Yemeni Forces Seize Record Iranian Arms Shipment Bound for Houthis

Mike Schuler July 16, 2025

The Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF), led by General Tareq Saleh, have conducted what U.S. Central Command describes as “the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history.”

According to CENTCOM, the operation resulted in the interception of over 750 tons of munitions and military hardware that were reportedly bound for the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The massive cache included hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles, along with warheads, seekers, and components.

The seizure also contained hundreds of drone engines, air defense equipment, radar systems, and communications equipment. The NRF reported finding manuals written in Farsi accompanying the weapons, many of which were manufactured by a company affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense that is currently under U.S. sanctions.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, praised the operation, stating: “We commend the legitimate government forces of Yemen who continue to interdict the flow of Iranian munitions bound for the Houthis. The interdiction of this massive Iranian shipment shows that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region.”

CENTCOM officials said that the NRF’s actions support United Nations Security Council resolutions and demonstrate “their commitment to a safe Yemen, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.” General Kurilla further noted that “limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critical to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation.”

This interdiction occurs amid heightened Red Sea maritime security concerns following recent attacks that sank two vessels and caused multiple seafarer deaths, highlighting ongoing Houthi threats to commercial shipping that have disrupted global trade since late 2023.

https://gcaptain.com/yemeni-forces-seize-record-iranian-arms-shipment-bound-for-houthis/

I don't see how this effects the shipyards themselves in any way, is there a requirement of bureaucrat per ton now?

Trump’s Shipbuilding Push Falters as NSC Maritime Office Gutted

Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Don Durfee and Deepa Babington Reuters July 15, 2025

WASHINGTON, July 15 (Reuters) – Two senior officials at the White House National Security Council have left their roles in recent days, according to two sources familiar with the moves, the latest departures for a body that has been cut sharply in recent months.

Ian Bennitt, the senior director for maritime and industrial capacity, and Brian McCormack, the NSC’s chief of staff, both departed last week, said the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel moves.

Bennitt is expected to leave for the private sector, the sources said, while McCormack is slated to become chief of staff for Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, a Trump ally.

Hagerty’s office had already said last week that McCormack would soon take up the chief of staff role for the senator, indicating his departure from the NSC was imminent. Bennitt’s departure has not been previously reported.

While it was not clear what immediate impact the moves would have on national security policy, the departures follow multiple waves of firings that have at times dented morale and left the NSC a shell of its former self.

Some sections of the NSC have been eliminated, while others – such as those overseeing the Middle East and Africa – have been combined, according to several people familiar with the moves.

Very few senior officials at the NSC who were hired at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s administration remain. McCormack and Bennitt were among the last holdouts.

Bennitt’s departure is particularly significant given the Trump administration’s early focus on revitalizing the U.S. Navy and rebuilding the country’s maritime capacity.

Trump signed an executive order to bipartisan applause in April aimed at reviving domestic shipbuilding and reducing China’s grip on the global shipping industry. The White House had pointed to the establishment of a maritime office at the NSC as a sign of its commitment to the industry.

But by early July, five of that office’s seven workers had departed, the Wall Street Journal reported.

A White House official told Reuters there was now a greater emphasis on maritime affairs at the State Department and at the Office of Management and Budget, a separate White House agency that helps decide the president’s policy priorities and how to pay for them.

Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, did not directly comment on the departures, but indicated the administration is still focused on shipbuilding.

“American shipbuilding was neglected for decades under failed presidents like Joe Biden, but President Trump is prioritizing this vital industry to strengthen our country’s economic and national security,” she said in a statement.

The tumult at the NSC began in late March and early April, when several staffers were let go after right-wing influencer Laura Loomer presented Trump with a list of national security officials she perceived to be disloyal.Trump’s first national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was ousted in May. His standing was diminished after he accidentally added a journalist to a group chat about an imminent bombing campaign in Yemen.

After a slow bleed of firings throughout the spring, the NSC was decimated by a mass purge of employees of various ranks in late May. Upon taking office in January, the Trump administration dismissed almost all NSC holdovers from the administration of former President Joe Biden, meaning the subsequent purges targeted people the White House itself hired.

