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Melbourne Man Arrested After Threatening to Bomb Causeways and Shoot Drivers
September 16, 2025
Police identified the suspect as Floyd Simm Bradley Jr., who was taken into custody on Thursday, Sept. 11, following a bomb threat reported in the area of Guava Avenue and West Eau Gallie Boulevard.
According to Melbourne Police, dispatchers had been speaking with a caller who claimed he builds and plants bombs along causeways.
The caller also described plans to target a busy entertainment district filled with bars and restaurants just west of the causeway.
Investigators said dispatchers quickly recognized the voice as Bradley, noting he had allegedly made more than 40 similar calls over the past six months.
During the conversation, Bradley reportedly described how he made explosives, claimed ties to gangs and cartels, and boasted about killing for hire.
An arrest affidavit states Bradley declared, “I generally blow up causeways. I blow up causeways in Orlando, Casselberry and Tampa. I blow them up. I shoot people that drive over causeways.”
When officers arrived, they said Bradley appeared intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol, and had an open container beside him. Police reported that he resisted arrest and threatened to kill responding officers.
Bradley is now facing charges that include making false bomb threats, resisting law enforcement, assaulting an officer, and breach of peace.
https://spacecoastdaily.com/2025/09/melbourne-man-arrested-after-threatening-to-bomb-causeways-and-shoot-drivers/
Voyager Technologies deploys cloud technology at International Space Station
September 16, 2025
Voyager Technologies Inc. has deployed cloud computing technology on the International Space Station (ISS).
The company has launched "Space Edge" - a space-hardened and managed cloud infrastructure - and deployed it on the ISS, making what the company claims is the first multi-cloud region in space.
Space Edge was developed by LEOcloud, a company recently acquired by Voyager. The solution enables processing in orbit, reducing latency without the need to send data back to a terrestrial data center.
The company claims this is up to 30 times faster than traditional satellite-to-ground solutions.
Voyager is targeting defense, civil space, and commercial markets.
“As the space economy grows, space-based infrastructure becomes as essential as it is on Earth,” said Dennis R. Gatens, president of LEOcloud at Voyager.
“For missions across defense, national security and in-space research that require actionable data at the speed of relevance, Space Edge brings data processing closer to the source.”
The offering is also supported by Podman - developed by Red Hat engineers and the open source community - and used for application administration and deployment.
“Space-based cloud infrastructure is the next frontier, and more secure, flexible infrastructure is paramount to enabling AI workloads at the orbital edge delivering mission success,” said Travis Steele, chief architect for air and space forces, Red Hat.
“Deploying Podman on Space Edge delivers containerized, low-latency processing in orbit, helping ensure that teams have the capabilities necessary to analyze data and make real-time decisions with greater speed and reliability.”
Earlier this year, Red Hat announced it was teaming up with Axiom Space on Axiom's Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) for the ISS. Similarly, this would enable Axiom Space to host hybrid cloud applications and workloads on an Orbital data center.
Many companies are looking to bring compute into space. In March 2025, the Lonestar data center, carried by Intuitive Machines' Athena lander, landed on the Moon. The landing had some complications, with Athena incorrectly oriented.
Voyager Technologies is a defense and space technology company and was founded in 2019. Formerly known as Voyager Space, the company went public earlier this year with an Initial Public Offering.
Since its launch, Voyager has acquired Altieus Space Machines, Pioneer Astronautics, The Launch Company, NanoRacks, Valley Tech Systems, Space Micro, and Zin Technologies.
https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/voyager-technologies-deploys-cloud-technology-at-international-space-station/
Space Norway signs new launch agreement with SpaceX
September 15, 2025
Space Norway has signed a contract with SpaceX for the launch of the new communications satellite, THOR 8, into GEO.
The mission, which will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2027, will strengthen Space Norway’s communications capacity for both governmental and commercial clients.
SpaceX was the first company to commercialize the reuse of its rockets, and to date, they have completed more than 500 successful launches and recoveries of Falcon first stage boosters.
THOR 8 is a major undertaking for Space Norway. The satellite will both replace older satellites being phased out in the coming years and provide increased capacity and service offerings for our customers.
THOR 8 is part of Space Norway’s multi-orbit strategy, with satellites in LEO, GEO, and HEO. This portfolio allows us to serve a broad spectrum of customers with widely varying needs.
