Minas Tirith Reports

🇸🇾🇹🇷Syria: Al-Hasakah Casualties Spark Protests, Army Reinforcements Reports indicate dozens of Arabs, including women and children, were killed in Al-Hasakah. Local sources attribute the casualties to SDF/PKK actions. Islamist groups are alleging a massacre of Arabs by Kurdish forces. People in Damascus are now protesting in solidarity with those reportedly killed by the SDF/PKK. The Syrian Army is now sending large reinforcements toward al-Hasakah. The Syrian Ministry of Interior states that investigations have begun to verify the reports. Tribes in Hama have announced a general mobilization, stating their readiness to fight the PKK/SDF and align with the Syrian state. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Iranian State Media Hacked; Opposition Figures Broadcast Iranian state media, IRIB, was reportedly hacked. The broadcast was interrupted with speeches by Reza Pahlavi and videos of recent protests. This marks a significant breach of Iranian state-controlled media. A number of official channels, including those of the broadcasting authority, were hacked. The broadcast was interrupted with protest footage, anti-regime messages, and a call from Reza Pahlavi urging protests and defections. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇸🇾🇹🇷🇮🇱SDF Commander to Visit Damascus After Withdrawal Agreement YPG Commander Sipan Hamo reiterated that the group does not seek secession and sees its future within Syria. Hamo denied receiving support from Iran or Russia. He urged the United States to provide guarantees for Kurdish protection amid regional shifts. Hamo also stated that Israel is a powerful state and expressed hope that its protection of the Druze population would extend to the Kurds. SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi announced an agreement to withdraw from Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa toward Hasakah and halt fighting, with plans to visit Damascus. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇷🇺🇺🇸Medvedev Equates MAGA with Diminishing Europe Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, has equated the 'Make America Great Again' slogan with diminishing Denmark and impoverishing Europe. Medvedev's statement, shared across Telegram channels, suggests a critical view of American foreign policy and its impact on European nations. The remarks reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions and differing perspectives on global power dynamics. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇮🇱Israel Adds F-35I Jets to Southern Squadrons Three new F-35I "Adir" advanced fighter jets have arrived in Israel. The aircraft landed at Nevatim Airbase, bolstering Israel's air defense capabilities. The jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, will be integrated into the 'Lions of the South' (116 Squadron) and the 'Golden Eagle' (140 Squadron). Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇷🇮🇱US Prepares for Potential Iran Strike Amid Carrier Deployment The US military is preparing for a potential strike against Iran, awaiting the completion of a force concentration in the Middle East. This buildup includes the deployment of THAAD interception systems to Israel, addressing regional security concerns. CENTCOM has been instructed to maintain heightened readiness, indicating a sustained high threat level. A decision window for potential action is anticipated within the next two to three weeks. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has been spotted approaching the region, potentially escalating tensions. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇸🇾🇮🇶🇺🇸ISIS Militants Released in Syria; Raqqa Sees Street Battles Reports indicate ISIS terrorists are being released from prisons in northern Syria amidst Kurdish withdrawal and regime advances. HTS is reportedly releasing all prisoners, including numerous ISIS members, in Raqqa. These releases pose a significant security threat to the region and potentially beyond. The Syrian government is now also freeing ISIS militants from prisons in Raqqa. Raqqa was previously controlled by US-backed Kurdish forces. Street battles are now raging in Raqqa as Kurds resist handing over the city. Islamists are increasing their control, suffering losses, and at least two ammunition depots have been destroyed. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇸🇦🇸🇾🇹🇷Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Türkiye Strengthen Ties Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia engaged in a phone call with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared regional concerns. This engagement signals a potential shift in regional dynamics. Turkish President Erdogan also held a call with al-Sharaa, reaffirming Türkiye’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and stressing the need to eliminate terrorism. Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s unity and the need to extend state authority over all its territory. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇬🇱US Disapproval of Greenland Military Action; GOP Remains Split A new YouGov poll confirms overwhelming American disapproval (86%) of using military force to take over Greenland. This reflects a strong aversion to aggressive foreign policy initiatives in the region. A CBS News report indicates a significant split within the Republican party, with 30% of Republican voters approving of such action. The latest YouGov data specifies that 70% of Republicans oppose military action in Greenland. Among Democrats, approval is only 3%, with 97% opposed. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇱Adelson Dodges Influence Query at Israeli American Council Miriam Adelson, a major pro-Israel donor and Republican benefactor, declined to answer a question about her political influence at the Israeli American Council. Adelson cited a desire to be truthful while avoiding certain topics. The Adelsons have historically contributed heavily to Republican campaigns, notably shaping US Middle East policy during Trump's presidency. Miriam Adelson alone donated over $100 million to Trump's 2024 campaign. When asked how she and Sheldon build political relationships beyond writing checks, Adelson again declined to elaborate, citing a desire to be truthful while avoiding certain subjects. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇱Graham Meets with Mossad Director Barnea in Israel Senator Graham held discussions with Mossad Director David Barnea in Israel. The meeting underscores the continued strong security alliance between the United States and Israel. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇦🇷🇺Ukraine to Shift to Offensive Operations Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reports Russia plans to escalate drone attacks, potentially launching up to 1,000 drones daily by 2026. This projection signals a significant escalation in Russia's aerial warfare strategy against Ukraine. Syrskyi also stated that Ukraine will conduct offensive operations, emphasizing that victory cannot be achieved through defense alone. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated