2 September 2025
Afghanistan
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred outside Jalalabad on Saturday. There have been subsequent earthquakes since, including one of a magnitude of 5.2 today. It is believed that at least 1,4000 people have been killed in Kunar province.
Russian Strikes
President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is planning new strikes within Russian territory. This comment followed a Russian drone attack that left 60,000 Ukrainians without power. The Russian strategy of targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure has started to form as winter approaches.
The United States is preparing to send up to 3,350 ERAMs (Extended Range Attack Munition) to Ukraine, but whether Ukraine has permission to use them within Russian territory is another matter.
Israel
A leaked IDF report states that Israel failed to meet its objectives in Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which was the offensive against Hamas which started in May. The document states that Hamas has all the necessary conditions to survive and that the IDF resources, exhausted its own forces and eroded international support.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida was killed in an aerial strike in Gaza, the IDF claims. Hamas has yet to confirm his death, and may not, given that it will be another demoralizing factor in the ongoing war.
Eastern European Wetlands
Finland and Poland are considering restoring and revitalizing their eastern wetlands as a move to counter heavy Russian armour – if Russia were to invade. Rewetting dried-out peat bogs will have environmental benefits, as they are carbon sinks. Unfortunately for Chris Murray, restoring these peat bogs will mean that the possibility of a peated Polish or Finnish whisky is a moot matter.
Shanghai Cooperation Summit
President Xi and Putin are meeting in China. Russia will increase its supplies of gasoline to China and probably oil as well. China is hosting Putin, Kim Jong-un and Indian Prime Minister Modi for its Shanghai Cooperation Summit. On Wednesday, China will conduct its largest military parade in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Before attending the summit, Kim Jong-un inspected a new missile production line. It is not known if Putin and Jong-un will have a meeting together, but both will be honorary guests at the military parade.
Feature Photo: “Afghan Quake, 2022”, Tasnim News Agency, Wikimedia Commons, 2025
The Wires Brief is a weekly breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates