13 March 2026
Iran
A US KC-135 air refuelling aircraft crashed, killing four out of the six crew members. The US military is still trying to rescue the other two personnel on board. It should be noted that in 2008, the US Air Force removed parachutes from the KC-135 fleet as a cost-saving measure.
Türkiye’s defence ministry says that a third missile originating from Iran was shot down. Air raid sirens at the Incirlik air base were heard earlier.
Explosions near the Tehran al-Quds Day march, which is in solidarity with Palestinians, were observed. Thousands were taking part in the protest demonstration, and it is reported that one woman was killed due to shrapnel.
Lebanon
The IDF ordered a broad reinforcement in the north of Israel as fighting between the IDF and Hezbollah intensified. The IDF claims that it has conducted 1,100 strikes in Lebanon after fighting broke out after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. This includes: 190 targets of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, 200 rocket and missile launchers, 35 command centers and 80 multi-story buildings that were used by the terror group
Russia-Iran
President Trump acknowledged that Russia may be assisting Iran in the most Trumpian way. Trump is quoted as saying: “I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess…and he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?”
The US Treasury allowed a second tranche of buying Russian crude oil from tankers. India took the first waiver and received 30 million barrels of oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent states that it applies only to oil already in transit and, as such, won’t provide significant financial support to the Russian government.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $32 billion initiative for defence and infrastructure projects in the Arctic yesterday. This will include further investment in the military forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik and Iqaluit and Deployed Operating Base 5 Wing in Goose Bay, Newfoundland, and also the initial construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
Afghanistan-Pakistan
Pakistan is now walking back its denial of sending a three-man team to Afghanistan for talks. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, said there was no official trip to Afghanistan, but the respected figures went there on a personal initiative.
Social media wires
Israel is targeting militias in Iran
Russia’s commander of air defense, General A. P. Leonov, fell out of a window
Featured Photo: “US Army does drone retrieval from Beowulf vehicle” Corporal Jacob Hanlon, Canadian Forces Photo, Canadian CombatCamera, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily 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. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.