The NSC, which plays a central role in formulating and coordinating national security policy in some administrations, has now taken a back seat to the Pentagon, the State Department and the intelligence community, according to several U.S. officials.

In recent weeks, the NSC has begun to make some hires in an attempt to rebuild, according to the sources. But senior departures could complicate the administration’s ability to refill ranks promptly.

The voluntary departure of some additional NSC staffers is expected in the coming days and weeks, the two sources said.

https://gcaptain.com/trump-nsc-shipbuilding-office-shakeup/

US Aims to Ban Chinese Technology in Undersea Telecommunications Cables

By David Shepardson Reuters July 16, 2025

WASHINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) – The Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it plans to adopt rules to bar companies from connecting undersea submarine communication cables to the United States that include Chinese technology or equipment.

“We have seen submarine cable infrastructure threatened in recent years by foreign adversaries, like China,” FCC Chair Brendan Carr said in a statement. “We are therefore taking action here to guard our submarine cables against foreign adversary ownership, and access as well as cyber and physical threats.”

The United States has for years expressed concerns about China’s role in handling network traffic and the potential for espionage. The U.S. has broad data security concerns about the network of more than 400 subsea cables that handle 99% of international internet traffic.

Since 2020, U.S. regulators have been instrumental in the cancellation of four cables whose backers had wanted to link the United States with Hong Kong.

The FCC last year said it was considering new rules governing undersea internet cables in the face of growing security concerns, as part of a review of regulations on the links that handle nearly all the world’s online traffic. The FCC said it was considering barring the use of equipment or services in those undersea cable facilities from companies on an FCC list of companies deemed to pose threats to U.S, national security, including Huawei, ZTE 000063.SZ, 601728.SS China Telecom and China Mobile 600941.SS.

Carr said the FCC is taking action to “guard our submarine cables against foreign adversary ownership, and access as well as cyber and physical threats.”

The FCC will also seek comment on additional measures to protect submarine cable security against foreign adversary equipment.

The cutting of two fiber-optic undersea telecommunication cables in the Baltic Sea prompted investigations of possible sabotage.

In 2023 Taiwan accused two Chinese vessels of cutting the only two cables that support internet access on the Matsu Islands and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea may have been responsible for the cutting of three cables providing internet service to Europe and Asia.

https://gcaptain.com/us-aims-to-ban-chinese-technology-in-undersea-telecommunications-cables/

Port of Long Beach Breaks Ground on $365 Million Terminal Expansion Project

Mike Schuler July 15, 2025

International Transportation Service (ITS) has broken ground on a significant terminal expansion project at the Port of Long Beach that will substantially increase capacity and operational efficiency.

The $365 million project will create 19 acres of new land by filling an unneeded slip in the middle of the Pier G terminal. Additionally, ITS will construct a single, continuous wharf measuring 3,400 feet, allowing the simultaneous accommodation of two of the industry’s largest cargo ships.

“This investment by ITS will create benefits for decades to come with more cargo moving smoothly without delays and greater opportunities for waterfront labor – union jobs with good, dependable incomes,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson.

Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero highlighted ITS’s environmental commitment, noting that the company “became our first to sign a green lease” nearly 20 years ago.

Located in the outer harbor, the ITS terminal is currently split by the south slip, which will be filled with approximately 2.5 million cubic yards of reused sediment from within the Harbor District and dredged materials from Newport Harbor. The project is expected to be completed in late 2028.

“This project strengthens America’s supply chain by investing in infrastructure the right way — using local labor and U.S.-made materials,” said ITS Long Beach CEO Kim Holtermand.” We’re not just preparing for the future — we’re building it here, at home.”

The expansion aligns with the Port’s Green Port Policy, established in 2005, which has implemented programs to improve environmental conditions while maintaining sustainable practices.

https://gcaptain.com/port-of-long-beach-breaks-ground-on-365-million-terminal-expansion-project/

"…reused sediment from within the Harbor District and dredged materials from Newport Harbor" I'd love to see what those dredges pull up

>>23337215

Trying that shit again?

