our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking,” Hilton wrote.
Actor Billy Crystal released a statement with his wife after losing his Pacific Palisades home.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979,” Crystal said. “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
James Woods, who once starred on the television show “Shark,” openly wept in a CNN interview as he talked about his immense loss and the search for his neighbors.
As the fires spread across the hub of the entertainment world, organizers postponed multiple movie premieres, TV productions and award shows.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, have been moved to Jan. 26. The Oscar nominations announcement was pushed back two days to Jan. 19.
An NHL hockey game involving the Los Angeles Kings was postponed Wednesday night. The NFL said it is monitoring the conditions as the Los Angeles Rams are slated to host a playoff game Monday night, Jan. 13.
Biden to deliver eulogy at Carter’s funeral, Trump to attend
On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral.
President-elect Donald Trump will also attend the funeral. Trump, along with his wife Melania, were among those to pay their respects as the 39th president was lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
After the funeral, Carter’s body will take one final trip back to his home state of Georgia where he will be buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
While in Washington on Wednesday, Trump held a private meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol to discuss a strategy for top priorities heading into his second term. While speaking to reporters, Trump called the wildfires in California “a true tragedy.”
Biden announced Wednesday he canceled his final international trip of his presidency. He said he will remain in Washington, D.C., to monitor the deadly fires in Southern California.
Biden was set to take part in a three-day trip to Rome and the Vatican where he would meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president. His announcement came just hours after meeting his first great-grandchild, born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Capitol police arrest man who brought machete to Jimmy Carter viewing
As thousands of Americans paid their respects to Carter at the Capitol, authorities arrested a man Wednesday at a security screening for people waiting to view the late president as he lies in state in Washington.
Capitol police said the man, identified as Washington resident Mel Horne, carried a machete and three knives in a bag. Authorities spotted the weapons as the bag went through an X-ray machine. Horne now faces multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon.
Capitol police also said officers arrested a Virginia man who lit a bag containing accelerants on fire on top of his car near the Capitol. They do not believe the two incidents were connected.
Port strike averted after tentative deal reached
Longshoremen reached a tentative new contract deal Wednesday with shipping and port companies along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., averting a potentially crippling strike for now.
The United States Maritime Alliance, which represents ship lines and port operators, and union International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said they’ve agreed on a six-year deal. However, the agreement is not official until ratified by union members.
The ILA represents 50,000 members who fill 25,000 jobs at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. If this deal wasn’t reached, port workers were set to go on strike beginning next Thursday, Jan. 16.
Details of the agreement have not yet been publicly released, but sources close to the matter said it addresses a key sticking point for workers: automation.
In October, Longshoremen agreed to a wage increase of 62% over six years, and the two sides pushed other issues into 2025 to end a three-day strike.
Airbnb.org providing free, temporary housing for displaced California residents
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is providing free, temporary housing for people displaced by the Los Angeles County fires. The organization partnered with the non-profit 211 LA to connect those who lost their homes or have been forced to evacuate with a free place to stay.
N. Korea launched first ballistic missile of 2025 during Blinken’s visit: Seoul
Seoul said that North Korea test fired its first ballistic missile of the new year on Monday, Jan. 6, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea. Blinken and his South Korean counterpart condemned the launch during a joint press conference on the same day.
He called the test fire “another violation of multiple U.N. security resolutions” and the South said that it threatens peace in the Indo-Pacific.
South Korea said that the missile traveled 685 miles before falling into the ocean between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Intelligence officials said the missile was fired from Pyongyang, and the U.S. and South Korean military detected preparations before the test fire.
In response to the launch, Seoul said that it is strengthening its surveillance and security in the region for any potential additional launches. There was no reported damage from the test fire on Monday.
The missile launch came as Blinken visited Seoul for talks with South Korea over the threat of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, and its increasingly close relationship with Moscow. Both Blinken and South Korean officials reportedly believe North Korea’s cooperation with Russia is expanding.
Blinken accused Moscow on Monday of planning to “share space and satellite technology” with North Korea. Moscow is already getting help in part of the deal, as Pyongyang has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.
As of the publishing of this report, North Korean media has yet to report on the test fire. They usually report on test fires within 24 hours of a launch.
Israel used commandos to blow up Iran’s missile factory in Syria
This past fall, Israel sent more than 100 commandos to carry out a raid on one of Iran’s missile production facilities in Syria. The raid happened in September, and the soldiers reportedly didn’t suffer a single casualty. The world only learned much about it because the Israeli Defense Force recently released some details and footage captured by the commandos during the mission.
So, let’s start at the beginning.
The raid, called “Operation Many Ways,” took place the night of Sept. 8. At the time, Bashar al-Assad was still ruling Syria, and Israel had not yet begun its major offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The target was an underground missile production facility, codenamed “Deep Layer.” As its codename suggests, the facility was buried between 230 and 430 feet deep in the mountains overlooking Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Center.
Israel said the site was Iran’s flagship project to arm Hezbollah, the terrorist proxy in Lebanon that the IDF has since severely weakened.
The facility was built underground because the Israeli Air Force frequently targeted supply lines from Iran to Lebanon. By producing weapons underground and closer to Lebanon, Iran was trying to streamline transportation.
