15 August 2025
Mali
At least three Russian soldiers were killed when their convoy was ambushed near Ténenkou in the Mopti region of Mali. JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate, claims responsibility. In the video, one can hear jihadists chanting “Wagner, Wagner” – a reference to the Russian mercenary group that was active in the country before the Russian paramilitary Africa Korps took over. The Malian government has been utilizing Russian mercenaries in its conflict with jihadists and nomadic tribes, such as the Tuaregs and the Fulanis.
Lebanon
Hezbollah’s chief, Naim Qassem, threatens the Lebanese government — “no life in Lebanon” if the government attempts to disarm the organization. Qassem went further by claiming that the government was trying to impose an American-Israeli order to end the resistance. Hezbollah delayed street protests against the disarmament plan as they believe they still have recourse with the government on the matter.
Trump-Putin
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet today to talk about a ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting between the two presidents will take place at 11:00 ADKT. If Putin agrees, Trump says he will bring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into the talks, potentially flying him to Alaska for in-depth conversations about a longer-term peace agreement involving territorial concessions, security guarantees for Ukraine, and U.S. arms sales to Kyiv.
Caribbean
The United States has ordered the deployment of air and naval forces to the southern Caribbean Sea to address threats from Latin American drug cartels. The additional commitment of military assets would include several P-8 spy planes, at least one warship and at least one attack submarine.
Canada & Chinese Shipbuilding
There have been several calls for the British Columbia Ferry Service to cancel its shipbuilding contract with a Chinese firm due to tariffs and geopolitics. Davie Shipyards claims that it would not be able to compete with the Chinese bid due to low wages, poor environmental practices and Chinese governmental subsidies. Most Chinese shipyards are dual-purpose – building both civilian and military ships. The BC Ferry contract has been criticized for helping subsidize Chinese naval shipbuilding.
Ukraine
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed a drone strike on Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region. Ukraine said the strike caused a fire and explosions. The refinery produces a wide range of fuels, including aviation kerosene, and contributes to supplying the Russian army. Ukrainian forces also attacked the command post of the 132nd Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade of the 51st Russian Army in Yenakiieve, on occupied territory in the Donetsk region.
Feature Photo: “Hezbollah drill in Aaramta, 2023” – 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