23 February 2026
Iran
Iran’s foreign ministry stated that it will “act ferociously” if any strike were to happen, including a limited strike, which President Trump is considering. Negotiations are set to resume between the two countries on Thursday.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s air force targeted seven terrorist camps in Afghanistan along the Pakistani border. It is estimated that at least 80 were killed. This reprisal attack for the recent suicide bombing and other attacks in Pakistan. The UN reports that at least 13 civilians were killed by Pakistani air strikes.
Europe
The UK, Germany, France, Italy and Poland joined together to develop air defence measures against drones. Defence companies across various countries will submit plans to build low-cost missiles and autonomous drones.
Mexico-Cartels
On Sunday, after Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio ‘Mencho’ Oseguera was killed in a military raid by Mexican special forces, his cartel launched attacks throughout the country, setting vehicles on fire and attacking Mexican National Guardsmen. The raid on a top cartel leader may have been an offering to the US of a scalp, but it’s unclear how rampaging cartel violence throughout Mexico will convince the Trump Administration to abandon its desire to target the cartels directly.
North Korea
No one will be surprised to learn that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un was reelected yesterday as secretary-general of the nation’s Workers’ Party. During this year’s Workers’ Party Congress, Kim assessed the party’s last five years of work and outlined new strategies and goals for the next five-year period. The goal of the next 5 years will be to grow the country’s economy and improve the standard of living for North Koreans.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Fighting broke out between the government and the AFC-M23 rebel groups. Both sides blame each other for instigating it. The government claims that the rebels are seeking to strengthen their position ahead of the upcoming negotiations.
Social media wires
The Afghan Taliban are moving forces to the Pakistan border. Border skirmishes will likely ensue.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s remarks after the killing of CJNJ leader
Featured Photo: “Mexican special forces targeted CJNJ truck” – Wikimedia Commons, 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.