THOR 8 will be operated by Space Norway from Oslo, and the company is well underway in the preparations needed to incorporate the new satellite into the overall service offering, both at the satellite operations facility and at the teleport where service platforms will be located.
The French company Thales Alenia Space has started building the satellite, and Space Norway is establishing a local presence at the satellite manufacturing facilities to closely monitor the construction process.
THOR 8 is a multi-purpose satellite that offers capacity for both data services and broadcasting. Intelsat has already secured lifetime usage—at least 15 years—for its broadcasting customers.
THOR 8 carries two dedicated payloads for broadcasting in Europe and the Nordics, as well as payloads for data services to commercial and governmental customers.
The Falcon 9 launch service was selected after a competitive process.
SpaceX has an impressive track record of launches, and we count on their reliable services for THOR 8, just as we did for last year’s successful launch of the two ASBM satellites,” said Peter Olsen, Head of the Satcom Division at Space Norway.
We’re proud of the trust Space Norway has in SpaceX and Falcon 9 to safely launch their THOR 8 spacecraft to orbit,” said SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales, Stephanie Bednarek. “We look forward to this exciting mission.”
https://news.satnews.com/2025/09/15/space-norway-signs-new-launch-agreement-with-spacex/
Space Systems Command Stands Up New Operational Testing & Training Infrastructure (OTTI) System Delta
Sept. 15, 2025
El Segundo, CA – Space Systems Command (SSC), the U.S. Space Force (USSF) field command responsible for acquiring, developing and delivering resilient space capabilities, stood up its newest System Delta (SYD) through a stand-up and assumption of command ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sept. 9, 2025.
The new System Delta 81 (SYD 81), headquartered at Peterson SFB, Colo, delivers capability in support of STARCOM’s mission to develop Guardians and validate capabilities and concepts to ensure USSF combat effectiveness.
SSC’s USAF Brig. Gen. Michelle Idle, mobilization assistant to the SSC commander, presided over the ceremony at which USSF Col. Corey Klopstein assumed command of SYD 81.
“The Space Force’s System Delta framework aligns our acquisition programs within mission areas, allowing us to synchronize efforts and streamline the work between acquisitions and operations with our Mission and Space Delta counterparts,” Idle said. “The framework consolidates and unifies command authorities and activities to foster unit cohesion, align command priorities, and optimize the force.”
SYD 81 advances High-End Advanced Test, Training, and Tactics (HEAT3) development, distributed training capabilities, and live test and training ranges.
It also builds out the underlying infrastructure to connect and integrate test and training events, and provide the rapid delivery of products and services to support wargames and exercises.
“Our mission in SYD 81 is to build and field capabilities so Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Operations Command (SpOC) can successfully meet their readiness needs,” Klopstein said.
“We leverage partnerships across field commands, the intelligence community, laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, and University Affiliated Research Centers, to rapidly deliver capabilities needed to support operational testing, combat training, and tactics validation.
SYD 81 members come to work every day with a laser focus– every system tested, every tactic proven, and every Guardian ready!”
The new SYD 81 contains one System Program Director (SPD), formerly known as a Senior Materiel Leader. In addition to the SPD, there are five System Program Managers (SPM), formerly known as Materiel Leaders.
The SPD and SPMs are focused on supporting cross mission tactics, ensure Guardians are able to counter a thinking and motivated adversary and validate weapon systems performance while training Guardians for combat.
SYDs consolidate the design, development, and delivery of systems under a mission-focused command structure for acquisitions, and are complementary to the Delta constructs across the field commands.
The new alignment combines current SSC acquisition organizations into SYDs that have mission sets aligned to SpOC Mission Deltas performing mission generation, intelligence support, and cyber defense, and STARCOM’s Space Deltas executing Training (Delta 1), Doctrine & Wargaming (Delta 10), Range and Aggressors (Delta 11) and Test and Evaluation (Delta 12) and Education (Delta 13).
The aligned Mission Deltas, Space Deltas and SYDsare structured to work together to improve mission readiness, achieve unity of command and effort, and ensure the Nation’s interests in, from, and to space.
Additional SSC SYDs are slated for stand-up in the coming weeks completing the synchronization of acquisition efforts for new capabilities.
Minimal changes in physical relocation of personnel are anticipated, and the SYD stand-ups do not change the core missions of SSC or other field commands. USSF’s field command structure – SpOC, SSC, and STARCOM remain the same.
“The efforts across SYD 81 will ensure our Guardians are equipped with the right tools, able to validate capabilities and enhance combat effectiveness,” Klopstein said Since day one, we have embraced change as an opportunity and know our team will work tirelessly to ensure our Guardians are ready.”
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space.
SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations.
For more information, visit ssc.spaceforce.mil and follow @USSF-SSC on LinkedIn.
https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/4304610/space-systems-command-stands-up-new-operational-testing-training-infrastructure
Zelensky will have to make a deal – Trump
16 Sep, 2025 14:03
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed calls for a settlement to the Ukraine conflict, insisting that Vladimir Zelensky will eventually have to strike a deal with Moscow.
Trump, who has been pushing for direct talks between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the hostilities, previously claimed that he would need to “intervene” personally to bring them together.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday as he was departing for London, Trump repeated several times that “Zelensky’s gonna have to make a deal.”
Putin has said he is ready in principle to meet Zelensky and suggested the Ukrainian leader could travel to Moscow for talks. Kiev has rejected the idea, saying it would not accept “deliberately unacceptable proposals.”
At the same time, the Russian president has questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy and also expressed doubt about whether talks with him would be “meaningful.”
Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, but he has refused to hold elections, citing martial law.
Moscow has insisted on a peace agreement that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict.
It has demanded that Ukraine maintain neutrality, stay out of NATO and other military blocs, demilitarize and denazify, and accept the current territorial reality – including the status of Crimea and the other regions that voted to join Russia in referendums in 2014 and 2022.
https://www.rt.com/news/624767-trump-zelensky-peace-talks/
Russian woman detained for sabotage of Trans-Siberian Railway – FSB
16 Sep, 2025 10:17
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a woman accused of carrying out a sabotage attack on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Zabaykalsky Region on orders from Ukrainian intelligence services, the agency has announced.
The suspect, a 51-year-old Russian citizen, allegedly constructed an improvised explosive device (IED) in August using commercially available components.
According to the FSB, she planted the device on a section of railway track and detonated it, later recording the blast on her mobile phone and sending the footage to her handler as proof in exchange for payment.
Investigators said she has been charged for sabotage, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A court has ordered her to remain in custody pending trial.
The FSB added that further charges of treason and illegal production of explosives are also possible, and that a further investigation is underway.
In a recorded confession released by the FSB, the woman stated that she had been offered $8,000 to carry out the bombing.
She described acquiring the necessary materials, assembling the device, transporting it by car, and placing it on the railway before detonating it with a connected battery.
The FSB reiterated its warning that Ukrainian special services are actively seeking potential recruits online through social media and messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp to stage sabotage and terrorist attacks aimed at Russia.
On Saturday, two people were killed and one was seriously wounded after a bomb exploded during an inspection of railway tracks in Orel Region in western Russia.
In May, two railway bridges were also blown up by Ukrainian intelligence operatives in Bryansk and Kursk Regions, resulting in the deaths of seven people. Over a hundred were seriously injured.
https://www.rt.com/russia/624728-fsb-woman-railway-bombing/
Poland neutralized drone over Warsaw government district – Tusk
15 Sep, 2025 19:06
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that security forces have neutralized a drone over the government district in central Warsaw, adding that two Belarusian citizens have been detained in connection with the incident.
The announcement follows recent claims by Romania and Poland of airspace violations by alleged Russian drones – accusations that Moscow has dismissed as “made up” and “unfounded.”
“A short while ago, the State Protection Service neutralized a drone operating over government buildings and Belweder [Palace],” Tusk wrote on X on Monday evening.
“Two Belarusian citizens were detained. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident,” he added.
The central Warsaw district where the alleged incident took place houses numerous government buildings, the Belweder Palace, and several foreign embassies. The Russian Embassy is also located nearby.
Tusk’s announcement comes as the Polish government claimed last week that 19 Russian drones had crossed into its airspace – a charge Moscow denied. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described the alleged incident as an attempt by Russia to test NATO’s reaction.