Nope, Q responded, did not post the merchant meme

Just like last week, you fail

Canada #80

Euro Adoption Unlikely In Czechia As Elections Favorites & Public Opinion Align Against Common Currency

Authored by Thomas Brooke via Remix News Wednesday, Jul 16, 2025

Andrej Babiš's ANO, SPD, STAČILO! and others vow to protect the Czech crown, while business leaders and government coalition partners push for the adoption of the euro…

Czechia’s possible adoption of the euro in the future may emerge as an issue in the upcoming parliamentary elections this October.

While most parties in the current governing coalition have expressed support for adopting the common European currency, the opposition ANO movement — widely expected to win the largest share of the vote — remains firmly opposed.

ANO leader Andrej Babiš has repeatedly dismissed the euro as economically dangerous and politically unwise. “I do not support it,” he said bluntly, warning that if the current coalition retained power, “they will introduce the euro.”

He argued that adopting the euro would lead to higher prices and force Czechia to take on the financial liabilities of heavily indebted eurozone members. Instead, he advocates keeping the Czech crown, following the example of wealthy non-euro EU states such as Denmark and Sweden.

Czechia committed to adopting the euro when it joined the European Union in 2004, but remains one of only three countries from that enlargement round — alongside Poland and Hungary — that have yet to join.

Other opposition parties are similarly critical. Kateřina Konečná of the far-left STAČILO! movement said, “The euro means higher prices,” citing Croatia’s experience. “I am against giving up the Czech crown, which would, among other things, give up another part of our sovereignty.” Her party has called for any future decision to be made by referendum.

The populist Motorists, led by Petr Macinka, and the right-wing SPD under Tomio Okamura also reject euro adoption.

“We would be giving up another part of our sovereignty and submitting even more to Brussels,” said Macinka. Okamura’s SPD warned of a forced sharing of debt burdens with large Western states and added, “The Czech crown is also a national symbol.”

The fledgling Motorists are seen as a possible coalition partner for Babiš’s ANO should the parliamentary arithmetic not allow it to govern on its own; however, such an alliance would be subject to the party reaching the threshold to enter parliament. Okamura’s SPD is less likely to be seen as a viable partner, given its more hardline approach, but it is not impossible.

While political resistance remains strong among right-leaning and nationalist parties, much of the current government coalition takes the opposite view.

STAN leader and Deputy Prime Minister Vít Rakušan has declared, “The Czech Republic should adopt the euro as soon as possible,” calling for a parallel public education campaign to dispel what he termed myths about the currency.

Pirates vice-chairman Zdeněk Hřib also supports swift adoption, claiming it would boost economic stability, strengthen Europe, and save the state up to 30 billion crowns annually in debt servicing costs.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala has struck a more cautious tone, acknowledging that the Czech Republic now meets key Maastricht criteria but warning that public opposition remains too high.

“Majority public support is key to the decision to launch the process of adopting the euro,” he said.

“This condition has not yet been met.”

A Median poll from early 2024 found that more than two-thirds of Czechs believed adopting the euro would not be beneficial, with three in five wanting a referendum on the issue. Students and entrepreneurs were somewhat more supportive, with 45 percent and 40 percent backing the euro, respectively.

This heavily contrasts with support among businesses, with a PwC survey showing nearly 70 percent of CEOs see euro adoption as beneficial to their companies, citing savings on transaction costs, elimination of exchange rate risks, and greater investor confidence. “Seven out of ten bosses convinced of the positive impact of the euro on their company is already a very strong signal sent to the new government,” said PwC partner Jan Brázda.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/euro-adoption-unlikely-czechia-elections-favorites-public-opinion-align-against-common

ICYMI

Canada #80

Crowds on Demand CEO Says His Company Rejected $20 MILLION Offer to Recruit Anti Trump Protestors for Nationwide Demonstrations on Thursday – Says He was Worried about “Violent Agitators”

by Jordan Conradson Jul. 15, 2025

Crowds on Demand CEO Adam Swart revealed in an interview this week that his company was offered a $20 million contract for an astroturfed nationwide anti-Trump demonstration scheduled for Thursday.

