A massive explosion occurred at a military base used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) south of Baghdad, with reports suggesting it was targeted by airstrikes. The attack, allegedly carried out by drones and F-35 jets, caused material damage but no casualties. The PMF, an Iranian-backed militia with over 100,000 fighters, has become an official government-paid force in Iraq since the defeat of ISIS, posing a threat to US and Israeli forces.
Ukraine claims to have shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 supersonic bomber for the first time, stating that the aircraft was on its way to attack Ukraine. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine coordinated the operation with Ukraine's Air Force, hitting the bomber in southern Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the aircraft crashed due to a technical malfunction, with two pilots ejecting and one pilot killed. Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov stated that a second Russian aircraft was forced to turn back after the first one was shot down, potentially preventing another missile attack on Ukraine. The Tu-22M3 has been a key target for Ukrainian air defense, with Russia using it in airstrikes against Ukraine.
Sirens sounded in Western Galilee due to a misidentification of a hostile aircraft infiltration, while a launch from Lebanon into Israel resulted in no hits. IDF soldiers targeted a Hezbollah military compound in southern Lebanon, and the US imposed additional travel restrictions on an Iranian FM delegation. Additionally, Iran warned Israel against further military action, and Ilhan Omar's daughter, a BDS activist, was suspended from Columbia University.
Israel is considering its options for a potential strike on Iran's nuclear program, with military officials discussing the possibility of a preemptive attack. The discussions come amid concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has long viewed Iran as a major security threat and has not ruled out military action to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, warned that Russia's military has rapidly reconstituted to pre-war levels following the invasion of Ukraine, with a 15% increase in troop strength. He emphasized the urgency of supporting Ukraine as it faces the prospect of a Russian spring offensive, while military assistance is held up in Congress. Cavoli also highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that Ukraine could lose without continued support, and emphasized the high stakes involved in the conflict.
Ukraine's parliament passed a controversial law governing conscription, aiming to boost troop numbers amid Russia's invasion. The law expands authorities' powers to issue draft notices electronically, but a key provision for rotating servicemen after 36 months of combat was removed, sparking concerns about soldier exhaustion. The law comes as Russia continues devastating attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with missile and drone strikes causing widespread damage and casualties in several regions. The move aims to address the urgent need for more troops while facing challenges in demobilizing exhausted soldiers and countering Russian aggression.
US Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli stated that Russia's army has grown by 15% since the invasion of Ukraine, increasing its front-line troop strength from 360,000 to 470,000 by raising the conscription age. This expansion poses a significant threat to Europe and NATO allies, as the US faces challenges in providing support to Ukraine amid GOP opposition. Cavoli emphasized the critical need for continued US support to prevent Ukraine from running out of essential military resources.
Israeli Defense Force Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stated that Israel is prepared for a "multi-front war" with Iranian proxies, emphasizing readiness for offensive and defensive actions against Iran and its allies. The IDF's announcement comes amid rising tensions following accusations of an Israeli airstrike in Syria and ongoing skirmishes with Hezbollah along the northern border. The military is also maintaining its focus on the conflict with Hamas in the south, with preparations for potential escalation in both regions.
The United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, aiming to uphold freedom of navigation and the rule of law in the region. The exercises, which include anti-submarine warfare training, are a response to Beijing's assertive actions in the disputed waters. The four nations reaffirmed their commitment to a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims, but China has rejected the ruling and continues to defy it. Tensions in the South China Sea involve multiple countries, and the upcoming military drills reflect a broader effort to safeguard stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ukraine has lowered its draft-eligible age for men from 27 to 25 in an effort to bolster its military forces, which have been depleted by more than two years of war with Russia. The new laws, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aim to add around 50,000 troops to the military and also do away with some draft exemptions and create an online registry for recruits. The move comes as Ukraine anticipates a renewed push by Russian forces and faces growing shortages of infantry and ammunition. Meanwhile, Russia has reported a surge in enlistments following a recent terrorist attack in Moscow, attributing it to public outrage.
Ukraine has lowered the military draft age from 27 to 25 in an effort to replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The new mobilization law came into force a day after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it, aiming to address infantry and ammunition shortages. The move has sparked concerns about its impact on the economy, as Ukraine braces for an expected summer offensive by the Kremlin’s forces. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continue to wreak havoc across the country, prompting appeals for more air defense systems from Ukraine's Western partners.
A Ukrainian navy captain claimed that Russia's Black Sea Fleet has only one missile ship left in Crimea, which has not launched a single missile, following a series of successful Ukrainian attacks. A senior UK Royal Navy officer stated that 25% of Russia's Black Sea warships had been sunk or damaged. Ukraine has been using missiles and drones to strike Russian ships at Sevastopol, with the latest attacks hitting four vessels. The UK's defense minister described the Black Sea Fleet as "functionally inactive," and Russia's former Commander of the Black Sea Fleet was reportedly fired after the string of successful Ukrainian attacks.
A Ukrainian captain has claimed that Russia's Black Sea Fleet has only one missile ship left in Crimea, the Cyclone warship, which has not launched a single missile. Ukraine has been successfully using missiles and drones to strike Russian ships at Sevastopol, with recent attacks sinking or damaging 25% of Russia's vessels in the Black Sea. The UK's defense ministry reported that Russian vessels have relocated to Novorossiysk port in response to the attacks, and the former Commander of the Black Sea Fleet was fired after the string of successful Ukrainian attacks.
Ukraine claims that Russia has relocated almost all combat vessels capable of firing cruise missiles from Crimea, leaving only the Cyclone warship, which has not launched a single missile. Ukraine has been successful in targeting Russian vessels, including large landing ships and a submarine, using missiles and drones, forcing Russia to relocate some naval assets further from Ukraine's reach. Despite this, Russia remains dominant in much of the Black Sea and is reportedly planning a new military base in Abkhazia.
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has vowed to "expand the campaign" against Hezbollah on its northern border, following the IDF's targeted eliminations of enemy commanders. The IDF announced the elimination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Syria and the deputy commander of its rocket and missile unit. Gallant stated that Israel will pursue Hezbollah wherever it operates and will retaliate decisively against any threats to its security. The IDF and Hezbollah continued exchanging fire over the weekend, with the Lebanese group claiming responsibility for attacks and the IDF striking multiple Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon.
