Kyiv experienced a severe overnight drone and missile attack with dozens of drones launched, some reaching targets and causing fires, resulting in at least two injuries amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old white supremacist from Tennessee, was arrested by the FBI for plotting to destroy an electricity substation in Nashville using a drone with explosives. His plan aimed to disrupt the power network as part of an extremist agenda to incite societal chaos and promote a white-only state. Philippi, who espoused accelerationist views, faces charges of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and could face life in prison. The FBI foiled the plot through an undercover operation, preventing potential widespread power outages.
Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 28 drones and three cruise missiles at Ukraine, primarily targeting the south and east regions. Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 21 of the drones, but the status of the cruise missiles was not disclosed. The attacks resulted in 12 injuries in Dnipro city and damage to several buildings. Ukrainian forces are actively working to replenish their air defense missiles to continue repelling attacks, following significant Russian missile and drone deployment at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.
Yemen's Houthi rebels launched an armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) targeting U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the Red Sea, shortly after receiving a "final warning" from the White House and allied nations to stop such attacks. The USV got close to the vessels before detonating, marking a continued threat despite the defensive Operation Prosperity Guardian aimed at protecting maritime traffic. The U.S. and partners have warned of potential military action if the Houthi assaults persist.
An 82nd Airborne Division pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Garrett Illerbrunn, was critically injured by shrapnel from a drone attack on al-Harir airbase in Erbil on Christmas day. The attack, which injured three troops, was attributed to the Iraqi Shia militant group Kataib Hezbollah. In response, the U.S. conducted retaliatory airstrikes against the group. Meanwhile, U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea have been actively engaging with Houthi rebel attacks, leading to the formation of "Operation Prosperity Guardian" to protect commercial shipping in the region. The increase in regional tensions follows over 100 attacks on U.S. troops and bases in Iraq and Syria since October, coinciding with escalated conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Garrett Illerbrunn, an 82nd Airborne pilot based at Fort Liberty, is in critical condition after a drone strike at Erbil Air Base in Iraq on Christmas Day. Suffering from a severe head injury, Illerbrunn was transported to a hospital in Germany and remains unconscious. His family in Pinehurst is requesting prayers and support during this difficult time.
An 82nd Airborne pilot, Garrett Illerbrunn, is in critical condition after a drone strike by Iran-backed forces at Erbil Air Base in Iraq. He is currently unconscious in a German hospital. His family and friends are seeking prayers and financial support through a GoFundMe campaign for his recovery and to build a tree house for his son, as he had planned. The attack led to President Biden ordering retaliatory strikes against the affiliated groups.
On New Year's Day, Russia launched a significant drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 90 Shahed-style drones following an attack on Russian territory that resulted in at least 25 deaths. This escalation comes after a barrage of over a hundred missiles and dozens of drones against Ukraine, causing at least 30 deaths and 140 injuries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced intentions to intensify attacks, while Ukrainian air defenses claimed to have shot down 87 of the drones. The use of drones has been a key strategy in the conflict, with Russia targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities.
On New Year's Day, Russia launched a record 90 Shahed drones over Ukraine, resulting in one death and several injuries due to falling debris in Odesa. Lviv's museum and university buildings were also damaged. In response, Ukraine is accused of shelling that led to casualties in Russian-occupied Donetsk and the Russian border town of Shebekino. This escalation follows an intense 18-hour Russian aerial attack that began on Friday, which has been the largest of the war, causing at least 49 fatalities in Ukraine and 21 in the Russian city of Belgorod.
Ukraine has reportedly launched missile and drone attacks into Russian territories, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a child. The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have intercepted 13 rockets and 32 drones. The attacks damaged homes and disrupted water supply in the Belgorod region, and a child was killed in the Bryansk region. These incidents occurred after Russia conducted one of its largest aerial barrages against Ukraine, killing at least 30 people. The conflict also saw a Ukrainian strike on a Russian warship in Crimea.