HM Intelligence Updates

In today's brief we cover a thwarted terror attack in Morocco, South Korean impeachment trail, and aid cuts in Sudan. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cTAAjTZcIcL1jRFMjYFhG?si=nOQVE7mWSamIdgOw-OYhBQ

Morocco's counterterrorism agency recently disclosed the thwarting of a major terrorist plot by a group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) in the Sahel region, just south of the Sahara Desert. The agency uncovered a 12-member terror cell that was reportedly on the verge of executing "an imminent dangerous terrorist plot," signaling the growing threat and ambitions of extremist groups in the region. The plot specifics were not fully disclosed, but it was revealed that the cell intended to detonate bombs remotely. This action highlights the continued efforts by terrorist organizations to expand their influence in areas like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. During raids across various Moroccan cities, authorities seized significant amounts of weaponry and explosives, including materials for making nail bombs and dynamite, as well as rifles and handguns. Visuals from the raids showed large caches of weapons, IS flags, and considerable sums of money, underscoring the serious nature of the threat. The suspects, arrested in nine different cities and ranging in age from 18 to 40, were said to be radicalized online and operating under the direction of a Libyan IS leader. Habboub Cherkaoui, head of Morocco's Central Bureau for Judicial Investigations, emphasized at a press conference that the connection between terrorist groups and criminal networks poses a significant risk not only to Morocco but also to Europe, noting the trend of IS's African branches to internationalize their activities. Source: Reuters, AFP So what This is the largest plot that has been publicly disrupted in some time and likely shows the growing capabilities of Islamic terror groups in North Africa following the Islamic state's majority defeat in Iraq and Syria. As stated in the article, while the direct threat of this group was to Morocco, it is likely that a group of this size poses a threat to Spain and wider Europe due to their ability to smuggle another terrorist across the channel and into Europe. Additionally, due to this threat, it is possible that Morocco had intelligence support from EU countries. #HMIntelligence #HM #Morocco #Africa #Terrorism #Police

A suspected cartel-related explosion near the Texas-Mexico border claimed the life of 74-year-old rancher Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Saldierna was driving on his ranch when an improvised explosive device detonated on the Mexican side of the border, also killing Horacio Lopez Peña and injuring Peña’s wife, who was hospitalized. #HM #HMIntelligence

The Taiwanese coast guard has boarded the Chinese-owned vessel Hong Tai after it was found damaging an undersea telecommunications cable connecting Taiwan to its Kinmen island near China. The entire crew, all Chinese nationals, has been detained and is being transported to Taiwan. #HM #HMIntelligence

The Russian economy's doing the 'I'm not dead yet' dance from Monty Python! #HM #HMIntelligence

On February 24, Russian troops launched an armored assault near the outskirts of Lozova in the Kupyansk direction, but Ukrainian forces successfully repelled the attack. The defense was a coordinated effort by the 77th Airmobile Brigade, the 1st Presidential Brigade, and the ACHILLES Drone Regiment. #HM #HMIntelligence

A video captures a Mi-24V Hind helicopter gunship, supplied by North Macedonia, conducting a low-altitude attack run while in service with Ukrainian forces over Donetsk Oblast. In March 2023, North Macedonia donated 12 Mi-24 helicopters to Ukraine, comprising 10 Mi-24V models and 2 Mi-24K variants designed for artillery adjustment. These helicopters have been actively integrated into Ukraine's military operations, particularly in the Donetsk region. #HM #HMIntelligence

In the Zaporizhzhia region, behind enemy lines, our forces successfully eliminated a high-value target— the rare 9A83 S-300V air defense missile launcher. Following the strike, a drone was deployed to observe the aftermath, capturing the destruction as it burned. Two curious Russian soldiers approached to inspect the wreckage, only to be taken out as an unintended but welcome bonus. #HM #HMIntelligence

Todays brief is on the German elections, Zelenskys recent speech and European politicians visiting Kyiv. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6AWxYuzbcKN8gTIJqEMNAx?si=dPP-agWhTlWoGjbUQGZ9Fw

The conservative Union bloc, composed of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), celebrated a victory in the 2025 German federal elections with their leader Friedrich Merz proclaiming success on election night in Berlin. Despite their win, the mood at the party headquarters was subdued as the Union had anticipated a stronger performance, aiming for "30% plus X," but only managed to secure about 28% of the vote. This outcome falls short of allowing them to govern alone, necessitating the search for coalition partners to achieve a governing majority under Germany's proportional representation system. The election also saw a significant rise in support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a populist party with segments deemed right-wing extremist, which secured the second-highest share of the vote at 20%. AfD's co-leader Alice Weidel highlighted the party's growth, stating that the CDU and CSU could only fulfill their campaign promises by collaborating with AfD. However, Friedrich Merz and the Union have firmly excluded any coalition with the AfD, citing major ideological differences on several key issues including foreign policy and European integration. The political landscape is further complicated by the poor performance of the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, both potential coalition partners for the Union, with the SPD recording its worst result since 1890, adding another layer of challenge as the Union seeks to form a viable government. Source: Reuters, DW So what Germans voted clearly for change, much like every other European country that has gone to the ballot in the last few years. However, the majority voted for a somewhat subtle change, voting for the conservative party over the AfD party, which is widely considered to be the far-right party. While their boost in popularity is notable, it is highly unlikely they will get any power in this government. Yet, it is possible that if the situation in Germany doesn't change, then the AfD may win a majority in the next election. #HMIntelligence #HM #Germany #Elections #Vote #Europe

Yesterday, Zelimkhan Batukayev, commander of the 4th brigade of the Russian Armed Forces and the special forces unit "Akhmat," known by the call sign Shustry, passed away. Alaudinov described him as "one of the best commanders in the Russian army" and stated that he died of a heart attack or stroke at his workplace. However, speculation on X suggests that Batukayev may have died from a drug overdose, as previous reports indicated he struggled with addiction to an unidentified substance. #HM #HMIntelligence

Despite recent discussions, the U.S. continues to assert its dominance, as demonstrated by a B-52H Stratofortress, a nuclear-capable bomber, spotted over Estonia with F-35A jets escorting it. #HM #HMIntelligence

Greek media reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the closure of the U.S. military base in Alexandroupoli following a joint request from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The base, a crucial NATO logistical hub, had been a source of tension, especially with Turkey. #HM #HMIntelligence

An explosion was reported near the Russian consulate in Marseille, France, according to BFM TV. Around 30 firefighters and police officers responded to the scene. The Russian Consul General stated that the blast occurred inside the consulate, while media sources suggest that two Molotov cocktails were likely thrown. #HM #HMIntelligence

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militants assert that they shot down an Ilyushin cargo plane over Nyala, South Darfur, early this morning. If verified, this incident would be the second time an Ilyushin aircraft has been downed in Darfur. #HM #HMIntelligence

February 24th marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The first signs of war were witnessed online through CCTV footage at the Kalanchak border crossing near Crimea, where a Ukrainian soldier was seen retreating. Just 15 minutes later, the crossing came under attack, resulting in the deaths of four Ukrainian border guards. At 5:00 AM, 75 minutes after the initial signs of conflict in Kalanchak, Putin delivered his speech officially announcing the invasion. I was on shift at my GSOC job and watched it happen in real time, it was a surreal experience and one not likely to be forgotten. Do you remember where you were? #HM #HMIntelligence

The official results and electoral map of the 2025 German federal election reveal a stark political divide, closely mirroring the former Cold War-era boundary between West and East Germany. #HM #HMIntelligence

Started working on the second YouTube, going to be focused on M23, their history, recent events and what might happen. Link to the channel is below if you want to subscribe 🤙 https://youtube.com/@that_intel_guy?si=8rIyiz4CrAbC2gUU #HM #HMIntelligence

A Romanian newspaper alleges that Mario Nawfal received $800,000 to support Călin Georgescu, a pro-Kremlin presidential candidate and conspiracy theorist, with the funds reportedly coming from the Alliance for the Union of Romanians party. Notably, Elon Musk has shared several of Nawfal's posts on X. #HM #HMIntelligence

Ukraine has rejected a U.S. proposal to establish a $500 billion compensation fund for military aid, according to Bloomberg. Washington sought to make this a condition for granting access to Ukrainian oil resources, but Kyiv refused, asserting that the actual amount of aid received from the U.S. is closer to $90 billion, not the proposed $500 billion. #HM #HMIntelligence