TYB
Trump Dead Serious About Border: U.S. Military Using High-Tech Spy Planes To Watch Cartels
Feb 11, 2025
President Donald Trump is proving how serious he is about targeting the Mexican drug cartels that he has designated as terrorist organizations, as the U.S. military is reportedly using high-tech spy planes to monitor the southern border.
At least 18 missions have been flown over the southwestern U.S. and around the Baja California Peninsula in the past two weeks, CNN reported.
Eleven of the flights used Navy P-8s, and one used the famed U-2 spy plane initially used to spy on the former Soviet Union.
“I think the cartels would be foolish to take on the military, but we know they’ve taken on the Mexican military before.
But now we have the United States military,” border czar Tom Homan stated last week. “Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely, because the cartels are making record amounts of money.”
In late December, Mexico’s leftist president seemingly attempted to take away any chance Trump could order the use of military force against the infamous drug cartels that control much of Mexico and traffic lethal drugs across the American border.
President Claudia Sheinbaum told a news conference, “There won’t be an invasion. It’s not going to happen.”
Trump had said, “All foreign gang members will be expelled and I will immediately designate the [drug] cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. I will do so immediately.”
Trump’s choice for national security advisor, hard-core conservative Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), co-introduced legislation in January 2023 calling for an “Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Mexican cartels for trafficking lethal fentanyl and other related activities that have caused destabilization in the Western Hemisphere.”
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Defense Secretary, said the cartels are “terrorist-like organizations poisoning our population. … If it takes military action, that’s what it may take, eventually.
Obviously, you’re gonna have to be smart about it. Obviously, the precision strikes.
But if you put the fear in the minds of the drug lords, at least as a start, [and] they can’t operate in the open with impunity, [it] changes the way they operate.”
Last October, a news report revealed that the brutal Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico had “given permission” for its members to fire at U.S. Border Patrol agents.
An internal memo was transmitted to federal agents in the El Paso Sector warning the agents of the new danger, NewsNation reported.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-dead-serious-about-border-u-s-military-using-high-tech-spy-planes-to-watch-cartels
When you put your hand into a bunch of goo that a moment before was a shill's face, you'll know what to do.
Ukrainian drone strikes Kazakhstan’s main oil export pipeline route in Russia
February 17, 2025
A Ukrainian drone has struck a pumping station on Kazakhstan’s main oil export pipeline in Russia.
Its operator, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), said oil flows to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk were reduced following the February 17 attack on the Kropotkinskaya station in the southern Krasnodar region.
Work was halted to investigate the damage, it added.
Reuters quoted a source at Ukraine's SBU security service as stating that Kyiv hit the pumping station and the nearby Ilsky oil refinery using drones.
Both facilities were supporting Russia's military action in Ukraine, they added.
The attack came on the same day that Kazakhstan aligned with Hungary in backing the idea of talks on the Ukraine conflict between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump as well as between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and top US diplomat Marco Rubio.
The joint standpoint was outlined by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto who was paying a visit to Kazakhstan.
"Today, we talked about the war in Ukraine in great detail. As a result of this war, our countries incurred damage, so it’s in our mutual interest for the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible. […]
We applaud dialogue between Russia and the US at the highest level, we are glad that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were discussing pressing issues for a while and we are also very pleased that, as a continuation of these talks, foreign ministers Marco Rubio and Sergey Lavrov also held talks and discussed the potential resolution of the Ukraine conflict," Szijjarto told reporters after talks with Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Tass reported.
Ukrainian drones have in recent months repeatedly attacked Russian energy infrastructure.
The CPC pipeline’s shareholders include US energy majors Chevron and ExxonMobil.
The infrastructure handles around four-fifths of Kazakhstan's oil exports. The Central Asian’s oil shipments account for around 1% of global daily supply.
The pipeline route was exempted from sanctions introduced against Russia by the outgoing US Biden administration on January 10.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kazakhstan, jittery over its huge oil export reliance on the CPC given the expanding theatre of war and Moscow’s de facto control over the pipeline, has looked to diversify its oil shipment routes.
The country is attempting to develop trans-Caspian Sea oil exports that could make their way to world markets via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline that runs from Azerbaijan to the Turkish Mediterranean coast via Georgia.
