19 September 2025
US-Afghanistan
A US delegation has been in talks with the Taliban. The United States is negotiating for the release of American prisoners and the potential investment and access to critical minerals. The Trump administration is also trying to find a way to get back Bagram airbase from the Taliban. Trump has been quoted as saying that the American government gave it away for nothing.
France-Mali
In the ongoing diplomatic row between Mali and France, over the Malian detention of a French national on suspicion of espionage, France has halted all counterterrorism cooperation and has expelled two Malian diplomats. Mali retaliated by expelling five French diplomats.
Russia
Russia is expanding its censorship on its citizens regarding the sharing of photos or videos of Ukrainian air strikes. Pictures and videos of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have become viral over the past few weeks. There have been reported gasoline shortages in the country, and yesterday, Ukraine targeted two additional refineries.
Israel-Gaza
Telephone and internet lines have been cut across Gaza ahead of Israel’s major push in Gaza City. The Israeli army says that it will use unprecedented force and urges Palestinians to leave the city.
South Korea
Norway signed a deal with Hanwha Aerospace for 24 additional K9 howitzers. South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also in talks in the United States to purchase an American shipyard. This comes as Trump has expressed an interest in revitalizing the US shipbuilding industry.
Social Media Wires
Kim Jong-un inspects tests of North Korean drones.
Russian decoy SU-33 fighter jet was shown on television…slightly deflated.
Feature Photo: “Repairing Runway at Bagram” – 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.