Moscow countered that the accusations were baseless and driven by what it called the “European war party,” pointing out the UAVs deployed in Ukraine did not have the range to reach Polish territory.
https://www.rt.com/news/624699-poland-drones-warsaw-tusk/
https://x.com/donaldtusk/status/1967653747208884444
Ukrainian, Belarusian Detained After Drone Flies Over Polish Government Buildings
Sept. 16, 2025, 3:11 pm
Polish authorities detained a 21-year-old Ukrainian man and a 17-year-old Belarusian woman after a drone flew over Belweder Palace and the nearby prime minister’s residence in Warsaw, officials said Tuesday.
The incident happened Monday around 7 p.m. and lasted several minutes before officers from the State Protection Service (SOP) neutralized the drone.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the drone was spotted by patrols near the buildings, which are considered sensitive government sites.
According to Polsat News, the police seized the device and searched the suspects’ apartments. Their legal status in Poland is still being verified.
Prosecutors said the two have not yet been formally questioned. They are suspected of violating Poland’s Aviation Law.
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesman for the Special Services Coordinator, said the pair is cooperating with investigators.
He stressed that while Poland’s Internal Security Agency is monitoring the case, there is no evidence of espionage.
“These are young people. Perhaps it was carelessness, ignorance, or an attempt to make a video,” he said.
Authorities reminded the public that drone bans are marked with special signs and warnings on devices. “Let’s obey the restrictions; it is in our common interest,” Dobrzyński said.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions after 19 Russian drones violated Polish airspace on Sept. 9, temporarily shutting down at least four airports including Rzeszów, Lublin, Warsaw, and Modlin.
NATO aircraft sent to intercept the drones included Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS reconnaissance planes and refueling aircraft.
Elsewhere along the alliance’s eastern frontier, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania have all reported Russian drone incursions.
In response, NATO countries elected to move troops and fighter jets eastwards as part of its Eastern Sentry mission to bolster the military alliance’s eastern flank after the incursion.
Denmark will contribute two F-16 fighter jets to boost Poland’s air defense as well as a warship, while France will send three Rafale fighter jets and Germany has promised four Eurofighters, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The UK announced on Monday, Sept. 15 that it would deploy Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets to join the Eastern Sentry, supported by a RAF Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/60238
Bulgarian Navy destroys drone in Black Sea east of Varna
September 16, 2025
Bulgaria’s Navy destroyed on September 16 a drone that it had spotted the day before in the waters of the Black Sea about 80km east of Varna, the Defence Ministry said.
On September 15, the Navy, in cooperation with allied forces and assets, discovered the damaged drone, the ministry said.
The object was reconnoitered, after which it was destroyed on September 16, during which no secondary explosion was observed.
During the operation, a Bulgarian Navy helicopter, a cutter and a ship participated, and all measures were taken to secure shipping in the area, the ministry said.
A specialist team from the Bulgarian Navy removed a drone that washed up on the north beach of Bourgas on September 12, the Ministry of Defence said at the time.
That was the second recent incident involving the finding of a drone on a beach on Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea, after on August 12 one was spotted on a beach in Sozopol.
https://sofiaglobe.com/2025/09/16/bulgarian-navy-destroys-drone-in-black-sea-east-of-varna/
Drone attack on Kharkiv: number of victims rises to four
16.09.2025 14:26
The number of victims of the Russian strike on the Slobidskyi District in Kharkiv has risen to four.
This was reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.
“At this moment, we know that four people have been injured in the terrorist shelling of Kharkiv this morning,” the post says.
According to Terekhov, the Russians targeted a building of one of the educational institutions in the part of the city close to the center.
"This is a valuable historical building. Fortunately, there are no casualties. There is a market nearby, where there were many people.
Firefighters are currently working at the site, as there was a strong fire on the roof of the building with an area of 150 square meters.
The fire has already been localized. Our utility services are also working there," the mayor said.
The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, reported that some of the drones were shot down.
"There was information from the Air Defense Forces that ‘Shahed’ drones were approaching the city, and an air raid siren sounded. Some of the Shahed drones were shot down.
One hit the administrative building of one of the higher education institutions, destroying the roof and one floor.
There were no casualties inside the building, but people on the street were injured," the head of the regional administration told reporters.
According to him, the building houses a university department that provides professional development training.
"This facility had nothing to do with the defense or military industry; it was a civilian building.
The attack took place during the day, in an area where there are many people, across the street from a market that is open for business. I will say this: it is a miracle that no one was killed," Syniehubov said.
