The US Justice Department is seizing over 500,000 barrels of Iranian fuel, alleging it was illegally trafficked to fund Iran's paramilitary force, with criminal charges announced for the sale of crude oil to buyers in China, Russia, and Syria. This move is part of a broader effort to disrupt funding to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, with FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasizing Iran's constant threat to the US and Attorney General Merrick Garland vowing to cut off illegal financing for Iran's activities. Multiple individuals are charged with crimes related to terrorism, sanctions evasion, fraud, and money laundering, and the US also seized $108 million allegedly used in the scheme.
The paramilitary force in Sudan has taken control of Wad Madani, a major city in the country's grain-producing region, leading to the displacement of over 300,000 people. Wad Madani had been a relatively secure area and a haven for humanitarian operations in the war-torn nation. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been making significant gains, capturing several regional capitals. The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with the conflict causing immense suffering and displacement. The international community's attention has been focused elsewhere, leaving Sudan's humanitarian crisis severely underfunded.
North Korea's Worker-Peasant Red Guards paramilitary force showcased a fleet of rocket launchers disguised as civilian trucks during a parade in Pyongyang. The trucks, including box trucks and dump trucks, appeared to have 12 tubes each of 122mm artillery rockets concealed within their roofs. This display highlights North Korea's use of civilian vehicles for military purposes and their emphasis on camouflage and deception tactics. The tactic aims to confuse surveillance capabilities and increase the number of potential targets in the event of a conflict. The development of disguised launchers raises concerns about the potential adoption of similar technology for long-range weapons like nuclear-armed cruise missiles.
Protests have erupted in Ethiopia's Amhara region for the fifth consecutive day against the government's decision to dissolve a paramilitary force. The move has faced strong opposition in Amhara, with protesters fearing that it would leave them exposed to attacks by neighbouring regions. The government wants the special forces to be integrated into the federal army or police force to promote national unity. The decision has led to a partial curfew in Gondar and clashes between protesters and the military in Kobe town. The Amhara special forces helped the Ethiopian army fight Tigrayan forces who launched a rebellion in 2020 against Mr Abiy's government.