Crowds on Demand is the “largest protest company in the country,” Swart said, noting that they specialize in corporate publicity and celebrity publicity. “We’re probably best known for political advocacy group publicity, that is, creating crowds of peaceful, enthusiastic demonstrators to turn out in favor of a particular cause or in opposition to one.

As The Gateway Pundit reported, leftist groups have planned over 400 protests across the nation on the anniversary of the death of Democrat activist and congressman John Lewis.

Like many other recent nationwide days of protest, including the now-infamous “No Kings” day, the “Good Trouble Lives On” protests are being organized by the 50501 Movement.

An interactive map on the 50501 Movement website shows the locations of all the protests.

These types of demonstrations are known for using paid participants and agitators to stir up the crowds. As seen in Los Angeles, California, thousands of suspected paid rioters were present, and one individual was indicted on federal charges for delivering bionic face shields to the rioters.

"Interests aligned with the organizers of the July 17 movement have approached us, and in fact, we rejected an offer that probably is worth around $20 million," Swart revealed in an interview with NewsNation's Brian Entin. Swart says he turned the contract down.

"I just don't think it's effective," he said, adding that "it's going to make us all look bad." He cited Trump's continued support despite the ongoing protests for the ineffectiveness of these movements. "This is the same old noise that has failed to land with the American people this last 6/7 months.

Swart told Entin that his company has a "large network of people" that they "compensate" for turning out to demonstrations.

Swart did not say who exactly offered him the $20 million to maintain the privacy of his clients, Entin said after he interviewed Swart.

Entin further reported, "he said he had some concern about violence based on what he's seen in the past, but mostly he just doesn't think that it's productive or really making a difference, big picture, about how the country feels about President Trump. And he says he just didn't want to get involved."

During the interview, Swart noted that peaceful demonstrators could be lumped in with "a violent agitator throwing a molotov cocktail" and create a "very big problem" with police being unable to differentiate between protestors and rioters.

Via Brian Entin on X:

Entin: Have the organizers of the July 17 demonstrations approached you?

Swart: Interests aligned with the organizers of the July 17 movement have approached us, and in fact, we rejected an offer that probably is worth around $20 million.

Entin: $20 million?

Swart: Correct. I mean, this is a nationwide thing, right? It's not to say I would have made $20 million personally, but the value of the contract would have been worth around that amount, nationwide, to organize huge demonstrations around the country, but personally, I just don't think it's effective. So, I'm not trying to call myself virtuous for rejecting it. What I'm saying is, I'm saying I'm rejecting it, not because I don't want to take the business, but because, frankly, this is going to be ineffective. It's going to make us all look bad.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/watch-crowds-demand-ceo-says-his-company-rejected/

>>23337348

>Trump is terrified of us

A bunch of hard-drinking, bong-hitting, meme making, slightly unhinged members of a Mongolian underwater yak hair basket-weaving forum?

Utterly terrifying!

>>23337383

National Post so i couldn't grab the whole thing, but let the giggles commence

Canada #80

Wife of French president appeals in gender rumours case: lawyer

Published Jul 14, 2025

Brigitte Macron originally filed a libel complaint against two women after they posted a YouTube video alleging she had once been a man

France’s first lady has taken her case against two women over claims she used to be a man to the highest appeals court after a lower court let them off, her lawyer said Monday.

On Thursday, the Paris appeals court overturned earlier convictions against the two women for spreading false claims — that went viral online — that Brigitte Macron, 72, used to be a man.

Disinformation on Macron’s gender has circulated on social media for years. Her 24-year age difference with President Emmanuel Macron has also attracted much comment. Continued at source…

https://nationalpost.com/news/wife-of-french-president-appeals-in-gender-rumours-case-lawyer?tbref=hp