US Envoy Tom Barrack:

Lebanon is the last comma of Christianity in a very difficult novel.

It holds a very special place.

US Envoy Tom Barrack on Lebanon:

The Lebanese hate it when I say this, but it's a totally failed state.

US Envoy Tom Barrack:

The Lebanese Army is not going to forcibly disarm a big segment of the population.

They tried this in ’82–’83. It was a disaster.

US Envoy Tom Barrack on Syria:

Their attitude with us has been totally cooperative.

Everything we've asked them to do — and dragging them towards Israel — they're doing.

Israel is not trusting yet, so it's slower.

US Envoy Tom Barrack:

I don’t believe in the greater Israel conspiracy.

US Envoy Tom Barrack:

From 1946 forward… anytime the U.S. has been involved, we’ve had about 93 coups or regime changes.

Every one has failed.

Somalia: Army forces, supported by local communities, carried out a joint operation in Coosweyne, Galgaduud, killing Al-Shabaab militants and capturing the group’s base.

Canada has taken Syria off its list of state sponsors of “terrorism.”

Canada also revoked the “terrorist” designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The boat at the center of the U.S. “double-tap” strike controversy was actually headed to rendezvous with a larger vessel bound for Suriname, not the United States, Adm. Frank Bradley told lawmakers.

Bradley said intelligence showed the smaller boat planned to transfer drugs to the second vessel, which U.S. forces never located.

Bradley also confirmed the boat had turned around after spotting U.S. aircraft.

The military struck it four times—the initial strike split the vessel, leaving two survivors who were then killed by subsequent strikes.

Survivors were reportedly waving at the aircraft, though it’s unclear whether in surrender or distress.

Source: CNN

WATCH: Newly released footage shows a Coast Guard helicopter sniper disabling a fast-moving vessel in the Eastern Pacific during a drug interdiction operation.

FBI Director Kash Patel is under scrutiny over claims that he instructed agents assigned to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, to drive one of her allegedly intoxicated friends home after nights out in Nashville.

Agents objected to diverting from their assignment, but Patel allegedly insisted.

The FBI denies the events occurred.

Source: MS Now

Fastiv train station in Ukraine before and after the large-scale Russian strike.

Qatar's PM:

A full ceasefire cannot be considered unless Israel withdraws from Gaza.

Maduro jokes about the phone call he had with Trump.

Sudan: UAE-backed RSF took control of Kika Al Khayl in South Kordofan after SAF and allied forces withdrew.

U.S.State Department ordered consular officers to deny visas to anyone who worked in fact-checking, content moderation, or trust & safety, labeling these roles as “censorship” of Americans.

NEW: Spain recognizes Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara.

Mali: JNIM claims it ambushed fuel tankers this morning near Bougouni in the south of the country.