19 November 2025
West Africa
INTERPOL’s Operation Screen West Africa 2025, which ran from July to October, resulted in 62 arrests and the seizure of weapons, explosives, dynamite, 136 stolen vehicles, 731 kg of cannabis, counterfeit medicines, fake currency, and fraudulent documents. It targeted criminal and terrorist networks. Also, 21 victims of human trafficking were rescued in Ghana who had been held in Nigeria and exploited in fraudulent schemes.
Canada
The Gripen battle continues, with Canada’s Industry Minister Joly stating that, in comparison, there will not be as many jobs under the F-35 deal as under the Gripen deal. Canada would have to operate a dual fleet, as the Canadian government has already paid for 16 F-35 fighter jets. The F-35 review was supposed to be released by the end of summer in 2025, but it still drags on.
United Kingdom
Defence Secretary John Healey told the media that a Russian spy ship pointed lasers at RAF planes to track them. The vessel, the Yantar, was north of Scotland and entered UK territorial waters. The ship is designed for intelligence gathering and the mapping of undersea cables.
US-Saudi Arabia
President Trump dismissed a question about the killing and dismemberment of Saudi journalist Jamal Khassogi in Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Turkey. He insisted that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman knew nothing of the murder, even though the CIA believes that he did. The Crown Prince’s arrival at the White House was coordinated with a flyover of F-35 fighter jets, which Saudi Arabia wants to procure.
Poland
Poland’s Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Wieslaw Kukula, stated that Poland is in a state of pre-war with Russia as Russian sabotage and cyberattacks have escalated. Poland will close the last Russian consulate in the country following the latest railway sabotage.
Social media wires
Russian missile hits apartment building in Ukraine – 25 are killed
The Russian drone safari of hunting civilians in Kherson continues
Featured Photo: “Polish soldiers standing at attention” – Pexels, 2025
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.