Red Sea Strikes, Ukraine Stalemates, and Pentagon Shake-Ups

Archive Text

The U.S. military isn’t backing down in the Red Sea. After weeks of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, American forces launched another round of air and naval strikes, targeting missile systems, radars, and drone launchers. The Houthis claim they’re “resisting aggression,” but with their weapons stockpiles taking repeated hits, their ability to disrupt shipping is taking a serious blow. Iran, predictably, is condemning the strikes, but for now, they’re sticking to words, not action.
 
 Meanwhile, efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine are going nowhere fast. The U.S. and its allies are backing a 30-day truce, but Russia isn’t interested unless Ukraine makes territorial concessions. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is calling Putin’s bluff, challenging him to prove he actually wants peace. Ukraine isn’t waiting for diplomacy to work—they’re still pushing forward on the battlefield.
 
 In Europe, the EU is making moves to reduce its reliance on U.S. intelligence. With Trump temporarily cutting off intel sharing with Ukraine, European leaders are pushing for their own satellite network to track military threats. The new system would provide faster updates than the existing Copernicus program, giving the EU more independence in military decision-making.
 
 Back in Washington, the Pentagon is making waves with plans to stop participating in future military exercises in Europe after 2025. The decision affects drills across the continent, including planned operations in Sweden. No official reason has been given, but it could signal a broader shift in U.S. defense priorities.
 
 At home, the administration is invoking the Alien Enemies Act for the first time in over a century to crack down on Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan crime syndicate accused of using mass illegal migration to smuggle weapons and cartel operatives. The move gives the government more tools to detain and deport suspected members.
 
 And in Congress, eight Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill that would block military action against Canada and Panama. While there’s no sign the U.S. is planning operations in either country, the bill is a clear shot at limiting executive war powers. Whether it gains traction or not, it’s another sign of growing tensions over military decision-making.
 
 Despite the constant stream of global conflicts and political fights, service members are still finding time for tradition. The 304th Sustainment Brigade held its annual Military Ball in Riverside, California, bringing soldiers, families, and guests together for a night of celebration and recognition. A brief pause from the chaos, but the world isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
 
 So there you have it—airstrikes, diplomatic standstills, intelligence shake-ups, and political battles all unfolding in just one week. Stay tuned, because next week isn’t likely to be any quieter.