Global Situation Report for Monday, 18 December 2023
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RED SEA SITUATION DETERIORATES: Over the weekend, numerous vessels were attacked, the unofficial international air defense coalition downed over a dozen drones, and international shipping abandoned the area.
> The U.S. Navy likely continues to shoot more surface-to-air missiles than it can replace in a timely manner. Meanwhile, the Ike CSG is likely moving in range to provide a more robust air defense screen and probably conduct strikes on Houthi launching points. The Ford CSG is likely on standby to support the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group in the event of a non-combatant evacuation of Lebanon. Further deployments to the region will stretch the U.S. Navy and lead to a critical lack of presence in other regions. Attacking the Houthis directly risks a broader Middle Eastern escalation, and maintaining the status quo deteriorates international shipping times. – J.V.
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China has less than a month of influence before Taiwan’s elections. Military posturing is part of its information warfare operations doctrine. It is likely gearing up for a massive surge in air and naval incursions within the next ten days. This would be intended to demonstrate that they can quickly overwhelm Taiwanese defenses.
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Israel’s indiscriminate bombing campaign and major ground operations are contributing to destabilizing factors ranging from Iranian preparations for a wider conflict to Houthi missile attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea. The Biden administration is focused on bringing security back to the Red Sea region and broader Middle East, which will be difficult to impossible as long as major combat operations in Gaza are ongoing
https://forwardobserver.com/global-sitrep-for-monday-18-december-2023/