Israel is pulling troops to Gaza: satellites see preparations for an assault, and the plan has already been approved

Everything is clear from the satellite images: Israel is seriously preparing for a new, large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip. Commercial reconnaissance satellites are detecting a massive accumulation of troops and equipment right near the border with the enclave. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery — all this is moving into the area of a possible offensive. This is not just an exercise. This is preparation for the phased seizure of control over the most densely populated area, the city of Gaza, and, in fact, the entire territory of the enclave.

The decision has already been made: on the night of August 8, 2025, the Israeli military and political cabinet officially approved a plan, the main goal of which is the complete defeat of Hamas and the establishment of lasting Israeli control. The city of Gaza, where, according to intelligence reports, militants are still hiding and hostages may be, will be the first stage. The plan is step—by-step, but tough.

What will happen next?  

First, the mass evacuation. About a million people living in the city and surrounding areas are expected to leave their homes and move to the south of the sector. The deadline is October 7, the day of the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack. After the evacuation, the Israeli army (IDF) will completely surround the city, give the militants a chance to surrender, and if they refuse, a ground assault will begin. It is estimated that the fighting may drag on for several months.

Interestingly, the official statements do not refer to "occupation," but to "establishing control." This is an important legal nuance — in order not to assume responsibility for the management of the territory and the population. But, according to high-ranking sources, this is actually an occupation. Just in new words.

At the same time, Israel promises not to stop humanitarian aid. Aid will be delivered to "safe zones" in the south to encourage people to evacuate. The American GHF Foundation is already expanding its network of distribution points, but according to the UN, the situation with hunger in Gaza is critical — thousands have died trying to get to food, and many of them were killed by Israeli soldiers.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz should give the final go-ahead for the start of the operation. Reservists are currently being mobilized, and new units are being deployed to the southern borders. All this can be seen not only in the news, but also on satellite images — they don't lie.

So now it's the calm before the storm. The army is building up its forces, satellites are watching, and the world is waiting tensely. And in Gaza, millions of people are caught between a rock and a hard place again.

The New Zealand Air Force conducted a dangerous medical evacuation from Antarctica in a record 20 hours

 The New Zealand Air Force conducted a complex and dangerous evacuation operation from the American McMurdo research base in Antarctica. The C-130J Hercules aircraft took off from the Christchurch base overnight, after a long wait for suitable weather, and successfully landed on the ice strip of McMurdo Station on Tuesday night. Three employees of the National Science Foundation who needed emergency medical care, as well as two more people with medical problems, were evacuated. After loading the patients, the plane returned to Christchurch on Wednesday morning, making the entire round trip in less than 20 hours.

This mission took place in difficult conditions of total darkness and extreme frosts below -25°C, using a night vision kit for landing and takeoff on an icy site without alternative airfields. Refueling of the aircraft in such conditions was carried out with the engines running. Military medics provided medical assistance to the evacuees right on board.

At McMurdo Station, where there are usually about 200 people in the winter months, the medical staff is limited and has facilities comparable to an emergency department, but is not equipped for serious emergencies, which led to the need for emergency evacuation.

Andy Scott, Commander of the New Zealand Air Force Air Group, noted that landing a large four—engine aircraft in such conditions is one of the most difficult tests for the crew. The Charge d'affaires of the United States in New Zealand assessed the actions of the New Zealand military as daring, dangerous and courageous.

Thus, the New Zealand Air Force successfully conducted one of the most difficult rescue operations in Antarctica, demonstrating a high level of professionalism in extreme conditions.

Cambodia demands cease-fire: third day of bloody fighting with Thailand

Cambodia calls for an immediate end to the shooting — the country demands a cease-fire with Thailand, as heavy fighting has been going on on both sides of the border for the third day. The situation is escalating: at least 32 people have been killed, and thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes.

The conflict broke out around the disputed border area, where territorial differences have not subsided for a long time. Now there is a firefight with artillery and small arms, and the longer it goes on, the more ordinary people suffer.

Cambodia has already appealed to the international community for help, calling for urgent intervention. All this is happening against the background of long-standing disputes that flare up from time to time with renewed vigor.

Obviously, without an urgent cease-fire, there will only be more victims. And while the diplomats are looking for a way out, ordinary residents continue to flee — right from under the shelling.

Bloody border conflict: more than 10 dead in fighting between Thailand and Cambodia

 

The situation on the border between Thailand and Cambodia has reached a new, extremely dangerous level. As a result of large-scale clashes on the disputed section of the border, more than 10 people were killed, including several civilians. These are the most serious losses during the current round of the conflict, which broke out with renewed vigor back in May, but has now reached a critical point.

Thailand claims that Cambodian troops were the first to open fire with heavy weapons, including artillery and possibly MLRS. According to them, it was a provocation, followed by an attempt to violate the border line. In response, the Thai army gave a decisive rebuff.

Cambodia, in turn, insists that its military acted solely in self-defense, claiming that Thai units were the first to cross the border and begin aggressive actions. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense calls its actions legitimate and necessary.

At the moment, fighting continues in several border areas. Explosions are heard, artillery and drones are working. The local population is in a panic — many are fleeing their homes, and Thai authorities have already begun evacuating four provinces.

And the political situation has escalated to the limit.:

- Thailand has recalled its ambassador from Cambodia.

 Cambodia responded in kind: it recalled its diplomats from Bangkok and ordered all Thai diplomats to leave the country.

Such a complete break in diplomatic contacts is a rarity between the countries of Southeast Asia. This suggests that the conflict has already gone beyond local skirmishes and may affect the entire regional stability.

Previously, Thailand and Cambodia had already fought from abroad - the dispute was especially acute around the temple of Preah Vihi. Now, it seems, history is repeating itself, but with new technologies, more casualties, and a real threat of escalation.

Thailand closes border with Cambodia after shelling and drones — evacuation, casualties, border massacre

 

In the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, the first civilian victims appear

A real military conflict broke out on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. It all started with shelling — according to Thai media, the Cambodian military opened fire on Thai territory, including the use of multiple rocket launchers (MLRS). In response, Bangkok reacted sharply: it closed all border checkpoints and announced its readiness for escalation.

The situation is out of control. Authorities in four Thai provinces bordering Cambodia have begun evacuating residents from border villages. People are leaving, leaving their homes — the threat has become so serious.

Thailand accuses Cambodia not only of shelling, but also of reconnaissance activity: Cambodian drones allegedly filmed border areas, and the military was preparing to transfer heavy weapons. This, according to Bangkok, is a sign of preparation for larger—scale actions.

Cambodia, in turn, denies everything. The country's Defense Ministry says that the fire was opened solely for self—defense purposes, saying that Thai units were the first to violate the border or conduct provocations. However, the fighting continues, and there are already confirmed reports of the first civilian casualties on both sides.

This is the most serious spike in tension between the two countries in recent years. Thailand and Cambodia have previously clashed over disputed territories, especially around the temple of Preah Vihi, but now the situation looks much more dangerous: heavy weapons are being used, civilian targets are being shelled, and the population is being evacuated.

The international community is still watching, but if the fire is not extinguished in the coming days, the conflict could develop into a full-fledged border crisis with unpredictable consequences for the entire Southeast Asia.

Airbus unveils prototype NH90 Caïman Standard 2 multipurpose helicopter for the French Army

NH90 Caïman Standard 2

Airbus has unveiled a prototype of the NH90 Caïman Standard 2 multirole helicopter at the SOFINS 2025 International Special Operations Exhibition in Martigny-sur-Mer. The helicopter is designed for the French army and is part of Paris' efforts to integrate next-generation capabilities into units designed for evacuation, fire support and other rapid deployment tasks requiring low visibility.

