22 August 2025
United States
The FBI has conducted a search at the house of the former national security advisor and diplomat, John Bolton. This is part of a broader investigation into whether Bolton disclosed classified information in his 2020 book about the first Trump administration.
Yesterday, Tulsi Gabbard announced plans to cut half of the intelligence staff. And just hours after, the Trump administration revoked security clearances for 37 current and former US officials.
Lebanon
Lebanon begins the process to disarm Palestinians in refugee camps. For decades, Palestinian groups have maintained control over 12 refugee camps within Lebanon, which are seen as outside government control. Groups such as Fatah, Hamas, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) have established themselves in these refugee camps over the years.
Iran Sanctions
The Trump administration on Thursday issued more Iran-related sanctions, targeting 13 entities based in Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall Islands, as well as eight vessels, the US Treasury Department said. The measures cover Greek national Antonios Margaritis and his network of companies and vessels that the Treasury said were involved in transporting Iranian oil exports in violation of sanctions.
China and the Northern Sea Route
The NewNew Polar Bear has left port in China and is making its way to Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The Polar Bear, in October 2023, dropped its anchor and damaged a gas pipeline and two communication cables. The Barents Observer has a great article outlining the incident and the ship’s shadowy ties to Russia.
Colombia
A Colombian police helicopter on an anti-narcotics mission was brought down by a drug-trafficking gang using a drone. The helicopter crashed, killing 12. The U.S.-made Black Hawk had been operating on Thursday morning in a rural area near the town of Amalfi in northwest Colombia. Since April of last year, the Colombian military says there have been 301 strikes with unmanned aerial vehicles, more than two-thirds of them in Cauca and Norte de Santander provinces. Both regions are covered in coca, the plant used to make cocaine, with heavily armed militias fighting each other over drug routes. At least 22 soldiers and police officers have died in the attacks.
Canada
Davie Shipyard begins construction of Canada’s Polar Max icebreaker. Initial construction of the hull takes place at Davie’s Helsinki shipyard, and then once completed, it will be transferred to the Quebec shipyard. The Royal Canadian Navy also accepted its 6th and final Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel from Irving Shipyards.
Feature Photo: “John Bolton at CPAC” – Gage Skidmore, Flickr, 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.