1. Iran's Air Defense Exercises

Iran conducted another air defense drill on January 12, focusing on areas near its nuclear facilities in Arak and Fordow. This marks the second such exercise in recent days, likely reflecting Tehran's fears of potential airstrikes on its nuclear program. While the drills featured various air defense systems, analysts note that these systems are inferior to U.S. and Israeli capabilities.

Also, Iranian authorities claimed to have added more than 1000 new long-range drones with "stealth capabilities" to their arsenal in recent weeks.

2. Tensions in Judea and Samaria

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has made a notable shift by publicly condemning Hamas, vowing to prevent any Hamas-led efforts to incite conflict in Judea and Samaria. Historically, while the PA and Hamas have been political rivals, the PA often avoided directly criticizing Hamas, particularly during periods of heightened conflict with Israel.

This change in tone is likely tied to the IDF’s recent operations in Gaza, which have decimated Hamas’ military and political infrastructure. The PA sees an opportunity to distance itself from Hamas, portraying the group as a proxy for Iran and blaming it for the destruction in Gaza. By emphasizing Hamas’ failures and its ties to Tehran, the PA aims to bolster its legitimacy as a more stable and responsible governing authority, seeking to regain favor with the international community and Arab states.

This strategic pivot reflects the shifting power dynamics in the region and the PA’s efforts to reassert control and authority in Palestinian territories.

3. Regional Military Activities

• Syria: Turkey escalated attacks on U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including drone strikes and airstrikes along key frontlines.
• Gaza Strip: The IDF has cleared 40% of militia infrastructure in Beit Hanoun as part of ongoing ground operations to thwart indirect fire attacks on southern Israel.
• Lebanon: Along the border, IDF forces conducted strikes and issued evacuation orders for several villages in southern Lebanon.

4. Broader Regional Dynamics

The Houthis claimed a drone and missile attack on the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, marking their second such claim in less than a week. Meanwhile, the Jordanian military clashed with smugglers along the Syria-Jordan border, underscoring ongoing security challenges.

These developments underscore the continued volatility across multiple fronts in the Middle East. For more details and interactive maps, check out the full report from the Critical Threats Project and the Institute for the Study of War.

In a shocking revelation, intelligence sources suggest that $145 million per month is being funneled by terror organizations to fund a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump. According to Sarah Adams, a former CIA targeter and counterterrorism expert, the plot is reportedly being masterminded by Mohammed Kazmi, a senior member of Iran’s IRGC intelligence organization.

The Mastermind Behind the Plot

Kazmi is no stranger to high-profile operations. He allegedly played a key role in planning the devastating October 7 attacks on Israel, which were linked to Hamas, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban. Now, Kazmi is believed to be orchestrating this assassination plot, dubbed the “Soleimani Plot,” in retaliation for the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020.

Adams highlighted that Soleimani wasn’t just a military leader—he was a symbolic figure of the Iranian Revolution. This makes the stakes even higher, as Iran’s retaliation is expected to go beyond a single target, potentially aiming to strike multiple high-profile U.S. symbols or individuals.

An Unprecedented Amount of Funding

The $145 million per month being allocated to this operation raises alarm bells. This is not a small, rogue effort—it reflects a coordinated, well-funded campaign. As Adams noted, such an enormous financial commitment likely indicates that the plot extends beyond one assassination attempt. "They’re planning something bigger," she said, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Connections to October 7 and Beyond

The same network that orchestrated the October 7 attacks is allegedly involved in this plot. These attacks, which killed thousands in Israel, were planned and trained for in Afghanistan with the support of the Taliban. Adams’ report highlights how terror groups, emboldened by the Biden administration’s continued aid to Afghanistan, are now shifting their focus toward high-impact operations in the West.

Why the Silence?

Despite these disturbing findings, there’s been little public acknowledgment from the U.S. government. Adams pointed out that Kazmi, the alleged mastermind, isn’t even on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. This silence raises questions: Is the U.S. government downplaying the threat, or are they quietly working to thwart the plot behind the scenes?

What’s at Stake?

If this plot comes to fruition, it could have catastrophic consequences—not just for the former president, but for the nation as a whole. The implications of an attack on U.S. soil, particularly one targeting a former president, would be enormous, potentially sparking a wider conflict and shaking the country’s confidence in its security systems.

Urgent Action Needed

This isn’t just about politics—it’s about national security. The Biden administration must take immediate steps to address this growing threat. That includes cutting off any funding streams that could be exploited by terrorist organizations and taking decisive action to target the masterminds behind these operations.

With $145 million a month fueling this plot, the clock is ticking. The U.S. cannot afford to ignore the signs—or the consequences could be devastating.

What do you think? Should the U.S. government do more to address these threats and cut off funding to terror groups? Share your thoughts below.

The horrific October 7 attacks in Israel, which claimed thousands of lives, weren’t random acts of terror—they were carefully planned and trained for in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Even more troubling? A report by Sarah Adams and her investigative team suggests that U.S. taxpayer funds, sent under the guise of “humanitarian aid,” may have indirectly supported the camps that trained the attackers.

U.S. Funds Flowing to the Taliban

After the Biden administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban regained full control of the country. Instead of cutting ties, the U.S. continued sending massive amounts of money—between $40 million and $80 million per week, adding up to an estimated $2 billion to $4 billion annually. While the administration claims this funding was for humanitarian purposes, the Taliban has reportedly funneled a significant portion into supporting terrorist activities, including training camps.

A Grim Parallel to 9/11

It’s worth remembering why the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in the first place: the Taliban was harboring Al-Qaeda, allowing them to train terrorists who would eventually carry out the 9/11 attacks. Fast forward two decades, and history seems to be repeating itself. Al-Qaeda is once again operating freely in Afghanistan, with Taliban support, and they’re using the country as a base to plan large-scale attacks.

October 7 Was Just the Beginning

According to Adams’ report, the October 7 attacks were a “test run” for even bigger operations. Al-Qaeda, backed by the Taliban, trained thousands of fighters for follow-up attacks targeting the United States and Europe. These coordinated plots are reportedly already in motion, and the attackers may even be within U.S. borders.

Where Is the Accountability?

Here’s the kicker: the very funds meant to help rebuild Afghanistan may now be fueling terror networks. It’s a slap in the face to Americans who thought they were funding humanitarian efforts, only to discover that their money could be enabling the next wave of terror.

What Needs to Happen

The U.S. must immediately stop all aid to Afghanistan while the Taliban remains in power. It’s also time to hold the Biden administration accountable for allowing billions of dollars to flow to a regime openly supporting terror. If we don’t act now, the consequences could be devastating—not just for our allies, but for Americans at home.

What are your thoughts? How can you prepare you and your family for the potential of follow-on attacks in the US? 

FYI, subscribers to this Locals page get free access to my new book "Death of Civilization" which is chock-full of actionable intelligence on preparing for tumultuous times ahead.