In late January, Kazakhstan announced that it had shipped its first batch of oil from the Kashagan oil and gas field to the Azeri port of Baku.
However, Kazakhstan has so far had to curb its Caspian Sea oil export ambitions given a lack of tankers and Azerbaijan’s statement late last year that the BTC can only accommodate 2.2mn tonnes/year of Kazakhstan's oil because of the high sulphur content of Kazakh crude that erodes pipe.
Kazakhstan had expressed an intention to build up its BTC flows to 20mn tonnes/year.
The country has commissioned the building of additional oil tankers to work the trans-Caspian route.
https://www.intellinews.com/ukrainian-drone-strikes-kazakhstan-s-main-oil-export-pipeline-route-in-russia-367499/?source=russia
https://techbullion.com/advanced-drone-use-in-firefighting-operations/
Advanced Drone Use in Firefighting Operations
February 17, 2025
Technology is transforming firefighting, making operations faster and safer. Drones now play a critical role in fire response. These devices offer real-time data, helping firefighters make better decisions.
Their speed and aerial capabilities improve emergency response and situational awareness. Fire departments increasingly rely on drones for efficiency and safety.
A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology highlights the growing use of drones in emergency response.
The Evolution of Drones in Firefighting
Firefighters first experimented with drones for reconnaissance. Early models had limited flight time and basic cameras. Over time, technology advanced, enabling better imaging and data collection.
Regulatory changes allowed more public safety agencies to use drones. Now, drones assist in every stage of fire response, from prevention to recovery.
How Drones Enhance Firefighting Operations
Real-Time Situational Awareness
Drones provide instant aerial views of fire scenes. Their thermal cameras detect heat sources through thick smoke. Firefighters use live video feeds to assess fire spread and adjust tactics.
This helps in deploying resources effectively and reducing risks. Aerial footage ensures better coordination and quicker response.
Mapping and Surveillance for Fire Management
Drones create detailed maps of fire-prone areas. These maps help firefighters understand terrain and fire behavior. Real-time surveillance identifies new hotspots and changing wind patterns.
Post-fire mapping supports damage assessment and recovery planning. This technology enhances both active firefighting and long-term prevention efforts.
Search and Rescue Missions
Thermal imaging allows drones to locate people in smoke-filled areas. Firefighters use drones to identify victims in collapsed buildings.
Aerial surveillance guides rescue teams safely to those in danger. At night, infrared cameras improve search efficiency. This technology speeds up rescues and saves lives.
Structural and Environmental Risk Assessment
Fire-damaged buildings pose serious risks to responders. Drones assess structural integrity before firefighters enter dangerous areas.
They detect hazardous materials and unstable surfaces. Aerial scans provide data for engineers to evaluate damage. This process enhances safety while reducing unnecessary exposure to risks.
Tactical Applications of Drones in Wildfire Control
Firebreak Monitoring and Controlled Burns
Drones assist in setting controlled burns to prevent wildfires from spreading. They monitor firebreaks and ensure containment strategies are effective.
Aerial surveillance detects breaches in fire control lines. This reduces firefighter workload and minimizes fire expansion risks. These capabilities improve wildfire management efficiency.
Hazardous Environment Surveillance
Toxic fumes and unpredictable flames create extreme risks. Drones monitor air quality and identify harmful gases.
They assess volatile areas where firefighters cannot safely go. Industrial fires benefit from drone surveillance of hazardous chemicals. This reduces exposure while improving firefighting tactics.
Enhancing Firefighter Coordination and Safety
Improving On-Ground Team Communication
Firefighters must coordinate in fast-changing environments. Drones provide a shared aerial view for all team members. Live feeds ensure everyone has updated information.
This enhances collaboration between command centers and field teams. Better communication leads to safer and faster operations, similar to strategies taught in Fire Officer classes online.
1/2
Reducing Risk to Firefighters
Drones enter high-risk areas before personnel do. They detect weak structures and unstable debris. This information prevents unnecessary exposure to hazards.
Firefighters rely on drones to minimize direct risks. These devices improve safety without slowing response times.
Advanced Drone Technologies for Fire Response
AI and Automation in Firefighting Drones
Artificial intelligence helps drones predict fire behavior. Smart algorithms analyze fire movement and recommend containment strategies.
Automated drones can patrol fire-prone areas for early detection. Machine learning improves response efficiency over time. These advancements make firefighting more proactive.
Research from NASA emphasizes the precision and cost-effectiveness of drones in aerial firefighting.
Drone Payload Innovations
Drones now carry water or fire-retardant payloads. Specialized models drop suppressant on hard-to-reach flames. Some drones attach powerful sensors for real-time data collection.
Extended battery life allows longer operational time. These upgrades enhance firefighting effectiveness.
Integration with Other Technologies
Drones work alongside satellites for wildfire tracking. IoT-connected devices improve fire detection accuracy. Integration with thermal cameras enhances rescue missions.
Firefighters use drones alongside smart firefighting helmets and communication tools. These technologies create a more connected response system.
Legal, Ethical, and Logistical Considerations
Regulatory Challenges in Deploying Firefighting Drones
Agencies must comply with federal and state regulations. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, often detailed in Fire Inspector certification online courses.
Ethical Concerns of Drone Surveillance
Drones gather vast amounts of visual data. Fire departments must balance safety with civilian privacy. Clear policies help ensure ethical use of drone footage.
AI-based decision-making also raises ethical questions. Transparency builds public trust in drone operations.
Logistical Constraints and Operational Costs
Firefighting drones require specialized training for pilots. Maintenance and software updates add to costs. Some drones struggle in extreme heat or strong winds.
Battery limitations affect mission duration. Budget constraints influence how widely drones are deployed.
Future of Drones in Firefighting
Emerging drone models offer faster response times. AI advancements will improve predictive fire analytics. Drones may soon integrate with robotic firefighting systems.
Research focuses on making drones more durable for extreme conditions. The future promises smarter and safer fire response strategies.
2/2
Israel says drone strike kills Hamas’ military chief in Lebanon
February 17, 2025
A drone strike in southern Lebanon has killed the head of Hamas’ military operations in the country, Israel’s army said.
The strike in the port city of Sidon came on the eve of the deadline for Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the ceasefire agreement that ended the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military said it killed Mohammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas’ operations department in Lebanon.
The army accused Mr Shaheen of “recently planning terror attacks, directed and funded by Iran, from Lebanese territory against the citizens of the state of Israel”.
Hamas confirmed Mr Shaheen’s death but described him as a military commander.
Footage showed a car engulfed in flames following the strike near a Lebanese army checkpoint and Sidon’s municipal sports stadium.
The original withdrawal deadline was in late January, but under pressure from Israel, Lebanon agreed to extend it to February 18.
It remains unclear whether Israeli troops will complete their withdrawal by Tuesday.
Since the ceasefire, Israel has continued air strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, saying it is targeting military sites containing missiles and combat equipment.
Israel and Lebanon have exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire agreement.
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/israel-says-drone-strike-kills-hamas-military-chief-in-lebanon/ar-AA1zd35I
https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/02/drone-captures-rare-images-of-isolated-people-cut-off-from-the-rest-of-the-world/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKB46PTBJlA
Drone Captures Rare Images of Isolated People Cut Off from the Rest of the World
February 17, 2025
The last uncontacted tribes on Earth live in extreme isolation, shielded from modern civilization by dense jungles, remote islands, and government protections.
But rare aerial photographs and videos have provided an unprecedented glimpse into their lives, capturing breathtaking moments of survival, curiosity, and defiance.
From the fiercely independent Sentinelese of North Sentinel Island in India to the hidden indigenous groups deep within the Amazon’s Javari Valley, these images offer a rare, almost surreal view of people who remain untouched by globalization.
However, their existence is increasingly threatened by illegal land encroachment, logging, and disease, raising urgent questions about their future.
A Rare Window Into the Unknown
In 2018, a viral video compilation posted by Death Island Expeditions amassed over 3.5 million views, showcasing rare footage of uncontacted tribes reacting to modern technology.
Captured by G. Miranda for Survival International, the images show indigenous people standing in clearings, peering up at hovering drones, their bows and arrows at the ready.
For the outside world, these visuals are mesmerizing and unsettling—a tangible representation of an existence so fundamentally different from our own.
“It’s incredible to think they don’t know about supermarkets, WiFi, or even the concept of electricity,” wrote one captivated YouTube commenter.
The images range from high-altitude aerial shots of their villages—showing simple huts built with local materials—to close-ups of tribespeople in traditional attire, sometimes appearing defensive, other times merely observing with quiet curiosity.
Who Are the Sentinelese and the Amazon’s Uncontacted Tribes?
Among the most famous uncontacted groups are the Sentinelese, an indigenous tribe living on North Sentinel Island in the Andaman Islands of India.
This group, believed to number between 50 and 200 individuals, has fiercely resisted all contact with outsiders for tens of thousands of years.
They are known for aggressively repelling intruders, sometimes using bows and spears to warn off approaching boats or helicopters.
India has strictly forbidden any attempt to contact them, understanding the risks of disease transmission and cultural disruption.
Meanwhile, deep in the Amazon Rainforest, uncontacted tribes thrive in the dense, jungle-covered Javari Valley, a remote region straddling the Brazil-Peru border.
The Brazilian government, through FUNAI (Fundação Nacional do Índio), has been documenting these tribes and working to protect them from illegal loggers, miners, and drug traffickers, who have been pushing further into their territories.
1/2
The Dangers of Modern Encroachment
Despite government protections, uncontacted tribes are facing increasing external threats. According to Survival International, the biggest dangers include:
Deforestation and illegal land grabs – Loggers, miners, and farmers are rapidly encroaching on protected lands, threatening both the environment and the tribes’ way of life.
Disease exposure – With no immunity to modern illnesses like the flu or measles, even minor contact with outsiders can wipe out entire communities.
Violence and exploitation – In some cases, illegal groups such as gold miners and drug cartels have attacked indigenous communities, leading to violent conflicts.
José Carlos dos Reis Meirelles Júnior, a specialist in uncontacted tribes, has spent decades working with FUNAI to document and protect these groups.
“We flew over to show their homes, to show that they are there, that they exist,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need for their protection.
When Contact Turns Deadly: The Case of John Allen Chau
Curiosity about uncontacted tribes has, at times, led to deadly consequences.
The documentary The Mission, directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, tells the tragic story of John Allen Chau, an American missionary who attempted to contact the Sentinelese in 2018.
Defying Indian laws prohibiting contact, Chau paid local fishermen to take him close to North Sentinel Island, hoping to convert the Sentinelese to Christianity.
Upon landing, he was immediately met with hostility, as the tribe fired arrows at him. Days later, his body was found on the beach, and any attempts to recover it were abandoned due to the risk of provoking violence.
His story highlights the ethical and existential dilemmas surrounding contact with uncontacted tribes. Should the world leave them alone, or should we seek to introduce them to modern civilization?
Many experts argue that non-contact is the only ethical choice, given the historical evidence of disease outbreaks and cultural devastation whenever indigenous groups are forced into contact.
A Disappearing World?
As satellite images and drone footage continue to reveal previously undocumented tribes, the debate intensifies: Should we protect them at all costs, or is their isolation doomed to end? What is clear is that their fragile existence is hanging by a thread.
Without stronger enforcement of protected lands, stricter measures against illegal logging, and global awareness, the world’s last uncontacted peoples may not remain uncontacted for much longer.
Their future remains uncertain—will they survive untouched, or will modern civilization inevitably consume them?
2/2
Doctors and Hospitals Look to Drones to Deliver Drugs, Supplies—and Even Organs
Feb. 17, 2025 9:00 am ET
If you need a prescription filled in the coming years, don’t be surprised if it flies in and lands in your backyard.
Hospitals and doctors are increasingly experimenting with the use of drones to deliver medications, lab tests and supplies to patients being treated at home.
Some are testing whether drones can be used to deliver organs for transplant more quickly and cheaply.
And in some cities, a 911 call today could set off a drone carrying a defibrillator, Narcan spray or tourniquet to the scene of an emergency ahead of the arrival of paramedics.
paywall
https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/drones-healthcare-deliveries-drugs-tests-organs-20711c65
Had the same thought.
Poor natives have no idea what's going on, dark keks were had.
It's all just a little bit of history repeating.