FBI: 850 open investigations into domestic terrorism
The FBI has more than 850 open investigations into domestic terrorism across the country, and the threat continues to grow, top counterterrorism officials said Wednesday.
Security
4 B-52s deploying to Middle East amid threat of ‘possible attack’
Four B-52 bombers are being deployed to the Middle East in response to what administration officials said earlier this week are threats of a possible attack by Iran or allied fighters on American troops in the region. Two of the bombers are expected to leave Tuesday from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, arriving at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Wednesday, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports.
U.S. and Israeli Intelligence: ‘Multiple, credible threats’ from Iran Endanger U.S. Middle East Personnel
Iran is ‘considering retaliating against U.S. interests in the Gulf’ in response to the Trump administration’s ever-tightening restrictions against the Islamic Republic, according to an anonymous senior Israeli intelligence official.
Pompeo Makes Unexpected Trip To Iraq, Warns Of ‘Escalating’ Iranian Activity
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Baghdad, where he met with Iraqi officials to discuss the United States’ security concerns amid what he called ‘escalating’ Iranian activity.
Mossad intel of looming Iranian attack led US to send in carrier force
The United States received information from Israel concerning an alleged Iranian plot to attack American interests in the Gulf, Axios reported on Monday.
U.S. Official: Deployment of Carrier Strike Group to Middle East to Stave Off ‘Potential Preparations by Iranian forces’
U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton says a carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln recently deployed to the Persian Gulf is “in response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings” from Iran.
Steinitz: To get rid of Hamas, we have to conquer Gaza
Energy Minister and Security Cabinet member Yuval Steinitz told Army Radio on Monday morning that ‘to get rid of Hamas, we have to conquer Gaza.’
Fearing attack on its forces, US sends carrier force to Middle East, warns Iran
A White House decision to dispatch an aircraft carrier and other military resources to send a message to Iran followed “clear indications” that Iranian and Iranian proxy forces were preparing to possibly attack US forces in the region, a defense official told the Associated Press.
Ceasefire appears to take hold around Gaza after deadly flareup
A ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza terror groups went into effect at 4:30 a.m. Monday, ending two days of intense fighting that saw more than 600 rockets fired at Israel and four Israeli civilians killed, according to the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups.
Pentagon says China plans to build military bases around the world to protect Belt & Road project
The US Defense Department expects China to add military bases around the world to protect its investments in its ambitious One Belt One Road global infrastructure program, according to an official report released Thursday.
USCIRF Annual Report Highlights China’s ‘Tragedy’ of Religious Freedom
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its annual report Monday, detailing religious rights abuses around the world and recommending state actors for the U.S. State Department to earmark as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs).
103,000 Illegals Caught Crossing Border in March–Highest Monthly Total Since 2007
Customs and Border Patrol apprehended over 103,000 illegal immigrants crossing the border in March – the highest number of apprehensions in a month in over a decade, acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan told Congress Tuesday.
White House wants $8.6B for 300 miles of border fence in 2020 budget
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said Tuesday the White House will submit to Congress this week its 2020 budget request for $8.6 billion to build an additional 300 miles of border fence, though it’s not clear how much would be replacement barrier and how much would be new.
18 Dead in Cameroon as Boko Haram Travels Across the Border from Nigeria
Two separate attacks in Cameroon’s Far North region, both by Boko Haram, have claimed the lives of 18 people.
Kim, Putin begin first summit over denuclearization, economic cooperation
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un began his first summit with President Vladimir Putin in Russia’s Far East city of Vladivostok on Thursday, with a peaceful resolution of Pyongyang’s nuclear quandary expected to top the agenda.
Church Closed in Egypt after Muslim Mob Frightens Children in Sunday School
A Coptic church in Upper Egypt is closed after a throng of angry Muslims attacked it this month, beating a priest and another Copt as more than 200 fearful children who had gathered for Bible lessons looked on, according to advocacy groups.
Trump showdown with House Democrats ignites into all-out war
The showdown between the Trump White House and House Democrats reached a new level of hostility this week, as several investigative disputes veered toward federal court amid scathing rhetoric on both sides.
Medicare, Social Security Face Shaky Fiscal Futures
The financial condition of the government’s bedrock retirement programs for middle- and working-class Americans remains shaky, with Medicare pointed toward insolvency by 2026, according to a report Monday by the government’s overseers of Medicare and Social Security.
No US, Russia Support for UN Call for Libya Truce
The United States and Russia both said Thursday they could not support a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Libya at this time, diplomats said, as mortar bombs crashed down on a suburb of the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
NYPD: Man with gas cans arrested at St. Patrick’s church
Just days after flames ravaged the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, a New Jersey man was arrested Wednesday night after entering St. Patrick’s Cathedral carrying two cans of gasoline, lighter fluid and butane lighters, according to the New York Police Department.