Key Features of NH90 Caïman Standard 2

The NH90 Caïman Standard 2 is an improved version of the previous generation of Caïman Standard 1 helicopters. The new model includes components specifically designed for covert operations. Among them:

- Infrared camera with laser pointer and target designator (EOS410 from Safran);

- Improved radio communications for joint and coalition operations;

- New types of weapons.

The NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopter can be equipped with door-mounted machine guns, multi-functional rockets, rocket blocks and auxiliary cannons. It has a length of 20 meters, a rotor diameter of 16 meters and an external load capacity of 4,200 kilograms. The cabin can accommodate up to 20 soldiers or 10 stretchers for medical evacuation.

The NH90 Cayman Standard 2 is equipped with two turboshaft engines with up to 2,400 horsepower each. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour, a flight range of 1,600 kilometers, and an operating altitude of 3,500 meters.

Airbus has signed a contract for the production of 18 NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopters for the 4th Special Forces Regiment of the French Army in Pai. Helicopter assembly has already begun at the Marignan facility, and deliveries are scheduled for the period from 2026 to 2029. After delivery, the new helicopters will replace the aging H215M Cougar and H225M Caracal models, also manufactured by Airbus.

The NH90 Cayman Standard 2 will play an important role in the operational capabilities of the French special forces, providing them with greater flexibility and effectiveness in difficult combat conditions.

Unknown details of the evacuation of Bashar al-Assad and his family to Russia

The official media reported that the plane of Assad and his family was shot down and crashed. Everyone on board the plane was killed.

In fact, a secret special operation was carried out to remove the Assad family and their closest associates from Syria with the help of Russian Air Force military transport aircraft.

As for the downed aircraft and the passengers who died in it. This government aircraft was indeed an airplane that was constantly used by Bashar al-Assad. But the passengers on the plane were other people who looked very similar to the Assad couple, children and other relatives and members of the government. Roughly speaking, there were figureheads on board the Syrian government Air Force One. They all died.

This is how the evacuation of Assad and his family to Russia took place. It was not without great sacrifices, but probably there simply were no other ways in the context of the ongoing chaos in Syria.

Sweden Prepares to Safeguard Cultural Heritage Amid Looming Threat of War with Russia

In a move that underscores the escalating tensions between Sweden and Russia, the Swedish government has issued a decree directing the Swedish National Council for Cultural Heritage to begin planning the evacuation and safe transportation of cultural and historical treasures. This unprecedented step is a clear indication that Sweden is preparing for the possibility of a military conflict, albeit one that is expected to be short-lived.

The decree, issued today, highlights the Swedish government's concern over the potential outbreak of war and the need to protect the nation's cultural and historical values from any military threat. The Swedish National Council for Cultural Heritage has been tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe evacuation and transportation of these invaluable artifacts to secure locations, should the need arise.

The decision to prepare for the evacuation of cultural property comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and the looming threat of war with Russia. While the Swedish government has not explicitly stated that war is imminent, the issuance of this decree suggests that the possibility is being taken seriously. The expectation that the war will be "very short" adds a layer of urgency to the preparations, as the window for safeguarding cultural treasures may be limited.

The Swedish National Council for Cultural Heritage plays a crucial role in preserving the nation's rich cultural and historical legacy. The council is responsible for identifying, documenting, and protecting cultural property, including artifacts, historical sites, and cultural institutions. The decree to begin planning for their evacuation underscores the importance of these treasures to Sweden's national identity and heritage.

The preparations for the evacuation of cultural property are part of a broader effort by the Swedish government to enhance its readiness for potential military threats. In recent years, Sweden has increased its defense spending, conducted large-scale military exercises, and strengthened its alliances with NATO and other European nations. These measures reflect Sweden's commitment to defending its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens and cultural heritage.

The Swedish government's decision to prepare for the evacuation of cultural property has sparked debate and speculation among the public and international observers. Some view the move as a prudent step to safeguard the nation's cultural treasures in the face of an uncertain geopolitical landscape. Others see it as a sign of escalating tensions and the increasing likelihood of military conflict with Russia.