Later, he reported on Telegram that the victims were three women aged 51, 52, and 54, and an 89-year-old man. All of them are in mild condition.
The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office published a video showing the moment the two-story building was hit.
As reported, on September 16, at around 10:50 a.m., Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with Shaheds. Three people were reported wounded.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4037035-drone-attack-on-kharkiv-number-of-victims-rises-to-four.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI_zXONRvsI
Russian Transneft may cut oil production due to drone attacks - Reuters
Tue, September 16, 2025 - 17:50
The Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has warned producers that they may have to reduce output following Ukrainian drone attacks on key export ports and refineries, Reuters reports.
According to sources cited by the agency, Transneft, which handles over 80% of all oil produced in Russia, has in recent days limited oil companies’ ability to store oil in its pipeline system.
The company also warned producers that it may be forced to accept less oil if its infrastructure suffers further damage.
According to Reuters sources, the attacks could ultimately force Russia, which accounts for 9% of global oil production, to cut output.
Transneft itself did not respond to requests for comment.
Attacks on Russian refineries
On the night of September 16, the Saratov refinery (Saratov region, Russia) was hit by another drone attack. Explosions and a fire were reported in the vicinity of the facility.
On September 13, Russian media reported that strike drones attacked the Novo-Ufimsky refinery in Bashkortostan overnight. This facility is located approximately 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
RBC-Ukraine showed the aftermath of the strike on the Russian refinery, as well as footage of the moment of impact recorded by Russians.
Additionally, on the night of September 14, the Kirishi refinery in the Leningrad region significantly reduced oil processing following a Ukrainian drone attack. This refinery is one of the largest in Russia.
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/number-of-restrictions-introduced-in-ukraine-1758032245.html
IDF says two divisions pushing deeper into heart of Gaza City
Updated: SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 20:22
The IDF has officially launched the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza City, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, and the IDF's international spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, confirmed on Tuesday.
Three divisions are operating to reach the heart of Gaza City, and are already holding extensive areas, Defrin said at an evening press conference.
Two divisions are already in Gaza City, including Divisions 98 and 162. In the coming days, Division 36, located on the outskirts of the city, will also join, he said.
"Gaza City is the central hub of Hamas’ military and governing power - their main stronghold," Defrin said.
"Beneath the streets runs a vast network of tunnels, connecting command centers, rocket launchers, and weapons storage facilities - all deliberately hidden under civilians and civilian infrastructure."
He stressed that the hostages remain the IDF's top priority, stating, “Hamas continues to hold dozens of our hostages in inhumane conditions.
Their safe return is at the forefront of our mission. They are the reason we continue our fight."
Defrin also reiterated that the military is using all available resources, including intelligence, in collaboration with the Shin Bet, to track all activities in Gaza.
The IDF will continue its intensified operations until the designated objectives are achieved, he said.
"We are doing everything we can to bring the hostages home,” he continued, acknowledging the concerns of the families, but reaffirming the IDF’s commitment to minimizing harm to their loved ones.
Hamas has created the largest human shield in history in Gaza City, he said, stressing that the terror group is preventing the population from evacuating the city.
The IDF's humanitarian efforts in Gaza
"In recent weeks, the IDF expanded humanitarian efforts in Gaza, setting up a humanitarian area in the south. This area provides greater access to food, water, medical care, and shelter," Defrin said.
The military has repeatedly “given up the element of surprise” in order to warn residents ahead of operations and has coordinated water, food, medical care, tents, and other services for those evacuating, Shoshani said at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference.
“We are doing everything we can to get the civilian population out of harm’s way,” he said, describing the humanitarian arrangements that the army says were set up with international partners for Gazans relocating south.
According to Shoshani, the IDF has issued repeated evacuation notices before advancing, despite the operational cost. “We have done something that no army in the world has done… give up the element of surprise and give a warning to the population,” he said, noting that Tuesday morning’s maneuvers “surprised no one” due to the prior alerts. He argued that this aspect of the campaign has received limited attention in international coverage.
The comments come as Israel intensifies its ground operations designed to degrade Hamas’s command structure in Gaza City while attempting to separate civilians from active combat zones.
Shoshani framed the current push as the product of a multi-week process of staging forces and “creating the conditions” for urban operations, alongside efforts to maintain humanitarian access for evacuees heading south.
Shoshani did not specify a timeline for the current phase or provide casualty figures. The IDF’s assertions about civilian protection and humanitarian provisioning could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-867670
https://www.rt.com/news/624707-gaza-katz-burning-israel/
Israel strikes Houthi-held port of Hodeida in response to drone and rocket fire
September 16, 2025 6:07 pm
The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes Tuesday against military infrastructure at the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida in western Yemen, in response to the Iran-backed group’s repeated attacks on Israel.
The rebel Al-Masirah television reported “a series of raids by Israeli enemy aircraft on the port of Hodeida,” while military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group’s air defenses were “currently confronting Israeli enemy aircraft launching an aggression against our country.”
An hour and a half before the attack, the Israel Defense Forces warned it would strike Hodeida Port.
The port is used by the Houthis to smuggle weapons from Iran to Yemen, which are then used in attacks on Israel and its allies, the military said.
Israel has struck the Hodeida Port multiple times in response to Houthi attacks.
Shortly after Tuesday’s strike, a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen at Israel was intercepted by air defenses, the military said.
There were no immediate reports of impacts or injuries. Sirens had sounded in central Israel, the Jerusalem area, and in several West Bank settlements.
Since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen have launched 85 ballistic missiles and at least 37 drones at Israel.
Between the previous strike against the Houthis on Wednesday and Tuesday’s operation, the group launched two ballistic missiles and two drones at Israel, the last one on Sunday, all of which were intercepted, according to the IDF.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that the strike on Hodeida Port was aimed at continuing “the naval and aerial blockade on the Houthi terror organization.”
“The Houthi terror organization will continue to take blows and will pay painful prices for any attempt to attack the State of Israel,” he added.
The Houthis — whose slogan calls for “Death to America, death to Israel, [and] a curse on the Jews” — began attacking Israel and maritime traffic in November 2023, a month after the October 7 Hamas massacre.
The Houthis briefly held their fire when a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hamas in January 2025.
By that point, they had fired over 40 ballistic missiles and dozens of attack drones and cruise missiles at Israel, including one that killed a civilian and wounded several others in Tel Aviv in July 2024, prompting Israel’s first strike in Yemen.
Since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen have launched 83 ballistic missiles and at least 36 drones at Israel. Several of the missiles have fallen short.
In response, Israel has attacked in Yemen, located some 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) away, 18 times.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-strikes-houthi-held-port-of-hodeida-in-response-to-drone-and-rocket-fire/
IDF: Hamas Using Gaza City as “Largest Human Shield in History”
September 16, 2025 1:30 pm
The Israel Defense Forces accused Hamas on Tuesday of turning Gaza City into “the largest human shield in history,” as Israeli troops pushed deeper into the urban center during a new ground offensive.
“Hamas exploits the civilian population as a human shield. It prevents them from evacuating from combat zones, while using violence,” IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said in a press briefing from the Gaza border.
Defrin said the military has enabled civilians to leave the city “for their protection” and estimates more than 350,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent weeks.
He added that Israel has “adapted the humanitarian efforts” in line with international law, stressing, “There will be no starvation in Gaza, humanitarian aid will also be delivered to northern Gaza.”
The spokesman said the IDF now controls “widespread” areas of Gaza City following recent operations in the Zeitoun, Sheikh Radwan, and Jabalia neighborhoods.
“These actions brought about the operational conditions to deepen the fighting inside Gaza City,” he said.
Defrin also addressed concerns for Israeli hostages believed to be held in Gaza City, after Hamas released footage of captives.
“We are aware of the concerns of the hostages’ families, we will do our best to avoid harming the hostages,” he said.
Hamas has repeatedly threatened to execute hostages if Israeli forces advance near locations where they are held.
https://vinnews.com/2025/09/16/idf-hamas-using-gaza-city-as-largest-human-shield-in-history/
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115210251262068973
Philippines develops armed combat drones
Sep 16, 2025
The Philippine Air Force Research and Development Center (AFRDC) has unveiled its first homegrown armed drones, marking a milestone in the country’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program.
The newly revealed platforms — the Air Military Ordnance Carrier (AMOC) and the Military Air Ordnance Yielder (MAOY) — are locally developed and combat-ready, offering new capabilities to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The AMOC is a fixed-wing drone designed for reconnaissance and precision strike roles, while the MAOY is a rotary-wing system built for direct ordnance delivery using first-person view (FPV) control.
