16 September 2025
China
The level of Chinese censorship has been revealed with a 500GB leak of internal documents, source code and communications. It also includes details of exports of surveillance tech to Myanmar, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Kazakhstan. Reports of surveillance technology for sale to other countries have been documented by various media organizations.
Israel
Israel launched its long-awaited ground offensive today. The assault began with a heavy bombardment of Gaza City. The Israeli military official said they expect to fight between 2,000 to 3,000 militants inside Gaza City. Israeli and Arab officials estimate Hamas has tens of thousands of fighters within its ranks, though many are fresh recruits with little training.
Iran
Iran’s water crisis has intensified, with five major dams now completely empty. 52 Iranian cities are facing water shortages, including major cities like Tehran and Isfahan. Iranian media is reporting that over 90 percent of the financial resources needed for crisis relief have not been provided. Water cuts in some cities now last more than 8 hours per day. Last year, DefenceReport discussed Iran’s increasing water tensions with the Taliban.
China-Philippines
Ships from China and the Philippines are reported to have collided near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, amid escalating maritime tensions between the two countries. China is claiming that the Philippines had rammed one of its coastguard vessels in the area, while the Philippines said it was Chinese aggression.
US-Mali
The United States has increased the level of intelligence sharing to the military junta in Mali, which has been increasingly within Russia’s sphere of influence. The Trump administration’s decision is based on the increase in jihadist activity within the Sahel region. Currently, JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate, is attempting to cut supplies off from neighbouring countries.
US-Belarus
US military officers observed the Russia-Belarus Zapad 2025 military exercises, reports Reuters. There are also reports that Rump has been attempting to have closer ties with the Belarusian leader Lukashenko by providing a signed letter to representative John Coale when he travelled to Minsk last week.
Feature Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Innovation_%26_Research_Symposium_Cisco_and_Ecole_Polytechnique_9-10_April_2018_Artificial_Intelligence_%26_Cybersecurity_%2840631791164%29.jpg
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