The IDF reported Deep Layer wasn’t fully operational but was close to producing weapons full time for Hezbollah. The facility was already manufacturing rocket motors at scale.
Planning for Operation Many Ways began in 2017 and even included forklift certification for some commandos, as they needed to use forklifts onsite to breach doors in the facility.
The operation involved 100 special operators from the Israeli Air Force’s Tier-1 commando unit, Shaldag, and 20 search-and-rescue soldiers.
The commandos breached the facility, while the search-and-rescue soldiers were on standby to provide medical treatment if needed.
The IDF said there was enough equipment to set up a small field hospital if needed. In the end, it wasn’t needed, as no injuries were reported. However, the medical personnel and equipment on sight underscored Israel’s commitment to the mission. The IDF was determined to destroy the facility before evacuating anyone.
Once inside, the commandos placed explosives on all the key elements needed for weapons manufacturing, gathered intelligence, and then exfiltrated to helicopters which took them home. After they exited, the explosives were detonated, destroying the facility.
Israel’s Air Force and navy conducted concurrent strikes in the area to provide cover while the commandos carried out the raid. The coordinated effort lasted about two and a half hours. Again, there were no reported injuries or casualties among the Israeli forces.
Some 30 Syrian guards and soldiers were killed during the operation. About an hour after the commandos pulled out of Deep Layer, hundreds of Syrian soldiers swarmed the site. Which just goes to show timing in operations like this, is everything.
FBI seizes historic amount of homemade explosives in Virginia home
An FBI raid of a Virginia home uncovered a stockpile of more than 150 homemade explosive devices, the largest the agency has encountered in its history. Federal prosecutors are now asking that the alleged owner of the explosives, Brad Spafford, remain in custody following a search of his home.
Spafford was arrested on Dec. 17 for allegedly having an unregistered short-barrel rifle.
However, the investigation into Spafford began after a neighbor tipped off authorities that he was stockpiling weapons and ammunition. The neighbor also told investigators that Spafford had told them he lost several fingers during an accident involving a homemade bomb in 2021.
Prosecutors said when FBI agents executed a search warrant in December at Spafford’s 20-acre property, they found pipe bombs, an instruction book for building explosives, and hazardous materials in areas his family could easily access.
Court documents indicate that Spafford labeled some of the bombs “lethal,” while others were already loaded into a vest.
Prosecutors argue Spafford should stay in custody because he “poses an extreme danger to the community.”
During a hearing on Monday, Dec. 30, a counterterrorism FBI agent testified that Spafford holds anti-government beliefs and supports political assassinations.
According to court documents, investigators found a majority of the explosives in a detached garage on Spafford’s property. Other “unsecured” devices were reportedly in a backpack that investigators found in a bedroom.
On Monday, a federal judge granted Spafford’s release pending trial. However, the judge put the decision on hold after the Department of Justice requested further review, citing new evidence.
Spafford’s attorney argues that the government is speculating he poses a danger based solely on his political views and says there is no evidence he has ever threatened anyone.
In a Tuesday, Dec. 31 filing, Spafford’s attorney said he is “a hard-working family man with no criminal record.” His attorney also said he is not a threat to others.
The judge will make a final ruling on whether Spafford should remain out of jail while awaiting trial.
Over the past year, one of the standout segments on Weapons and Warfare has been the Weapon of the Week. These videos consistently garner some of the highest views, which makes sense given that weapons are a core part of our name. In this special year-end review, we’re counting down our favorite weapons of the week.
Dakota Piteo, our motion graphics designer, kicks off the countdown with his favorite from Episode 38, the Andrews Anime Launch Trailer.
“I picked this one for the graphics,” Piteo said. “It featured a minute-and-a-half anime-style segment where characters were fighting and building missiles on an assembly line, which then flew off at the end. It was classic.”
He also highlighted the simplicity of the missiles, which have 50% fewer parts than a typical missile of that size and can be assembled with just ten tools.
“It seems crazy, like something you could build in your garage,” he added, praising both the creative team behind the trailer and the engineers who designed the missile.
Senior Producer Brett Baker’s favorite wasn’t a piece of hardware or technology, but a new unit the Army is developing in response to lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict.
“The Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company equips small reconnaissance teams with the tech and equipment to perform various missions,” Baker said.
He believes this initiative is a significant step forward in modernizing the military and preparing for future conflicts.
Finally, Host Ryan Robertson’s pick for Weapon of the Week is the EnforceAir2 from D-Fend, a timely choice given recent drone incidents in New Jersey. This technology allows users to track, identify and take control of drones within their airspace.
“It’s a vital piece of technology that exists today and will likely become widespread soon,” Robertson noted, emphasizing the need for legal changes to allow local law enforcement to use it.
Final Thoughts
Baker summed it up well: “This has been a great ride so far. The fact that it works so well and looks so good, even though we’re all remote, is pretty impressive.”
Spencer added, “The commitment to excellence from everyone involved has been great, and we pick each other up when things get tough.”
Dakota echoed these sentiments, thanking our viewers for their support and looking forward to sharing more in the coming year.
Thank you for watching and sharing our content. We look forward to bringing you more exciting segments in 2025.