Both drones are capable of carrying explosive payloads and were developed entirely by Filipino engineers and technicians.
The AMOC is the first locally made and first AFP fixed-wing armed drone for use in combat, while the MAOY is the first locally made and first AFP rotary-wing armed drone for use in combat.
These capabilities are aimed at supporting internal security operations and providing cost-effective alternatives to imported drone systems.
The MAOY quadcopter, shown in recent footage, can carry and release small aerial bombs. The ordnance is visibly mounted beneath the airframe.
Designed for frontline deployment, this FPV drone gives operators real-time visual control and targeting accuracy.
Meanwhile, the AMOC fixed-wing UAV demonstrated its flight capabilities in a recent test, showcasing its ability to perform longer-range missions with higher endurance.
The locally developed drones are intended to enhance the AFP’s operational flexibility, particularly in counter-insurgency and border security operations.
Their development comes at a time of growing focus on drone warfare and unmanned systems integration within Southeast Asia.
https://defence-blog.com/philippines-develops-armed-combat-drones/
Second arrest for breaching drone airspace restrictions - Windsor
16:47 16/09/2025
Following two arrests for separate airspace breaches in Windsor today (16/9), Thames Valley Police is reminding the public of the strict airspace restrictions in place for this week’s state visit.
Airspace restrictions are in place until 18 September for the state visit of the President of the United States of America Donald Trump, and the area they cover can be seen on the map below.
A 37-year-old man from Brentford, London, and another 37-year-old man from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, have been arrested for flying drones that breached an airspace restriction order.
Thames Valley Police Inspector Matthew Wilkinson, of our Joint Operations Unit, said: “In line with standard protocol for events of this magnitude, a strict airspace restriction is now in effect.
“This measure is essential to ensure the safety of both the local community and all attendees of the state visit.
“We expect full cooperation from the public and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary. We appreciate your understanding and compliance during this significant state occasion.”
Further details can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website.
If you see any suspicious activity in the air or on the ground, report it to police via 101 or by speaking to a uniformed officer in the area. In an emergency, always call 999.
Additional airspace restrictions have also been announced over Chequers ahead of the upcoming State Visit.
https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news/thames-valley/news/2025/september/150925/second-arrest-for-breaching-drone-airspace-restrictions—windsor/
Panama's Viral "Venom-Like Meteorite" Video Debunked: Here's The Truth
Sep 16, 2025 18:41 pm IST
A TikTok series by a man in Panama has triggered global speculation about alien life after he claimed a meteorite had landed in his backyard and begun "transforming like Venom" (a Marvel character).
As the post gained traction, users started decoding what the substance could be, and one Reddit user debunked the Venom theory by presenting scientific explanation of the phenomenon.
The TikTok user @kinpanama uploaded the videos on August 29 that showed a rock-like object appearing to ooze a greenish-yellow substance, and later darkening into a sticky black coating.
He alleged it gave off a burning smell and said universities ignored his attempts to seek help.
The footage spread rapidly across TikTok and YouTube, with viewers dubbing the object "Venom" for its likeness to the Marvel character.
From Curiosity to Frenzy
Within days, the clips amassed millions of views, sparking debates over whether the strange object was genuine or a hoax.
Some speculated about aliens, others suggested artificial intelligence or computer-generated imagery.
The dramatic visuals left many unsettled. "It looks alive," one TikTok user commented, reflecting the mix of fascination and fear that propelled the story worldwide.
The Claim Debunked
This week, a Reddit user under the name HighStrangeness offered what scientists say is the most credible explanation so far.
The substance was not alien at all, but a silicone-based polymer known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed with hexane, a common solvent.
Both materials are widely used in everyday life - from medical devices and cookware to lubricants and sealants.
The eerie, muscle-like movements seen in the videos were explained as swelling-induced snapping motion. As PDMS absorbs hexane, it expands, said the Reddit user.
When the solvent evaporates unevenly, the polymer contracts irregularly, creating jerky, "breathing-like" motions. The combination of texture, colour, and movement made the object appear disturbingly organic.
https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/panamas-viral-venom-like-meteorite-video-debunked-heres-the-truth-9287980
https://www.tiktok.com/@kinpanama
https://x.com/Kobe_for_3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEN0kb5_HZQ